Intel Core i5-8500B vs Apple M1

The Intel Core i5-8500B was released in 2018 based on the Coffee Lake S architecture and is designed for use in compact desktop systems.

Manufactured using a 14-nanometer process, this processor provides six cores and features a Level 3 cache of 9 MB. In comparisons, the Intel Core i5-8500B shows significantly lower performance in both single-core and multi-core applications. The integrated Intel UHD Graphics 630 is sufficient for basic graphic outputs but offers little reserve for gaming.

With a Thermal Design Power of 65 watts, the system requires active cooling. Since the processor is often found in permanently installed systems, the price-performance ratio remains dependent on the used market. It is primarily suitable for users looking for a stable platform for common office applications.

The Apple M1 was introduced in late 2020 and targets users seeking high efficiency in compact devices.

Thanks to the 5-nanometer manufacturing process, this chip achieves superior performance compared to the Intel model, which is noticeable in computationally intensive tasks. The processor uses a 16 MB Level 2 cache. The integrated Apple M1 (8 Core) graphics unit enables better representation in games, provided they are optimized.

A significant advantage lies in the low power consumption, which often allows for silent cooling. The memory bandwidth of 68 GB/s supports rapid data processing. For users who value a quiet system and high flexibility, the Apple M1 is the more powerful choice, provided the software compatibility meets individual requirements.