Intel Core Ultra 7 256V Apple M4 (8-CPU)
VS

Intel Core Ultra 7 256V vs Apple M4 (8-CPU)

Last updated:
The Intel Core Ultra 7 256V (codename Lunar Lake), manufactured by Intel in 3 nm, is optimized for efficient mobile Windows devices.

It utilizes a hybrid architecture with Performance, Efficiency, and LP E-cores, as well as a Neural Processing Unit (NPU), 14 MB of Level 2, and 12 MB of Level 3 cache. Its integrated Intel Arc 140V GPU offers solid performance for casual gaming and broad software compatibility. The maximum memory bandwidth is 137 GB/s.

The Apple M4 (8-CPU), also manufactured by Apple in 3 nm, is an integrated System-on-a-Chip for premium mobile devices like the iPad Pro, known for its energy efficiency and performance.

It integrates eight CPU cores, an 8-core GPU, and a powerful Neural Engine, with 20 MB of Level 2 cache and no Level 3 cache. The maximum memory bandwidth is 120 GB/s. In performance tests, the Apple M4 (8-CPU) significantly outperforms the Intel Core Ultra 7 256V in single-core and multi-core performance, ideal for demanding creative applications.

Gaming performance is characterized by broader Windows compatibility for Intel, and ecosystem optimization for Apple. Both 3 nm processors are very energy-efficient, with the Apple M4 (8-CPU) leading in performance per watt, resulting in excellent battery life. A direct price comparison is not practical as both are integral components of end devices.

The Intel Core Ultra 7 256V is suitable for users seeking a versatile Windows system for productivity and compatibility. The Apple M4 (8-CPU) is ideal for Apple users who prioritize maximum performance, energy efficiency, and deep integration for professional workflows.

Intel Core Ultra 7 256V

  • Optimized for mobile Windows devices
  • Hybrid architecture with NPU
  • Integrated Intel Arc 140V graphics
  • Good software compatibility

Apple M4 (8-CPU)

  • Outstanding single-core and multi-core performance
  • Industry-leading energy efficiency
  • Deep integration within the Apple ecosystem
  • Powerful Neural Engine

Performance Overview
Average performance across multiple benchmarks

Single-core performance
Rank 2 - 76 %
Intel Core Ultra 7 256V
Rank 1 - 100 %
Apple M4 (8-CPU)
Multi-core performance
Rank 2 - 87 %
Intel Core Ultra 7 256V
Rank 1 - 100 %
Apple M4 (8-CPU)
Cinebench 2024 Single-Core

Cinebench 2024 Single-Core
Single-core performance

Intel Core Ultra 7 256V
8C / 8T · 4.80 GHz
120 pts
Apple M4 (8-CPU)
8C / 8T · 4.46 GHz
175 pts
Cinebench 2024 Multi-Core

Cinebench 2024 Multi-Core
Multi-core performance

Intel Core Ultra 7 256V
8C / 8T · 4.80 GHz
610 pts
Apple M4 (8-CPU)
8C / 8T · 4.46 GHz
742 pts
Cinebench R23 Single-Core

Cinebench R23 Single-Core
Single-core performance

Intel Core Ultra 7 256V
8C / 8T · 4.80 GHz
1,866 pts
Apple M4 (8-CPU)
8C / 8T · 4.46 GHz
2,125 pts
Cinebench R23 Multi-Core

Cinebench R23 Multi-Core
Multi-core performance

Intel Core Ultra 7 256V
8C / 8T · 2.20 GHz
9,120 pts
Apple M4 (8-CPU)
8C / 8T · 0.91 GHz
9,980 pts
Geekbench 6 Single-Core

Geekbench 6 Single-Core
Single-core performance

Intel Core Ultra 7 256V
8C / 8T · 4.80 GHz
2,658
Apple M4 (8-CPU)
8C / 8T · 4.46 GHz
3,767
iGPU - FP32 Performance (Single-precision GFLOPS)

iGPU - FP32 Performance (Single-precision GFLOPS)

