Intel Core i5-9500 vs Apple M4 (10-CPU)

The Intel Core i5-9500 is a ninth-generation desktop processor, introduced in the second quarter of 2019.

Based on the Coffee Lake S Refresh architecture and manufactured using the 14 nm process, it features 6 cores and 6 threads. It is aimed at mainstream users looking for a reliable computer for everyday tasks, office applications, and broad software compatibility on the x86 platform. Its single-core performance is lower than that of the M4, while it shows higher multi-core performance than the M4 in Cinebench R23.

For gaming, it relies on a dedicated graphics card and uses PCIe 3.0. The thermal design power (TDP) is 65W. As an older processor, it is mostly available used today and offers a cost-effective entry point. The maximum memory bandwidth is 43 GB/s. It is recommended for budget-conscious users who prefer an established x86 platform.

The Apple M4 (10-CPU) is a state-of-the-art System-on-a-Chip (SoC), introduced in May 2024.

Manufactured using the advanced 3 nm process, it integrates 10 CPU cores (4 performance, 6 efficiency cores) and a powerful 10-core GPU. It was developed for Apple devices and targets users with high demands for performance and energy efficiency within the Apple ecosystem, especially for creative and professional applications.

Its single-core performance significantly surpasses the i5-9500; in Geekbench 6, it also shows substantially higher multi-core performance. Its gaming performance is excellent for an integrated graphics system, and it uses PCIe 4.0. The M4 is characterized by extreme energy efficiency. It is not available separately but as part of premium Apple devices.

The maximum memory bandwidth is 120 GB/s. It is ideal for professional users seeking the highest single-core performance, energy efficiency, and integrated graphics within the Apple ecosystem.