Intel Core i5-12400F vs Apple M4

The Intel Core i5-12400F, based on the Alder Lake S architecture, was released in early 2022 and is a 10 nm desktop processor with 6 performance cores and 12 threads (8 MB Level 2, 18 MB Level 3 Cache).

It targets mainstream users looking for solid performance for productivity and gaming. In benchmarks, it shows good multi-core performance but lower single-core performance than the Apple M4.

As an F-SKU without integrated graphics, it requires a dedicated graphics card for gaming, where it offers very good performance with PCIe 5.0. Its Thermal Design Power (TDP) is 65 watts, requiring active cooling. It offers good value for money as a standalone component for expandable desktop systems.

The Apple M4, a recently introduced 3 nm processor based on the M4 architecture, is at the heart of Apple's high-end devices like the iPad Pro. It integrates 10 cores (4 performance, 6 efficiency cores) with 20 MB Level 2 Cache and no Level 3 Cache. Benchmarks demonstrate its significantly higher single-core performance (over 70 percent lead) and significantly better multi-core performance (over 20 percent lead) compared to the Intel Core i5-12400F.

Thanks to the 3 nm process, it is extremely energy-efficient, ideal for fanless designs. The integrated Apple M4 (10 Core) GPU delivers impressive mobile gaming performance. The Apple M4 is not available individually but as part of an integrated system and offers 120 GB/s memory bandwidth.