CPU Comparison
Apple M1 vs Intel Core i9-11980HK
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 INT8 inference workloads.
- No dedicated NPU; AI acceleration is modest compared to later Core Ultra and Ryzen AI mobile chips.
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 turbo gives strong FPS in CPU-heavy titles.
- Most gaming laptops pair it with RTX 3070/3080-class GPUs, where the CPU is rarely the bottleneck at 1080p/1440p.
- Newer Alder Lake/Raptor Lake H/HX CPUs often deliver slightly better 1% lows and efficiency.
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 cores and 16 threads with high 5.0 GHz turbo
- 20 PCIe 4.0 CPU lanes for fast GPUs and storage
- Unlocked multiplier for overclocking in supported laptops
- Strong single-threaded performance for gaming and light tasks
- Familiar x86 ecosystem with good software and driver support
Cons
- High power draw and heat at 45–65 W compared to newer mobile CPUs
- 10 nm SuperFin process is less efficient than Intel 7 and TSMC N5/N4
- No hybrid architecture; 8 big cores only, trailing newer HX chips in multi-thread
- Platform is EOL with no upgrade path beyond existing laptop designs
- Integrated UHD Graphics 32 EU is basic; a discrete GPU is required for serious gaming or compute
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 i9-11980HK
- AMD Ryzen 9 5980HXRival
High-End Mobile (Zen 3)
- AMD Ryzen 9 5900HXRival
High-End Mobile (Zen 3)
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i9-12900HKRival
High-End Mobile (Alder Lake-H)
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i9-11950HRival
High-End Mobile (Tiger Lake-H)
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i9-10980HKRival
High-End Mobile (Comet Lake-H)
- AMD Ryzen 9 7845HXAlt
Much higher multi-thread performance and better efficiency on a modern platform.
Significantly more cores and threads with stronger creator and multi-tasking performance.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 9 7945HXAlt
Top-end mobile Zen 4 CPU for users who need maximum multi-threaded performance.
- Intel Core i7-13700HXAlt
Good balance of price, performance and efficiency compared to older 11980HK.
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 but power‑hungry 8‑core mobile CPU that delivers strong single‑core and gaming performance at 45–65 W, now outclassed by newer 12th/13th Gen Intel and Ryzen 7000 mobile chips in efficiency and multi‑thread.
Best for: Buying a used or discounted 11980HK gaming laptop where the CPU is already paired with a strong GPU and you prioritize raw CPU frequency over efficiency or platform longevity.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Apple M1 or Intel Core i9-11980HK?
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 i9-11980HK?
For gaming, the Intel Core i9-11980HK leads with a gaming performance score of 83/100 among Apple M1 and Intel Core i9-11980HK.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i9-11980HK has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i9-11980HK (45 W).
Do Apple M1 and Intel Core i9-11980HK use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Apple M1: On-package (BGA-style, not user-replaceable), Intel Core i9-11980HK: FCBGA1787), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i9-11980HK posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Apple M1 (7,404), Intel Core i9-11980HK (18,332). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.