Apple M3 vs Intel Core i5-13420H

The Intel Core i5-13420H (Raptor Lake H, 10 nm) is designed for mobile systems and appeals to a broad user group seeking balanced performance in laptops.

The Apple M3 (3 nm), a System-on-a-Chip, is primarily built into Macs and aims for high energy efficiency with integrated performance, optimizing it for Apple's ecosystem.

Both CPUs utilize a hybrid design of performance and efficiency cores for optimal task distribution. The Intel Core i5-13420H features 12 MB of L3 cache, while the Apple M3 has 20 MB of L2 cache. In benchmarks, the Apple M3 consistently shows over 10 percent higher performance than the Intel Core i5-13420H in single-core and multi-core tests, highlighting its efficiency and computing power.

For gaming scenarios, the Apple M3's integrated Apple M3 (10 Core) graphics unit is significantly superior to the Intel UHD Graphics 13th Gen (48 EU) of the Intel Core i5-13420H, leading to smoother experiences. Thanks to its 3 nm manufacturing process and ARM architecture, the Apple M3 is significantly more energy-efficient, offering longer battery life and less heat generation.

It also achieves a maximum memory bandwidth of 102 GB/s compared to the Intel Core i5-13420H's 83 GB/s. The Intel Core i5-13420H often offers a more cost-effective entry point in devices from various manufacturers. The Apple M3 is exclusively available in Apple's premium products, resulting in higher overall system costs.