Intel Core i7-3520M vs Apple M1

The Intel Core i7-3520M, introduced in the second quarter of 2012, was an advanced mobile processor for its time, designed for demanding laptops and mobile workstations.

It is based on the Ivy Bridge H architecture and manufactured using the 22 nm process. This processor features 2 cores and 4 threads thanks to Intel's Hyper-Threading technology, enabling moderate multi-core performance for typical applications of its era. It has 4 MB of Level 3 cache and a maximum memory bandwidth of 21 GB/s.

The integrated graphics solution, Intel HD Graphics 4000, was sufficient for basic visual tasks and older games, but not for demanding gaming scenarios. Its TDP is 35W. The Apple M1, unveiled in November 2020, is a highly integrated System-on-a-Chip (SoC) from Apple, specifically developed for Mac computers and iPads.

It is manufactured using the modern 5 nm process and is characterized by its M1 architecture. The processor integrates 8 cores: 4 high-performance cores for computationally intensive tasks and 4 energy-efficient cores for everyday processes, offering a balanced ratio of performance and power consumption.

With 16 MB of Level 2 cache and a maximum memory bandwidth of 68 GB/s, it is designed for fast data processing. The integrated Apple M1 (8 Core) graphics are an integral part of the chip and offer strong graphics performance. Its TDP is significantly lower than that of the Intel processor.

Regarding manufacturing technology, the Apple M1 with its 5 nm process is far superior to the 22 nm process of the Intel Core i7-3520M, leading to higher efficiency and packing density. The Intel Core i7-3520M with 2 cores and 4 threads offered basic single-core and multi-core performance, which was sufficient for the demands of its time.

The Apple M1, on the other hand, shows significantly higher single-core performance and markedly superior multi-core performance, thanks to its 8 cores and modern architecture, demonstrating a clear difference of more than 10 percent in all relevant benchmarks. For gaming, the Apple M1 with its integrated Apple M1 (8 Core) graphics and higher memory bandwidth of 68 GB/s is clearly the better choice.

It delivers a much higher frame rate and better supports modern game titles than the Intel HD Graphics 4000 of the Intel Core i7-3520M, whose 21 GB/s memory bandwidth and older architecture are only suitable for very undemanding or older games. In terms of power consumption and thermal design power (TDP), the Apple M1 with its significantly lower TDP (typically 10-15W) is much more energy-efficient than the Intel Core i7-3520M with 35W.

This enables longer battery life in mobile devices and quieter cooling solutions. The Intel Core i7-3520M is an outdated processor that can only be found in used devices and therefore offers a very affordable entry-level option for basic tasks. The price-performance ratio of the Apple M1 is excellent in the context of its integrated performance and efficiency for modern Apple devices, although the acquisition costs of the devices are higher.

In summary, the Apple M1 offers superior performance in all areas, higher energy efficiency, and significantly stronger integrated graphics. The Intel Core i7-3520M is only interesting for very budget-conscious users looking for an older system for the simplest office applications or web browsing.

For modern use cases, demanding software, and gaming, the Apple M1 is clearly the better recommendation.