MacBook Intel vs. M1: Which Is Best

Posted By Ihor Kyselov | 11 Apr 2025

Still considering buying an Intel Mac? Let’s see if it’s still worth your attention in 2025. In this article, we will compare the most powerful Intel chip used in the MacBook with the least powerful Apple Silicon. We will delve into the specifications and comparisons to find out the exact difference of chips Mac Intel vs. M1.

MacBook Intel vs. M1: Comparison

Intel Core i9-9980HK is an 8-core, 16-thread mobile powerhouse introduced in 2019. Let’s compare it with the M1 to highlight the main differences.

Feature	Apple M1	Intel Core i9-9980HK
Cores	8	8
Threads	8	16
Core Architecture	Hybrid (big.LITTLE)	Normal
Hyperthreading	No	Yes
Overclocking	No	Yes
A-Core Frequency	0.60 GHz (up to 3.20 GHz), 4x Firestorm	2.40 GHz (up to 5.00 GHz)
B-Core Frequency	0.60 GHz (up to 2.06 GHz), 4x Icestorm	--

As we can see when comparing Intel vs M1 Mac , the i9 has more threads. Let’s compare the performance in a single and multiple core, and power efficiency:

Category	Description	Core i9-9980H	Apple M1
Single-Core Performance	Performance in single-threaded apps and benchmarks	47	67
Multi-Core Performance	Performance when all cores are involved	23	23
Power Efficiency	Efficiency score of power consumption	44	77

GeekBench 6 results:

Benchmark	Description	Core i9-9980HK	Apple M1	Difference
GeekBench 6 (Single-Core)	Emulates single-threaded operations in real-world apps	1538	2383	+55% (Apple M1)
GeekBench 6 (Multi-Core)	Emulates multithreaded operations in real-world apps	6944	8765	+26% (Apple M1)

As we can see, the M1 provides better single-core performance and improved power efficiency.

Also: MacBook Air M1: Still Worth It

But what about those using their devices for video editing or gaming? We will compare the GPUs ? The comparison table is below:

Feature		Core i9-9980HK	Apple M1
Integrated GPU (iGPU)	Type of integrated graphics processor	Intel UHD Graphics 630	Apple GPU
Performance Score	iGPU capabilities for gaming and 3D-intensive tasks	22	64
Max Display Support	Maximum number of supported external displays	3	2
4K Video Playback	Capability to handle 4K video playback smoothly	Yes	Yes
DirectX/OpenGL Support	Supported versions of DirectX/OpenGL	DirectX 12, OpenGL 4.5	Metal API

But who would use the i9 with an integrated GPU? The most popular GPUs paired with the i9 in a MacBook Pro are the Radeon Pro 5600M and Radeon Pro 560X. Let’s check the results from Technical City.

As we can see above, the 5600M still comes out on top. But is it still worth it, considering the much higher power consumption of the 5600M? It consumes 60W, compared to just 10W in the M1. And this doesn’t even include the power consumption of the i9 itself.

Mac Intel vs Mac M1: Pros and Cons

As we can see from the comparison results, there are not many pros in Intel Mac compared to the M1. There are still some:

Supports hyper-threading (16 threads), which is beneficial for multitasking and demanding computational tasks. Overclocking capability allows for additional performance boosts.

The main disadvantage of the Intel Core i9 is its power consumption. Keep in mind, that this CPU is intended to be used in a laptop, that itself intended to be mobile. Why buy a laptop, if you keep it on your desk all the time? Even a slight advantage of Radeon Pro 5600M is not worth it if your laptop doesn’t last even 1 hour under full load (the 2019 16-inch MacBook Pro really doesn’t).

The advantages of the Apple M1:

Big.LITTLE architecture: Optimized for power efficiency.
Single-threaded performance: Delivers excellent results.
Integrated Apple GPU: Performs exceptionally well.
Gaming: Great performance for gaming tasks.
3D tasks: Exceptional performance in 3D rendering.

The M1 chip does have its disadvantages:

Limited number of ports: The MacBook only has two standard USB-C ports, which can be limiting for users who need to connect multiple devices at the same time.
No option to upgrade RAM or storage: Unlike Intel-based Macs, the M1 models do not allow for upgrading RAM or storage after purchase, meaning you're locked into the configuration you choose when buying.

Mac Intel vs M1: How to Check

Not sure which chip is used in your Mac? It’s easy to check:

click on the Apple logo in the top left corner
choose “about this mac”
The “Processor” row will indicate the CPU used in your Mac.

Apple MacBook: M1 vs Intel - Which is Best

When buying a new MacBook and making a choice between Mac Intel vs Mac M1, the decision is easy when you opt for the M1 chip. Powered by advanced technology, the M1 MacBook offers unmatched performance, exceptional energy efficiency, and a longer battery life than any Intel-based model. With its cutting-edge ARM architecture, the M1 delivers faster speeds, better graphics, and the ability to handle resource-intensive tasks with ease, whether you're editing videos, designing, or simply multitasking.

Why buy it?

The M1 MacBook is designed for users who want the latest and most powerful technology. Whether you're a creative professional, a student, or you just need the best performance, the M1 chip allows you to work faster and more efficiently. With up to 20 hours of battery life, it ensures you can work, play, and create all day long without needing to charge.

Also: What is the best MacBook for students

Which one is better for you?

If you're looking for cutting-edge performance, superior battery life, and a futuristic experience, then consider M1 vs Intel, the MacBook with the M1 chip is your perfect choice. Experience the future of computing with a laptop that’s built to handle the most demanding tasks and make your daily work smoother and more efficient.

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At TechToro.io, we offer the M1 MacBook to help you unlock your full potential. Don't settle for outdated technology—embrace the future with the powerful and efficient M1 chip. Get your MacBook today and take your performance to the next level!

FAQ

1. Is Mac M1 really better than Intel?

Yes, the M1 chip is superior to Intel processors in terms of performance, energy efficiency, and battery life, thanks to its advanced ARM architecture. It offers faster speeds, better graphics, and longer battery life, making it the better choice for most users.

2. Is my Mac Intel or M1?

Click the Apple logo in the top-left corner of your screen.
Select About This Mac.
In the window that appears, look for the Processor section. If it says Intel, your Mac has an Intel processor. If it says Apple M1, your Mac has the M1 chip.

3. Which is better, Mac M1 or Intel i5?

The Mac M1 is better than the Intel i5 in speed, battery life, and performance. It’s faster and more efficient, especially for demanding tasks.