Intel Core i7-9700 vs Apple M4

The Intel Core i7-9700 (Coffee Lake S Refresh), introduced in late 2018, targeted desktop users. The Apple M4, unveiled in 2024, is an SoC for Apple's premium devices, designed for high power efficiency and integrated graphics.

The i7-9700 (14 nm process) features 8 cores/8 threads, 12 MB L3 cache, and uses PCIe 3.0. The M4 (3 nm process) integrates up to 10 cores (performance and efficiency cores) and 20 MB L2 cache. Its memory bandwidth of 120 GB/s is significantly higher than the 43 GB/s of the Intel processor. In benchmarks, the Apple M4 shows over 10 percent higher single- and multi-core performance, making it superior for demanding tasks.

With its integrated graphics unit (Apple M4 (10 Core)) and high bandwidth, the Apple M4 offers significantly better gaming performance than the Intel UHD Graphics 630 of the i7-9700, which requires a dedicated graphics card. The M4 offers extreme power efficiency, high performance with low power consumption.

The i7-9700 has a higher thermal design power (TDP). As an older processor, the i7-9700 is often cheaper on the used market. The Apple M4 is part of a premium overall system, whose higher acquisition costs are justified by integrated performance and efficiency. The Intel Core i7-9700 is a choice for budget-conscious users seeking a reliable desktop processor and an additional graphics card.

The Apple M4 is ideal for users who prioritize maximum power efficiency, superior computing, and graphics performance within the Apple ecosystem.