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The release of Apple’s Silicon-based CPUs began a new era for Apple, with the M2 CPU promising even more performance than the M1. On the other hand, Intel’s Alder Lake CPUs brought about a similar revolution for them with their Hybrid Core design. Today, I’m comparing two such revolutionary chips in Core i5-12500H vs Apple M2 to find the better one.
Key Takeaways
- Architecture-wise, the Core i5-12500H uses Intel’s 10nm node and the x86-64 instruction set. Conversely, the Apple M2 uses TSMC’s 5nm node and the ARMv8 instruction set.
- Regarding performance, the Core i5-12500H performs about 37.2% better in multi-core applications than the Apple M2. In contrast, the Apple M2 is 10.1% faster in single-core applications, on average.
- Core i5-12500H laptops cost between $759 and 2573, while Apple M2 laptops are priced from $1099 to $2499.
- In addition, Core i5-12500H laptops provide better value as they are cheaper and faster in multi-core applications.
Comparison Table
Let’s see how the two mobile CPUs line up.
| Mobile CPU | Core i5-12500H | Apple M2 |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Hybrid Core | Apple Silicon |
| Codename | Alder Lake | M2 |
| Instruction Set | x86-64 | ARMv8 |
| Processing Node | Intel 7 (10nm) | TSMC 5nm (N5P) |
| Socket | BGA-1744 | Apple-M |
| No. of Cores | 12 (4P + 8E) | 8 (4P + 4E) |
| No. of Threads | 16 (8 + 8) | 8 (4 + 4) |
| Base Clock |
|
|
| Boost Clock |
|
– |
| L1 Cache | 80KB per core | 192KB per core |
| L2 Cache | 1280KB per core | 16MB (shared) |
| L3 Cache | 18MB (shared) | – |
| Memory Support |
|
LPDDR5 6400 MT/s |
| Memory Size | Up to 64GB | Up to 24GB (Unified) |
| PCIe Revision | 4.0 | 4.0 |
| Overclocking Support | No | No |
| Integrated Graphics | Intel Iris Xe Graphics | Apple M2 GPU |
| GPU Base Clock | 300MHz | 500MHz |
| GPU Boost Clock | 1500MHz | 1398MHz |
| Shaders | 640 | 1024 |
| TMUs | 40 | 64 |
| ROPs | 20 | 32 |
| Execution Units | 80 | 128 |
| iGPU Theoretical Performance |
1.41 TFLOPs | 3 TFLOPs |
| Total Graphics Power | 15W | 15W |
| CPU Max Operating Temperature | 100°C | – |
| CPU Base Power | 35-45W (configurable) | 15W |
| CPU Boost Power | 95W | – |
| Price Range (July 2023) | $759 to $2573 | $1099-$2499 |
| Launch Date | January 4, 2022 | June 6, 2022 |
Architectural Differences
- Process Nodes: The Core i5-12500H uses the Intel 7 process, which involves a 10nm node. On the other hand, the Apple M2 CPU uses TSMC’s optimized 5nm node called N5P.
- Instruction Set: The Core i5-12500H consists of the usual x86-64 instruction set while the Apple M2 uses the ARMv8 instruction set. The ARMv8 consists of fewer, more simplified instructions.
- Core/Thread Counts: Both CPUs have P and E-cores. The Core i5-12500H has 12 cores with 4 P-cores and 8 E-cores. In contrast, the Apple M2 also has 4 P-cores but with 4 E-cores, totaling 8. As for thread counts, the Core i5-12500H has 16 threads compared to 8 of the Apple M2.
- Clock Speeds: The Apple M2 has much faster base clock speeds, with 3.5GHz for the P-cores and 2.4GHz for the E-cores. As for the Core i5-12500H, it clocks 2.5GHz (P-cores) and 1.8GHz (E-cores) at base. As for boost clock speeds, the Core i5-12500H can be pushed up to 4.5GHz on the P-cores and 3.3GHz on the E-cores. The Apple M2 does not support boost frequencies.
- Memory: The Apple M2 has unified memory (up to 24GB), while the Core i5-12500H uses RAM (up to 64GB). As for speeds, the Apple M2 solely uses LPDDR5 at 6400 MT/s. The Core i5-12500H also supports LPDDR5 up to 6400 MT/s, along with DDR4 (3200 MT/s), LPDDR4 (4267 MT/s), and DDR5 (4800 MT/s).
- Cache: The Core i5-12500H has 80KB of L1 cache/core and 2MB L2 cache/per core. Furthermore, it has 18MB of shared L3 cache. Conversely, the Apple M2 has 192KB of L1 cache/core and a 16MB pool of L2 cache. The Apple M2 does not have an L3 cache.
