Intel Core i5-7200U vs Apple M2 (8-GPU)

The Intel Core i5-7200U, based on the Kaby Lake U architecture, was introduced around Q3 2016 as an energy-efficient processor for mainstream laptops.

Manufactured using a 14 nm process, it features two cores and four threads with 3 MB of Level 3 Cache. Its integrated graphics solution, the Intel HD Graphics 620, is designed for simple tasks. In benchmarks, it offers basic single-core and multi-core performance, sufficient for everyday applications.

For gaming, its performance is limited, primarily to older or less demanding titles. The processor is designed for efficiency and is primarily found today in older systems that offer a cost-effective price-performance ratio for basic applications. The Apple M2 (8-GPU), part of the M2 architecture, was released around Q3 2022 and is Apple's proprietary solution for devices such as MacBooks and Mac minis, ranging from general users to creative professionals.

Manufactured using an advanced 5 nm process, it integrates an 8-core CPU (four performance and four efficiency cores) and an 8-core GPU with 20 MB of Level 2 Cache and a maximum memory bandwidth of 102 GB/s. The Apple M2 (8-GPU) significantly outperforms the Intel Core i5-7200U in both single-core and multi-core performance, and also offers significantly better graphics performance for more demanding games and creative applications.

Its excellent performance per watt results in high efficiency and long battery life. Devices with the Apple M2 (8-GPU) are typically higher priced but offer superior performance for their respective application area.