Apple M1 vs Intel Core i7-9750H

Intel Core i7-9750H Introduction: The Intel Core i7-9750H, introduced in the second quarter of 2019, was a mobile processor for demanding Windows notebooks, primarily for gaming and video editing.

Manufacturing and Cores/Threads: This processor is based on the Coffee Lake H Refresh architecture and is manufactured using the 14 nm process. It features 6 physical cores, 12 threads, and 12 MB of Level 3 cache. Performance: The Intel Core i7-9750H showed solid single-core and multi-core performance for its generation.

Comparative analyses, however, show that its single-core and multi-core performance in common benchmarks are lower than that of the Apple M1.

The maximum memory bandwidth is 43 GB/s. Gaming: For gaming, the Intel Core i7-9750H is usually found in notebooks with a dedicated graphics card. The integrated Intel UHD Graphics 630 is not designed for demanding games; gaming performance largely depends on the external GPU. Power Consumption and TDP: The Thermal Design Power (TDP) of the Intel Core i7-9750H is typically 45 watts, with the possibility of higher peak values, which requires a robust cooling system.

Price/Performance: As an older model, the Intel Core i7-9750H is primarily available in used or refurbished systems. The price/performance ratio highly depends on the condition and configuration of the respective device. Apple M1 Introduction: The Apple M1, unveiled at the end of 2020, marked Apple's transition to its own ARM-based chips.

It targets Apple users who want to benefit from high energy efficiency, improved performance, and deep integration into the macOS ecosystem. Manufacturing and Cores/Threads: The Apple M1 is based on the M1 architecture and is manufactured using the advanced 5 nm process. It features an 8-core design (4 high-performance and 4 high-efficiency cores) for an optimized balance of performance and power consumption.

It has 16 MB of Level 2 cache. Performance: The Apple M1 shows significantly higher single-core performance compared to the Intel Core i7-9750H. In multi-core performance, the Apple M1 also significantly outperforms the Intel Core i7-9750H, leading to faster application performance.

The maximum memory bandwidth is 68 GB/s. Gaming: The Apple M1 features an integrated 8-core graphics unit (Apple M1 (8 Core)), offering remarkable performance for integrated graphics solutions. Many titles on macOS are well playable, although the gaming offering is smaller compared to Windows. Power Consumption and TDP: The Apple M1 is known for its exceptional energy efficiency.

Its TDP is significantly lower than that of the Intel Core i7-9750H, leading to longer battery life, quieter operation, and slimmer designs. Price/Performance: The Apple M1 is inextricably linked to Apple devices. The price/performance ratio is determined by the entire hardware and software ecosystem.

Summary and Recommendation: The Intel Core i7-9750H was a powerful processor for Windows notebooks with a focus on gaming and professional applications that benefited from a dedicated graphics card. It offered solid multi-thread performance for its generation. The Apple M1, on the other hand, set new standards in terms of energy efficiency and single-core performance.

Its integrated architecture also delivers strong graphics performance for mobile devices. For users who need an established Windows ecosystem, especially for games only available on Windows and requiring high performance from a dedicated GPU, a system with the Intel Core i7-9750H (in combination with a powerful GPU) is an option, particularly on the used market.

For users who value maximum energy efficiency, excellent single-core performance, seamless integration into the macOS ecosystem, and strong integrated graphics performance, the Apple M1 is the clear choice. It is excellently suited for everyday tasks, creative work, and many gaming scenarios, especially in a mobile context.