- TDP: Regarding TDP, the Core i5-12500H may have a base TDP ranging anywhere from 35 watts to 45 watts. The boost TDP goes up to 95 watts. On the contrary, the Apple M2 is much more power-efficient with a fixed TDP of 15 watts.
Core i5-12500H Vs Apple M2: Benchmarks
Next, we’ll see how the two CPUs perform in multi-core and single-core applications. The CPUs will be tested in three applications. Let’s begin.
Cinbench R23
- Starting with the Cinebench R23 multi-core test, the Core i5-12500H scored 13331 points compared to 8670 points of the Apple M2.
- In the single-core test, the Core i5-12500H accumulated 1694 points while the Apple M2 trailed with 1593 points.
Also Check: Core i7 13700K Vs Apple M2
Geekbench 5
- In Geekbench 5, the Apple M2 (9034 points) caught up in the multi-core test but was still beaten by the Core i5-12500H. (10301 points)
- The Apple M2 took the lead in the single-core test with 1939 points. In reply, the Core i5-12500H scored 1624 points.
Similar Article: Core i5 12500H Vs Core i5 12450H
Passmark
- The last benchmark is Passkmark, in which the Intel Core i5-12500H scored 21863 multi-core points. In response, the Apple M2 kept trailing, with 15453 points this time.
- As for the single-core scores, the Apple M2 is the better CPU again, with 4052 points. The Core i5-12500H accumulated 3570 points.
Similar Read: Apple M2 Vs Ryzen 5 7640U
Overall Performance
I’ve averaged the results from all three applications to get a more definitive result. Here’s how the two CPUs compete.
- Multi-core Performance: The Core i5-12500H came out on top with 15165 points compared to 11052 points of the Apple M2. Thus, on average, the Core i5-12500H is 37.2% faster than the Apple M2 in multi-core applications.
- Single-core Performance: The Apple M2 is the better CPU with 2528 points over 2296 of the Core i5-12500H. Thus, the Apple M2 is about 10.1% faster than the Core i5-12500H in multi-core applications.
Also Read: HP Envy vs HP Pavilion
Laptop Prices
With the specifications and benchmarks out of the way, let’s talk prices. The price data for Intel Core i5-12500H laptops has been estimated from Amazon US, while Apple M2 laptop prices have been taken from the Apple website. These prices are valid as of July 2023.
- Core i5-12500H: Entry-level laptops will set you back by at least $759, while the best-selling laptops are in the $799-$1559 price bracket. Lastly, the most expensive laptops can cost up to $2573.
- Apple M2: This mobile chip is used in Apple’s MacBook Air 13″ (starting $1099) and 15″ (starting $1299) variants. In addition, it’s used in MacBook Pro 13″ (starting $1299). The starting prices give you 8GB of RAM and 256GB of SSD storage. Every additional 8GB RAM and 256GB SSD costs $200 each. So all-in-all, Apple M2 laptops may cost anywhere between $1099 and $2499.
Similar Comparison: Core i7-1360P Vs Apple M2
Apple M2 Vs Core i5-12500H: Better Value?
We can now talk about the value of the two CPUs. So, the Core i5-12500H laptops can be up to $300 cheaper than Apple M2 laptops. On top of that, Core i5-12500H is 37.2% better in multi-core applications.
The Apple M2 did perform 10.1% better in single-core applications. The price difference negates that, though, especially since multi-core performance matters more for most tasks, including gaming and web browsing. Thus, Core i5-12500H laptops provide better value than Apple M2 laptops.
Final Words
This marks the end of our Intel Core i5-12500H vs Apple M2 comparison. We compared the two CPUs in various aspects and determined that the Core i5-12500H provides better value.
Still, the Apple M2 has advantages like power efficiency, unified memory, and its more powerful iGPU. So, the no-nonsense option is the Core i5-12500H, but you should evaluate all your preferences before choosing your next mobile CPU.
Pros And Cons
| CPU | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Core i5-12500H |
|
|
| Apple M2 |
|
|
Core i5-12500H vs Apple M2
Also Read: Apple M2 Pro Vs Apple M2
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[Comparisons Specialist]
I’m a passionate computer hardware expert specializing in CPUs and GPUs. With a lifelong curiosity for hardware and extensive hands-on experience, I provide valuable insights, practical advice, and in-depth analysis on these components. Engaging with the hardware community, I exchange knowledge and stay at the forefront of technological advancements.
Get In Touch: uzair@tech4gamers.com
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