Apple M4 vs Intel Core i7-6700K

The Intel Core i7-6700K, introduced in the third quarter of 2015 for high-performance desktop PCs, is based on the Skylake S architecture and is manufactured using the 14 nm process.

It offers 4 cores and 8 threads, 8 MB of Level 3 cache, supports PCIe 3.0, and integrates the Intel HD Graphics 530 with 34 GB/s memory bandwidth. The Apple M4, introduced in the second quarter of 2024, targets users within the Apple ecosystem, creative professionals, and users with high performance demands and low power consumption.

It is manufactured using the advanced 3 nm process and utilizes an Apple-developed architecture with 20 MB of Level 2 cache. It supports PCIe 4.0 and achieves a memory bandwidth of 120 GB/s. The integrated graphics unit is the Apple M4 (10 Core). In performance comparison, the Apple M4 shows significantly higher single-core and multi-core performance than the Intel Core i7-6700K, especially in Geekbench 6.

For gaming, the Intel Core i7-6700K offers an established platform for Windows games with a dedicated graphics card, while the Apple M4 with its powerful integrated graphics unit offers good performance within the Apple ecosystem. The Intel Core i7-6700K has a TDP of 91 W.

The Apple M4 is known for its exceptional energy efficiency thanks to its 3 nm manufacturing process and requires significantly less power. The Intel Core i7-6700K is an end-of-life model, only available used. The Apple M4 is an integral component of Apple devices. In summary, the Apple M4 offers superior overall performance and energy efficiency for demanding tasks.

The Intel Core i7-6700K was powerful for desktop systems in its time. For new purchases, the Apple M4 is the better choice.