Apple M4 (8 Core) vs Intel Core i9 12900HK
Verdict
Our overall take, at a glance
Key takeaways
- Apple M4 (8 Core) leads Intel Core i9 12900HK overall by 37 points (93 vs 56 out of 100).
- Apple M4 (8 Core) stands out on Core Specifications Lithography Process: 3 nm.
Apple M4 (8 Core) leads overall
Apple M4 (8 Core)
93
Intel Core i9 12900HK
56
Why it stands out
- Core Specifications Lithography Process: 3 nm
In-depth analysisAI
AI-generated from the cited sources — may be incomplete or inaccurate; verify important details before deciding · generated Jun 2026.
Apple M4 (8 Core)
The Apple M4 is a specialized System-on-a-chip designed by Apple, forming the core processing unit for high-end devices, including modern iMacs and MacBook models. Featuring an advanced architecture that integrates CPU, GPU, and NPU components, it is primarily intended for professionals requiring strong performance in demanding creative and computational tasks.
Best for Professional Content CreationBest for AI/Machine Learning WorkloadsBest for High-Performance Computing (HPC)
Pros
- Incorporates an advanced Neural Processing Unit (NPU) with a notable capability to accelerate AI workloads, compared to previous generations of the chip.
- Supports hardware acceleration for modern functions like AV1 decoding, mesh shading, and ray tracing within its GPU architecture.
- Employs high-speed LPDDR5X unified memory, offering substantial bandwidth to support multiprocessing applications.
- The M4 series is built on a highly dense manufacturing process (3 nm), enabling the integration of numerous cores over 28 billion transistors.
Cons
- Specific core configurations (CPU/GPU counts) vary greatly across its Pro and Max variants, which requires careful selection for targeted performance needs.
- Memory bandwidth capacity is highly dependent on the specific model variant utilized, ranging from lower base limits to exceptionally high capacities.
Intel Core i9 12900HK
The Intel Core i9 12900HK is a high-performance mobile processor built for intensive computing tasks. Belonging to the 12th generation of Alder Lake architecture, it utilizes a hybrid core design format (P-cores and E-cores). Due to its professional specifications, it is suited for power users who require exceptional multitasking capabilities.
Best for content creationBest for video editingBest for intensive multi-tasking
Pros
- Features Intel's efficient Alder Lake microarchitecture
- Uses a modern P-core/E-core hybrid design to balance performance and efficiency
- Designed for mobile systems that demand high computing throughput, unlike lower-power chips
- Provides access to advanced instruction sets like AVX2 and FMA3 for varied computational workloads
Cons
- As a powerful chip, its operation may generate significant heat or require robust cooling solutions.
- The high performance is optimized for mobile platforms, meaning it requires integrating into an appropriately sized system chassis.
Value for Money
Which is the better deal for the price
Enter today's price for each product to see which offers better value. Use the same currency for both.
Apple M4 (8 Core)
Intel Core i9 12900HK
Sponsored
Ad — helps keep Let's Compare free
Advertisement
Review Videos
Hand-picked expert reviews for each product
Detailed Specifications
The full spec sheet, side by side