Apple M1 vs Intel Core i7-6700

The Intel Core i7-6700, based on the Skylake S architecture, was introduced in 2015 as a desktop processor for mainstream applications and light gaming scenarios.

It is manufactured using the 14 nm process and features 4 cores and 8 threads. Its integrated graphics unit, the Intel HD Graphics 530, provides basic visual performance, while a dedicated graphics card via PCIe 3.0 is required for more demanding gaming. The maximum memory bandwidth is 34 GB/s, supported by 8 MB of Level 3 cache.

Compared to more modern architectures, it shows lower single-core and multi-core performance. With a higher Thermal Design Power, it is well-suited for existing, cost-effective systems and is predominantly available on the used market today. The Apple M1 processor, introduced in 2020, marked Apple's transition to its own silicon chips and is designed for desktops and laptops.

It is manufactured using the advanced 5 nm process and integrates 8 cores, consisting of 4 high-performance and 4 high-efficiency cores. Its integrated 8-core GPU, the Apple M1 (8 Core), delivers significantly superior graphics performance. The maximum memory bandwidth is 68 GB/s via the Unified Memory, supported by 16 MB of Level 2 cache.

Compared to the Intel Core i7-6700, the Apple M1 offers significantly higher single-core and multi-core performance with much lower power consumption and TDP, leading to excellent energy efficiency. It uses PCIe 4.0 internally and, as an integral part of Apple systems, is ideal for users with high demands for performance and efficiency in a macOS ecosystem.