Apple M1 vs Intel Core i7-8700

The Intel Core i7-8700 was introduced in October 2017 as part of the Coffee Lake S generation and was aimed at users of desktop PCs in the mainstream and gaming segments.

This processor offered strong performance for its applications at a time when 6-core CPUs were becoming increasingly important for consumers. It was designed for broad compatibility with the Windows ecosystem and allowed for a diverse selection of components for PC builders. The Apple M1, on the other hand, was introduced in November 2020 as Apple's first ARM-based processor for Macs.

It aimed to define a new era of efficiency and performance for the Apple ecosystem, including compact desktop devices like the Mac mini. The Apple M1 integrated CPU, GPU, and RAM into a system-on-a-chip to achieve optimized overall performance and energy efficiency. The Intel Core i7-8700 is manufactured using a 14 nm process and features 6 cores and 12 threads, based on the Coffee Lake S architecture.

It has 12 MB of L3 cache and a maximum memory bandwidth of 43 GB/s. The Apple M1 is manufactured using the more advanced 5 nm process and integrates 8 cores, divided into 4 high-performance cores and 4 energy-efficient cores. Its architecture allows for tight integration of components and offers 16 MB of L2 cache with a maximum memory bandwidth of 68 GB/s.

In terms of performance, the Apple M1 shows significantly higher single-core performance, which positively impacts system responsiveness. The multi-core performance of the Apple M1 also significantly surpasses that of the Intel Core i7-8700. This is due to its efficient core architecture and more advanced manufacturing process.

The Intel Core i7-8700 offers solid performance for older applications but cannot keep up with the efficiency of the Apple M1. For gaming scenarios, the Intel Core i7-8700 relies on a dedicated graphics card to achieve satisfactory performance. Its integrated Intel UHD Graphics 630 is only suitable for basic tasks.

Connectivity is via PCIe 3.0. The Apple M1, however, features an integrated Apple M1 (8 Core) graphics, which offers remarkable performance for an integrated solution. It can handle many modern games at adjusted settings, provided the games are optimized for macOS and the ARM architecture. Connectivity is via PCIe 4.0.

Regarding power consumption, the Intel Core i7-8700 is typically designed with a higher Thermal Design Power (TDP), which requires adequate cooling and means higher energy consumption under load. The Apple M1 benefits from its ARM architecture and 5 nm manufacturing process, leading to exceptionally low power consumption and TDP.

This enables fanless designs and very energy-efficient use in desktops. The price-performance ratio differs significantly, as the Intel Core i7-8700, being an older processor, is now mainly found on the used market or in older complete systems. This makes it potentially cost-effective for existing platforms.

The Apple M1 is not available separately but is an integral part of Apple devices. Its price-performance ratio is determined by the overall integration and efficiency of the system, offering high performance with low energy consumption. In summary, the Intel Core i7-8700 is a solid choice for existing Windows systems needing an upgrade, or for users with specific software requirements that demand an x86 architecture.

Its strength lies in broad compatibility and a potentially lower entry price on the used market. The Apple M1 is the superior choice for users who value maximum energy efficiency, outstanding single-core performance, and seamless integration into the Apple ecosystem. It is excellently suited for creative tasks, productivity, and gaming on macOS.