CPU Comparison
Apple M1 vs Intel Core i7-8809G
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.
Strong CPU performance, especially when pushed beyond stock speeds.
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.
Excellent 1080p gaming performance, further enhanced by overclocking capabilities.
Virtualization
Capable for a couple of light VMs, but not ideal for large parallel VM farms due to core count and memory ceiling.
Capable but 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.
Unlocked nature means it can draw significant power when overclocked.
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
- Radeon GPU supports OpenCL acceleration
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
- Comparable to GTX 1060
- Can be overclocked for extra performance
- Excellent for VR
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
- Unlocked CPU and GPU for overclocking
- High-end Radeon RX Vega M GH graphics
- 4GB of HBM2 memory
- GTX 1060-class gaming performance
Cons
- Driver support has ended
- 65W TDP requires robust cooling
- Soldered and non-upgradable
- Runs very hot when overclocked
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 i7-8809G
- AMD Ryzen 7 3750HRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-7700HQRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-8709GRival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 7 2700URival
Mobile
- Intel Core i5-8300HRival
Mobile
10th Gen successor with integrated Iris Plus graphics.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 7 4800HAlt
Much better CPU and GPU performance.
- Alt
Modern alternative with excellent efficiency.
Compare head-to-head - Intel Core i7-1165G7Alt
Better driver support and modern Xe graphics.
- AMD Ryzen 7 5800UAlt
Superior performance and battery life.
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 legendary unlocked hybrid processor that combined an Intel CPU with AMD's highest-tier Vega graphics, offering exceptional performance and overclocking potential.
Best for: The Intel Core i7-8809G is a highly sought-after processor for enthusiast mini PC builders, specifically those using the Intel NUC8 VR (NUC8i7HVK) platform. It remains a highly capable solution for 1080p gaming at high settings and VR, offering performance comparable to a GTX 1060. The unlocked nature allows for significant performance gains through overclocking. It is an excellent choice for enthusiasts who want a compact, powerful, and tweakable system. However, driver support from Intel for the Radeon component has ended, meaning you may encounter compatibility issues with the latest games. Avoid this processor if you want a future-proof system or need the latest API support. It is best purchased for its unique hardware design, overclocking potential, and solid 1080p performance in small form factor builds.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Apple M1 or Intel Core i7-8809G?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i7-8809G 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 or Intel Core i7-8809G?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-8809G leads with a gaming performance score of 88/100 among Apple M1 and Intel Core i7-8809G.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i7-8809G has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i7-8809G (65 W).
Do Apple M1 and Intel Core i7-8809G use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Apple M1: On-package (BGA-style, not user-replaceable), Intel Core i7-8809G: Intel BGA 2270), 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 i7-8809G (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.