Apple M2 vs Intel Core i5-12600KF

The Apple M2 was launched in mid-2022 and is primarily designed for users who value a quiet and efficient system.

In the desktop version, it is primarily found in compact computers for creative work. Manufactured using the 5 nm process, the Apple M2 offers an architecture with 20 MB of L2 cache and a memory bandwidth of 102 GB/s. In modern tests, the processor shows high efficiency in single-core performance.

The integrated Apple M2 (10 Core) graphics unit enables smooth work in graphical applications, even if the chip falls behind specialized desktop CPUs in compute-intensive multi-core tasks. Due to the low heat generation, the system remains mostly quiet even under load and requires only minimal cooling.

The Intel Core i5-12600KF is based on the Alder Lake S architecture and was released in late 2021. It is aimed at home users and gamers who require high computing power.

With the 10 nm manufacturing process and a hybrid structure, the Intel Core i5-12600KF combines different core types and 20 MB of L3 cache. In multi-core scenarios, it clearly outperforms its competitor, making it ideal for video exports and parallel processes. For gaming, the Intel Core i5-12600KF offers clear advantages through PCIe 5.0 support and its high clock speeds.

Since it has a high Thermal Design Power, powerful cooling is necessary. The price-performance ratio is attractive for custom PCs, as the acquisition costs for the performance offered are moderate. In summary, the Apple M2 is ideal for energy-conscious users in the Apple ecosystem, while the Intel Core i5-12600KF is the better choice for gaming and demanding multitasking under Windows.