CPU Comparison
Apple M1 vs Core i7-5557U
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Apple M1 is an 8-core ARM-based system-on-a-chip (SoC) that marked Apple’s transition from Intel to its own Apple Silicon for the Mac, combining four high‑performance and four efficiency cores, an 8‑core integrated GPU, and a 16‑core Neural Engine on a 5 nm process.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Very responsive for everyday tasks, Xcode builds, and light creative work; benefits from fast single‑core and SSD, but heavy multi‑thread workloads are constrained by 8 threads.
High clocks provide snappy performance for everyday tasks.
Gaming
Competent for 1080p gaming in macOS and via Rosetta 2 for many titles, but the 8‑core GPU and 8–16 GB memory limit modern AAA performance and resolution scaling.
Iris 6100 allows for decent 720p/1080p low gaming in older titles.
Virtualization
Capable for a couple of light VMs, but not ideal for large parallel VM farms due to core count and memory ceiling.
Dual-core limits VMs, but clock speed helps.
Efficiency
Outstanding performance per watt; MacBook Air and 13‑inch MacBook Pro with M1 delivered dramatically better battery life and lower heat than comparable Intel Macs.
28W TDP is less efficient than 15W U-series chips.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- 16‑core Neural Engine accelerates Core ML models
- CPU and GPU also provide ML accelerators for framework‑level ops
- Not designed for large‑scale training or server‑side inference
- No AI hardware
- Dual-core limits inference
Content Creation
Gaming
- 8‑core GPU comparable to low‑end discrete GPUs of its era in some Metal titles
- Rosetta 2 adds overhead for x86 games; some titles have compatibility or performance quirks
- 16 GB memory limit and 8 GPU cores cap texture resolutions and frame rates in modern AAA games
- Better than standard integrated graphics
- Can play older 3D games
- Not suitable for modern AAA titles
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Excellent single‑thread performance and responsiveness
- Outstanding performance per watt and battery life
- Integrated GPU much faster than old Intel UHD/Iris in Macs
- Unified memory simplifies development and improves efficiency
- Silent, fanless operation in MacBook Air and Mac mini under light loads
- Strong on‑device ML inference via Neural Engine
Cons
- Only 8 CPU threads; heavy multi‑thread workloads can hit a ceiling
- Max 16 GB unified memory; not user‑upgradeable
- No eGPU support and limited PCIe expansion
- Rosetta 2 translation layer for some x86 apps; not all software is native
- Newer M2/M3 chips and modern x86 CPUs offer more cores, higher clocks, and better GPU performance
Pros
- High base clock of 3.1 GHz
- Iris 6100 graphics are capable
- Good for mini PCs
- Configurable TDP
Cons
- 28W TDP is hot for a dual-core
- Only 2 cores
- DDR3 memory only
- Poor battery life in laptops
- Soldered to motherboard
Competitors & Alternatives
Apple M1
- Intel Core i7-1165G7Rival
Thin‑and‑Light Laptop
- AMD Ryzen 7 5800URival
Thin‑and‑Light Laptop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-1135G7Rival
Thin‑and‑Light Laptop
- AMD Ryzen 5 4600HRival
Performance Laptop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-11800HRival
High‑Performance Laptop
- Alt
Same platform with ~18% faster CPU, 35% faster GPU, and support for up to 24 GB unified memory.
Compare head-to-head - Alt
More CPU/GPU cores and higher memory bandwidth for heavier creative workloads.
Compare head-to-head - AMD Ryzen 7 6800UAlt
Modern x86 laptop CPU with higher multi‑thread performance and DDR5 memory.
Higher core count and better sustained multi‑thread performance in thin laptops.
Compare head-to-head- Alt
Newer architecture with better GPU and CPU performance per watt and improved media engines.
Compare head-to-head
Core i7-5557U
- AMD A10-8700PRival
Mobile APU
- Intel Core i7-5550URival
Mobile Thin & Light
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-5287URival
Mobile Performance
- Intel Core i7-6567UAlt
Skylake successor with better efficiency and Iris graphics.
- AMD Ryzen 5 3400GEAlt
Modern 4-core mini PC alternative with Vega graphics.
- Intel Core i5-8259UAlt
Coffee Lake NUC alternative with Iris Plus and 4 cores.
- Alt
Massive efficiency and performance leap for mini PCs.
Compare head-to-head - AMD Ryzen 5 5500UAlt
Modern 6-core alternative with better graphics.
Our Verdict on Each
A landmark chip that delivered class‑leading efficiency and single‑thread speed for thin laptops, still very capable for most users but increasingly outdated compared to M2/M3 and modern x86 rivals in multi‑thread and GPU workloads.
Best for: Used or refurbished M1 MacBook Air / Mac mini for general use, study, or light creative work at a low price
Read the full reviewA unique 28W Broadwell-U chip that offered high clocks and Iris graphics, making it a favorite for compact mini PCs and premium laptops.
Best for: Buying a used Intel NUC for a home theater PC or light retro gaming.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Apple M1 or Core i7-5557U?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Apple M1 comes out ahead with a score of 8.8/10. 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 or Core i7-5557U?
For gaming, the Apple M1 leads with a gaming performance score of 72/100 among Apple M1 and Core i7-5557U.
Which uses less power?
The Core i7-5557U has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Core i7-5557U (28 W).
Do Apple M1 and Core i7-5557U use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Apple M1: On-package (BGA-style, not user-replaceable), Core i7-5557U: Intel BGA 1168), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Apple M1 has the most cores. Core counts: Apple M1 (8 cores), Core i7-5557U (2 cores).
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Apple M1 posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Apple M1 (7,404). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.