CPU Comparison
Apple M1 Pro vs Intel Core i7-12800HE
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. Apple M1 Pro is a 5nm ARM-based SoC with 8 performance and 2 efficiency CPU cores, up to a 16-core GPU, a 16-core Neural Engine, and up to 32GB unified memory with 200GB/s bandwidth, designed for pro laptops.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
In pro workloads like code compilation and light-to-medium multitasking, M1 Pro completes tasks quickly and at low power.
Excellent multi-core scaling for compiling and rendering on the go.
Gaming
Iris Xe can handle e-sports titles and older games at low settings.
Virtualization
14 cores allow for efficient local virtualization.
Efficiency
High performance per watt enables long battery life and quiet operation under sustained loads.
The 45W TDP ensures a good balance of performance and battery life.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- 16-core Neural Engine accelerates on-device ML tasks in apps and frameworks.
- Apple advertises 11 TOPS INT8 for M1-series Neural Engines.
- CPU and GPU also contribute to ML workloads via optimized libraries.
- Iris Xe includes matrix acceleration for basic AI tasks
Content Creation
Gaming
- Integrated GPU provides playable performance in many games but is not comparable to midrange dedicated GPUs.
- Limited macOS game catalog impacts practical gaming utility.
- Apple Silicon adoption improves performance in supported titles over time.
- Depends on Iris Xe graphics
- Not intended for AAA gaming without a discrete GPU
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Strong multi-core CPU and GPU performance in a power-efficient design.
- Excellent battery life for a pro laptop.
- Up to 32GB unified memory with high bandwidth.
- Integrated media engines with ProRes accelerators for video workflows.
- Thunderbolt 4/USB4 built into the SoC.
Cons
- RAM is not upgradable; unified memory is fixed at purchase.
- Gaming performance lags behind midrange dedicated GPUs.
- No official socket or user-configurable PCIe lanes.
- Apple does not publish TDP or official clock specifications.
- macOS-only for direct use; no boot-to-Windows support on Apple Silicon.
Pros
- 14 cores in a 45W mobile envelope
- Long-term embedded availability
- Iris Xe 96EU integrated graphics
- Supports DDR5 memory
- Excellent multi-threaded efficiency
Cons
- Soldered to the motherboard (not upgradeable)
- Not for gaming without a discrete GPU
- Base clock is relatively low for single-threaded tasks
Competitors & Alternatives
Apple M1 Pro
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-11800HRival
High-performance laptop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-12700HRival
High-performance laptop
- AMD Ryzen 9 5900HXRival
High-performance laptop
- AMD Ryzen 9 6900HXRival
High-performance laptop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i9-11980HKRival
Enthusiast laptop
- Alt
Newer generation with higher performance and improved efficiency in the same MacBook Pro form factors.
Compare head-to-head - Alt
More GPU cores and memory bandwidth for GPU-heavy workloads.
Compare head-to-head x86 compatibility for Windows-centric workflows.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 9 7940HSAlt
Strong x86 efficiency and integrated graphics for Windows laptops.
- Alt
Newer architecture with updated CPU and GPU for non-Pro users.
Compare head-to-head
Intel Core i7-12800HE
- AMD Ryzen 9 5900HXRival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 7 6800HSRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headApple M1 ProRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-12700HRival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 7 5800HRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i9-12900HAlt
Higher clock speeds for more demanding mobile workloads.
Our Verdict on Each
M1 Pro delivers outstanding performance per watt and strong multi-core throughput for pro workloads, with highly efficient operation and excellent battery life, making it a compelling choice for creators who do not need x86.
Best for: Creator or developer needing sustained performance and battery life in a MacBook Pro (14 or 16, 2021) who can work within macOS.
Read the full reviewA versatile mobile CPU packing 14 cores into a 45W envelope, perfect for embedded systems and portable workstations.
Best for: Buying a mobile workstation or industrial PC requiring long-term support.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Apple M1 Pro or Intel Core i7-12800HE?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Apple M1 Pro comes out ahead with a score of 9/10. That said, the best choice depends on your workload — check the spec and performance breakdown above for gaming, productivity and efficiency differences.
Which is faster for gaming, Apple M1 Pro or Intel Core i7-12800HE?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-12800HE leads with a gaming performance score of 60/100 among Apple M1 Pro and Intel Core i7-12800HE.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i7-12800HE has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i7-12800HE (45 W).
Which has more cores?
The Intel Core i7-12800HE has the most cores. Core counts: Apple M1 Pro (10 cores), Intel Core i7-12800HE (14 cores).
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i7-12800HE posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i7-12800HE (25,000). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.