CPU Comparison
Apple M2 vs Intel Core Ultra 5 115U
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Apple M2 is a second‑generation 5 nm ARM‑based system‑on‑chip for Macs, with an 8‑core CPU, up to a 10‑core GPU, 16‑core Neural Engine, and 100 GB/s unified memory bandwidth, designed for thin‑and‑light laptops and compact desktops.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Very strong single‑thread and good multi‑thread performance for everyday apps and light creator workloads.
Snappy for office apps and web browsing.
Gaming
Solid for 1080p and many 1440p titles at medium–high settings; not intended for high‑refresh 4K gaming or heavy ray tracing.
Only suitable for very old or lightweight 2D games.
Virtualization
Capable of light VM/container use, but limited to 8 threads and not aimed at heavy server workloads.
Not recommended due to low core count.
Efficiency
Outstanding performance per watt; typically around 20 W CPU package power under multi‑threaded load, far below comparable x86 ultrabook chips.
Excellent efficiency for all-day battery life.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- 16‑core Neural Engine at 15.8 TOPS
- Good for on‑device inference and Core ML workloads
- No large‑scale training focus; more for consumer features than datacenter AI
- 11 TOPS NPU included
- Good for background blur and noise cancellation
- Not for heavy AI generation
Content Creation
Gaming
- Integrated 8–10 core GPU with up to 3.6 TFLOPS FP32
- Good for 1080p and some 1440p gaming at medium–high settings
- Limited by unified memory bandwidth and 8 CPU threads for CPU‑heavy titles
- Best experienced in macOS; Windows via virtualization or translation has overhead
- 48EU graphics is entry-level
- Fine for browser games
- Not suitable for modern 3D titles
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Very strong single‑core performance for an ultrabook‑class chip
- Integrated 8–10 core GPU with up to 3.6 TFLOPS and hardware ProRes acceleration
- Unified memory architecture with 100 GB/s bandwidth simplifies development and avoids CPU–GPU copies
- 16‑core Neural Engine accelerates on‑device ML workloads
- Fanless designs in MacBook Air and very quiet operation under typical loads
Cons
- Not sold as a standalone CPU; only available inside Macs
- No user‑upgradable RAM or PCIe slots; I/O limited to what Apple provides
- Only 8 CPU threads; heavy multi‑threaded workloads are limited compared to higher‑core M2 Pro/Max or x86 chips
- CPU efficiency is slightly worse than M1 at maximum performance due to higher clocks and power
- Gaming performance is constrained by 8 threads and integrated GPU; not a gaming‑focused SoC
Pros
- Excellent power efficiency
- Integrated NPU for AI tasks
- Good burst performance for daily tasks
- Supports fast LPDDR5X memory
- Affordable entry to Core Ultra
Cons
- Low core count limits multitasking
- Only 48EU graphics
- No PCIe Gen 5 support
- Locked multiplier
Competitors & Alternatives
Apple M2
- AMD Ryzen 7 6800URival
Ultrabook
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7‑1260PRival
Ultrabook
- Intel Core i7‑1355URival
Ultrabook
- AMD Ryzen 7 7730URival
Ultrabook
- Compare head-to-headApple M1Rival
Ultrabook
- Alt
More CPU/GPU cores and higher memory bandwidth for heavier creator workloads.
Compare head-to-head - AMD Ryzen 7 7840UAlt
Stronger multi‑threaded performance and better x86 Windows compatibility in ultrabook form factors.
- Intel Core Ultra 7 155HAlt
Good balance of CPU and integrated GPU performance for Windows ultrabooks with NPU‑accelerated AI features.
- Alt
Newer architecture with higher performance and better efficiency if you are buying a new Mac in 2024+.
Compare head-to-head
Intel Core Ultra 5 115U
- AMD Ryzen 5 8640URival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 5 7640URival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core Ultra 5 125URival
Mobile
- Qualcomm Snapdragon X PlusRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headApple M2Rival
Mobile
More E-Cores and better graphics for a small price bump.
Compare head-to-headOlder Raptor Lake architecture but similar performance.
Compare head-to-head- Intel Core i5-1334UAlt
Cheaper, older generation alternative.
- AMD Ryzen 3 7440UAlt
Competitive budget alternative.
Our Verdict on Each
A very efficient, well‑balanced SoC that makes more sense inside a Mac than as a standalone chip; strong single‑core performance, capable integrated graphics, and excellent efficiency, but not a workstation‑class part.
Best for: You are buying a new or refurbished Mac laptop or desktop and want a significant step up from Intel‑based Macs or older M1 models, especially for single‑threaded tasks and GPU‑accelerated apps.
Read the full reviewA solid entry-level Meteor Lake chip that delivers great battery life and AI features for basic daily tasks.
Best for: The Core Ultra 5 115U is the ideal processor for students, office workers, and casual users who prioritize battery life and affordability. If your daily routine involves document editing, web conferencing, and streaming video, this CPU will handle these tasks effortlessly while providing excellent battery longevity. The integrated NPU adds value by preparing your device for future Windows AI features. However, this is not the processor for video editing, 3D rendering, or gaming; its reduced core count and 48EU graphics are not designed for heavy workloads. If you occasionally dabble in photo editing or light gaming, consider stepping up to the 135U. For purely administrative and educational tasks, the 115U offers outstanding value and efficiency.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Apple M2 or Intel Core Ultra 5 115U?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Apple M2 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 M2 or Intel Core Ultra 5 115U?
For gaming, the Apple M2 leads with a gaming performance score of 78/100 among Apple M2 and Intel Core Ultra 5 115U.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core Ultra 5 115U has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core Ultra 5 115U (15 W).
Do Apple M2 and Intel Core Ultra 5 115U use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Apple M2: On‑Package (BGA), Intel Core Ultra 5 115U: Intel BGA 2049), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Apple M2 posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Apple M2 (9,800). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.