Intel Core i7-6700K vs Apple M4 (10-CPU)

Introduced in the third quarter of 2015, the Intel Core i7-6700K targeted the mainstream desktop market and enthusiasts.

Based on the Skylake S architecture, this processor is manufactured using a 14 nm process and features 4 cores and 8 threads with 8 MB of Level 3 cache. The maximum memory bandwidth is 34 GB/s via PCIe 3.0. Its single-core performance was solid for gaming and demanding applications of its time. However, for modern, computationally intensive tasks and multi-core workloads, its performance is limited compared to current CPUs.

The integrated Intel HD Graphics 530 is sufficient for basic requirements, but a dedicated graphics card is necessary for demanding gaming. The processor has a higher Thermal Design Power (TDP), which requires good cooling. As an older model, it is only relevant on the used market, and its price-performance ratio heavily depends on its condition.

The Apple M4 (10-CPU) was introduced in May 2024 and is Apple's latest SoC for high-performance mobile devices and future desktop applications.

Manufactured using an advanced 3 nm process, it integrates 10 CPU cores, a large 20 MB Level 2 cache, and an impressive maximum memory bandwidth of 120 GB/s via PCIe 4.0. This processor demonstrates significantly superior single-core and multi-core performance, making it highly efficient for modern, computationally intensive tasks such as video editing and professional applications.

The powerful integrated Apple M4 (10 Core) graphics offers high performance, though its gaming potential depends on the software ecosystem. The Apple M4 (10-CPU) features remarkably low power consumption and TDP, enabling high energy efficiency alongside high performance. It is not available as a standalone component but is part of premium Apple devices.