CPU Comparison
Apple M1 vs Intel Core i9-11950H
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
Gaming
Virtualization
Efficiency
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
- Intel Deep Learning Boost (AVX-512 VNNI) accelerates some CPU-based inference workloads.
- No dedicated NPU; AI performance is modest compared to newer chips with built-in NPUs.
- Suitable for light on-device inference, not large-scale training or LLM serving.
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
- 5.0 GHz single-core boost helps keep frame times low in CPU-heavy titles.
- Modern 12th/13th-gen H-series CPUs generally offer better gaming performance and efficiency.
- Best experience with a midrange or better discrete GPU (e.g., RTX 3070 / A2000 and above).
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
- 8 high-performance Willow Cove cores with 16 threads
- Up to 5.0 GHz single-core boost for responsive CPU work
- Intel vPro platform with enterprise security and manageability
- 20 PCIe 4.0 lanes from the CPU for NVMe and GPUs
- Configurable 35–45 W TDP for flexible laptop designs
- Strong professional and creator performance in its power envelope
Cons
- Discontinued; replaced by more efficient 12th/13th-gen mobile platforms
- 10 nm SuperFin is less efficient than Intel 7 and AMD 7 nm mobile parts
- Multiplier locked; no overclocking headroom
- Only 8 cores, while newer HX-series offer 12–16 cores
- Integrated UHD Graphics 32EU is only suitable for light workloads
Competitors & Alternatives
Apple M1
- Intel Core i7-1165G7Rival
Thin‑and‑Light Laptop
- AMD Ryzen 7 5800URival
Thin‑and‑Light Laptop
- Intel Core i5-1135G7Rival
Thin‑and‑Light Laptop
- AMD Ryzen 5 4600HRival
Performance Laptop
- Intel 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.
- Intel Core i7-1360PAlt
Higher core count and better sustained multi‑thread performance in thin laptops.
- Alt
Newer architecture with better GPU and CPU performance per watt and improved media engines.
Compare head-to-head
Intel Core i9-11950H
- AMD Ryzen 9 5900HXRival
High-Performance Mobile / Workstation
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i9-11980HKRival
Enthusiast Mobile / Gaming
- Intel Core i7-11800HRival
High-Performance Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 7 5800HRival
High-Performance Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i9-10885HRival
Previous-Gen Mobile Workstation
- Intel Core i9-12900HXAlt
More performance and efficiency cores, better multi-core performance, and newer platform with DDR5/PCIe 5.0 support.
- Intel Core i7-12800HXAlt
Hybrid architecture with more total threads and stronger multi-core performance in a similar power class.
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 powerful 8-core mobile vPro CPU for business workstations and heavy laptop workloads, offering strong single‑threaded performance and enterprise security, but now outpaced by 12th/13th‑gen designs in efficiency and multi‑core performance.
Best for: Used or discounted mobile workstation where vPro, ECC-capable platforms, and 8-core performance matter more than latest-gen efficiency.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Apple M1 or Intel Core i9-11950H?
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 i9-11950H?
For gaming, the Intel Core i9-11950H leads with a gaming performance score of 78/100 among Apple M1 and Intel Core i9-11950H.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i9-11950H has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i9-11950H (35 W).
Do Apple M1 and Intel Core i9-11950H use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Apple M1: On-package (BGA-style, not user-replaceable), Intel Core i9-11950H: FCBGA1787), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i9-11950H posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Apple M1 (7,404), Intel Core i9-11950H (12,840). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.