CPU Comparison
Apple M1 vs Intel Core i7-8559U
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 clock speeds ensure excellent performance in office and creative apps.
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 Plus 655 allows for playable frame rates in older or well-optimized games.
Virtualization
Capable for a couple of light VMs, but not ideal for large parallel VM farms due to core count and memory ceiling.
Capable of running light VMs, though limited by 4 cores.
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 efficient enough for laptops but warmer than 15W parts.
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 dedicated AI hardware
- eDRAM can be utilized for certain compute workloads
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
- Iris Plus 655 is a major step up from UHD 620
- eDRAM helps with texture loading
- Can run macOS games smoothly
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 4.5 GHz boost clock
- Iris Plus Graphics with 128MB eDRAM
- 28W TDP allows good sustained performance
- Excellent single-core speed
Cons
- Runs warmer than 15W U-series chips
- Soldered to motherboard
- 14nm process is outdated
- Limited to older platforms
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
Intel Core i7-8559U
- AMD Ryzen 7 2700URival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-8550URival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 7 3750HRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i5-8259URival
Mobile
- Apple A12X BionicRival
Mobile
- Alt
Vastly superior performance and efficiency for Mac users.
Compare head-to-head 10th Gen successor with 10nm process and better IPC.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 7 4800UAlt
Much better multi-core performance in a similar power bracket.
- Intel Core i7-8665UAlt
Whiskey Lake alternative for business PCs.
- Alt
The modern standard for compact Mac desktops and laptops.
Compare head-to-head
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 premium 28W mobile processor that combined high clock speeds with powerful Iris Plus graphics, delivering an excellent balance of CPU and GPU performance.
Best for: If you are considering a laptop with the Intel Core i7-8559U, you are likely looking at a used MacBook Pro or a premium NUC. This processor remains highly capable for everyday productivity, programming, and light 1080p video editing. The inclusion of Iris Plus graphics with eDRAM provides a noticeable boost in graphical tasks compared to standard U-series chips. It is an excellent choice for users who need a compact, moderately powerful machine without paying the premium for Apple Silicon. However, be aware that it is an Intel-based Mac, meaning it will eventually lose macOS support. Avoid this processor if you need to run modern AAA games or heavy 3D rendering workloads. It is best purchased at a discount for general use and legacy software.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Apple M1 or Intel Core i7-8559U?
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 Intel Core i7-8559U?
For gaming, the Apple M1 leads with a gaming performance score of 72/100 among Apple M1 and Intel Core i7-8559U.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i7-8559U has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i7-8559U (28 W).
Do Apple M1 and Intel Core i7-8559U use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Apple M1: On-package (BGA-style, not user-replaceable), Intel Core i7-8559U: Intel BGA 1356), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Apple M1 has the most cores. Core counts: Apple M1 (8 cores), Intel Core i7-8559U (4 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.