Intel Core Ultra 7 256V
Intel Arc 140V
6,240
Apple M4 (8-CPU)
Apple M4 (8 Core)
3,408
AI performance (NPU)

AI performance (NPU)

Intel Core Ultra 7 256V
8C / 8T · 2.20 GHz
47.0 TOPS
Apple M4 (8-CPU)
8C / 8T · 0.91 GHz
38.0 TOPS

More benchmarks

At a glance

Wischen
Intel Core Ultra 7 256VApple M4 (8-CPU)
FamilyIntel Core Ultra 7 (31)Apple M series (38)
CPU groupIntel Core Ultra 200V (9)Apple M4 (7)
ArchitectureLunar LakeM4
Technology3 nm3 nm
SegmentNotebookNotebook
SocketBGA 2833
PredecessorApple M3
Successor

CPU Cores and Base Frequency

Wischen
Intel Core Ultra 7 256VApple M4 (8-CPU)
CPU Cores / Threads8 / 88 / 8
Hyperthreading / SMT
Core architecturehybrid (big.LITTLE)hybrid (big.LITTLE)
Core Cluster 1: 4x Lion Cove
2.20 - 4.80 GHz
4x Donan P-Core
0.91 - 4.46 GHz
Core Cluster 2: 4x Skymont
0 - 3.70 GHz
4x Donan E-Core
0.90 - 2.85 GHz
L2-Cache14.00 MB20.00 MB
L3-Cache12.00 MB
Overclocking

Integrated graphics (iGPU)

Wischen
Intel Core Ultra 7 256VApple M4 (8-CPU)
GPU nameIntel Arc 140VApple M4 (8 Core)
GPU frequency0.60 - 1.95 GHz0.34 - 1.58 GHz
CUs / Shader64 / 1024128 / 1024
Raytracing
Max. displays33
Max. GPU Memory32 GB24 GB
Technology5 nm3 nm
Release dateQ3/2024Q4/2024

NPU AI performance

Wischen
Intel Core Ultra 7 256VApple M4 (8-CPU)
AI hardwareIntel® AI BoostApple Neural Engine
AI specificationsIntel AI Boost NPU 4 @ 47 TOPS16 Neural cores @ 38 TOPS
NPU + CPU + iGPU

Memory & PCIe

Wischen
Intel Core Ultra 7 256VApple M4 (8-CPU)
MemoryLPDDR5X-8533 (136.5 GB/s)
LPDDR5X-7500 (120.0 GB/s)
Max. Memory16 GB24 GB
Memory channels22
ECCNoNo
PCIe5.0 x 84.0
PCIe Bandwidth31.5 GB/s

Thermal Management

Wischen
Intel Core Ultra 7 256VApple M4 (8-CPU)
TDP17 W18 W
TDP (PL2)37 W
TDP up
TDP down5 W
T. junction max.110 °C100 °C

Technical details

Wischen
Intel Core Ultra 7 256VApple M4 (8-CPU)
Chip designMonolithicMonolithic
AES-NI
Operating systemsWindows 11, LinuxmacOS, iPadOS
Instruction setx86-64 (64 bit)Armv9.2-A (64 bit)
ISA extensionsSSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX2Rosetta 2 x86-Emulation, AVX2, SME
Release dateQ3/2024Q4/2024
Release price
DocumentsTechnical data sheet

Your rating

Here you can rate one or both of the processors. The average rating of Intel Core Ultra 7 256V is 2.6 stars (108 ratings), while Apple M4 (8-CPU) has received 4.9 stars (189 ratings).

Click on the stars to rate one or both processors.

Intel Core Ultra 7 256V
Intel Core Ultra 7 256V
8C / 8T · 2.20 - 4.80 GHz
Apple M4 (8-CPU)
Apple M4 (8-CPU)
8C / 8T · 0.91 - 4.46 GHz

Most popular CPUs in both categories

Intel Core Ultra 7 256V
Intel Core Ultra 7 256V
Buy now on Amazon and save! Buy on Amazon