Intel Core i3-7100 vs Apple M2

The Intel Core i3-7100, with the architecture name Kaby Lake S, was introduced around 2017 as a processor for budget-conscious desktop users.

It is manufactured by Intel using a 14nm process and features 2 cores and 4 threads. With PCIe version 3.0 and a maximum memory bandwidth of 38 GB/s, it is designed for basic tasks and office applications. The integrated Intel HD Graphics 630 unit offers basic functionality but is insufficient for demanding games.

In benchmarks, it shows solid single-core performance for its generation and adequate multi-core performance for light multitasking tasks. Its power consumption is higher compared to modern processors, and it is primarily available on the used market today. The Apple M2, based on the M2 architecture, was introduced by Apple in 2022 and is designed for a wide range of Apple devices.

It is manufactured using an advanced 5nm process and typically integrates 8 cores (performance and efficiency cores). With PCIe 4.0 and a high memory bandwidth of 102 GB/s, it offers excellent performance. The integrated Apple M2 (10 Core) graphics unit is very powerful for integrated solutions and also allows for smooth gaming.

Compared to the Intel Core i3-7100, the Apple M2 achieves significantly higher performance in most single-core and multi-core benchmarks, with the exception of the Cinebench R23 multi-core test, where it shows a lower score. Its energy efficiency is outstanding, making it ideal for mobile and compact systems, and it is positioned as part of Apple products in the premium segment.