Apple M1 vs Intel Core i7-11800H

The Apple M1, introduced at the end of 2020, targets users within the integrated Apple ecosystem who value efficiency and a seamless user experience.

The Intel Core i7-11800H, unveiled in mid-2021, aims at high-performance Windows laptops designed for gaming, content creation, and demanding applications.

The Apple M1 is manufactured using an advanced 5 nm process and features a Unified Memory Architecture. It has 8 cores, divided into 4 high-performance cores and 4 efficiency cores. The processor uses an Apple M1 (8 Core) as its integrated graphics unit, offering a maximum memory bandwidth of 68 GB/s and 16 MB of L2 cache.

The Intel Core i7-11800H is based on the 10 nm Tiger Lake H design, offering 8 cores and 16 threads. Its integrated graphics unit is an Intel UHD Graphics 11th Gen (32 EU), supporting a maximum memory bandwidth of 51 GB/s and having 24 MB of L3 cache. In performance comparisons, the Apple M1 shows over 10 percent higher performance in single-core tests.

In multi-core tests, however, the Intel Core i7-11800H surpasses the Apple M1 by more than 10 percent in some scenarios. For gaming scenarios, the Intel Core i7-11800H has an advantage as it is typically combined with dedicated high-performance graphics cards in Windows systems, enabling superior gaming performance.

The Apple M1 relies on its integrated graphics unit and is not primarily designed for high-end gaming. Regarding power consumption and thermal design power (TDP), the Apple M1 is known for its exceptional energy efficiency, leading to longer battery life and quieter operation. Its typical TDP is significantly lower than that of the Intel Core i7-11800H.

The latter has a higher base TDP of 45W, configurable up to 65W, which requires higher power consumption and a more robust cooling solution. The Apple M1 is not available separately but is an integral part of Apple devices, meaning its price-performance ratio is evaluated in the context of the entire system.

The Intel Core i7-11800H is available in a variety of Windows laptops, with the price-performance ratio heavily depending on the device configuration. In summary, the Apple M1 offers excellent energy efficiency and strong single-core performance, ideal for productive and creative applications within the Apple ecosystem.

The Intel Core i7-11800H excels with its raw multi-core performance, broader software compatibility, and the ability to utilize dedicated graphics cards for demanding gaming. For users who value long battery life, quiet operation, and seamless integration, the Apple M1 is the better choice.

Those who need maximum multi-core performance, extensive software support, and top-tier gaming capabilities on Windows will find the Intel Core i7-11800H to be the suitable solution.