Intel Core Ultra 7 255H vs Apple M5 (10-CPU)

The Intel Core Ultra 7 255H is a current mobile processor from Intel, based on the Arrow Lake H architecture and manufactured using the advanced 3 nm process.

It is aimed at high-performance laptops and mobile workstations. The Apple M5 (10-CPU) is Apple's latest generation of System-on-a-Chip (SoC) for Mac systems, also produced using the 3 nm process.

It was specifically developed for integration into Apple's hardware and software ecosystem and is designed for high efficiency. The Intel Core Ultra 7 255H uses a hybrid core design and features 6 MB L2 cache and 24 MB L3 cache; its maximum memory bandwidth is 134 GB/s. The Apple M5 (10-CPU) integrates 10 CPU cores and offers 28 MB L2 cache and a maximum memory bandwidth of 154 GB/s.

In synthetic benchmarks, the Apple M5 (10-CPU) significantly outperforms the Intel Core Ultra 7 255H in both single-core and multi-core performance, each with a lead of over 10 percent. In terms of gaming, the Intel Core Ultra 7 255H, with its integrated Intel Arc 140T graphics and the Windows ecosystem, offers broader game compatibility and established driver support.

The Apple M5 (10-CPU) features powerful Apple M5 (10 Core) integrated graphics, but the selection and optimization of games for macOS has historically been more limited. Regarding energy efficiency, the Apple M5 (10-CPU) has an inherent advantage due to its ARM architecture, which translates into longer battery life.

The Intel Core Ultra 7 255H also aims for improved efficiency. A direct price-performance evaluation is difficult, as both processors are offered in different, closed ecosystems. The Intel Core Ultra 7 255H is suitable for users who prefer Windows software and broad gaming compatibility.

The Apple M5 (10-CPU) is ideal for users who value maximum energy efficiency, high performance for creative tasks, and seamless integration into the Apple ecosystem.