Apple M4 (8 Core) vs Intel Core Ultra 9 285K
Verdict
Our overall take, at a glance
Key takeaways
- Apple M4 (8 Core) leads Intel Core Ultra 9 285K overall by 10 points (93 vs 83 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 Ultra 9 285K
83
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 Ultra 9 285K
The Intel Core Ultra 9 285K is a high-performance microprocessor utilizing the Arrow Lake microarchitecture. This type of processor, which debuted in 2024, is engineered for demanding desktop computing tasks. It is best suited for power users and enthusiasts requiring exceptional computational capability.
Best for high-performance tasksBest for content creationBest for intensive gaming
Pros
- Designed on the modern Arrow Lake architecture (Source 1)
- Represents a powerful step in Intel’s Core series development (Source 2)
- Targeted as a desktop processor for high-end performance computing (Inferred from product type and general knowledge)
Cons
- Requires specific system compatibility to leverage its modern microarchitecture (General PC knowledge)
- The product is associated with the Arrow Lake platform, indicating it belongs to Intel's current generation offerings (Source 1)
Value for Money
Which is the better deal for the price
Pre-filled with launch prices where known — enter today's price for an up-to-date check. Use the same currency for both.
Apple M4 (8 Core)
Intel Core Ultra 9 285K
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Detailed Specifications
The full spec sheet, side by side