Intel Core i5-8500T vs Apple M4 (8-CPU)

The Intel Core i5-8500T (Coffee Lake S), introduced in 2018, is aimed at energy-efficient desktop systems.

The Apple M4 (8-CPU), unveiled in 2024, is Apple's chip for its own devices, optimized for performance and efficiency.

The Intel Core i5-8500T is manufactured using a 14 nm process, has 6 cores, 6 threads, 9 MB of Level 3 cache, and a max memory bandwidth of 43 GB/s. The integrated graphics is the Intel UHD Graphics 630. The Apple M4 (8-CPU) uses a more advanced 3 nm process with 8 CPU cores, 20 MB of Level 2 cache, and offers 120 GB/s max memory bandwidth.

Its internal graphics unit is the Apple M4 (8 Core). In single-core performance, the Apple M4 (8-CPU) significantly outperforms the Intel Core i5-8500T, which results in better responsiveness in corresponding applications. In multi-core workloads, the Apple M4 (8-CPU) is also designed for high performance due to its efficient architecture.

For gaming, the Apple M4 (8-CPU) with its more powerful integrated Apple M4 (8 Core) graphics unit and PCIe 4.0 is clearly superior to the Intel Core i5-8500T (Intel UHD Graphics 630, PCIe 3.0), especially in modern games. The Intel Core i5-8500T (T-Series) is designed for low power consumption.

However, the Apple M4 (8-CPU) offers industry-leading performance per watt and is significantly more energy-efficient, leading to less heat generation. The older Intel Core i5-8500T is often found in used systems and offers good value for money for basic applications. The Apple M4 (8-CPU) is tightly integrated into Apple devices, making a direct price comparison difficult.

Its value lies in the premium ecosystem and integrated high-end performance. The Intel Core i5-8500T is a cost-effective choice for standard desktop tasks in a Windows environment. The Apple M4 (8-CPU) is ideal for users who prefer maximum efficiency, superior single-core and graphics performance for demanding applications, as well as the Apple ecosystem.