CPU Comparison
Apple M3 vs Intel Core i7-8700T
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. Apple M3 is an 8-core, 10-core GPU SoC built on TSMC’s 3 nm process, delivering improved performance and efficiency for MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and iMac, with hardware-accelerated ray tracing and AV1 decode.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Snappy everyday performance with fast app launches and responsive multitasking.
Handles heavy office workloads and multitasking smoothly.
Gaming
Good gaming performance when paired with a mid-range GPU.
Virtualization
Excellent for running multiple light VMs.
Efficiency
Strong battery life in MacBook Air and Pro implementations; 3 nm helps reduce active power relative to workload.
One of the most efficient hexa-core desktop chips of its era.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- 16-core Neural Engine accelerates on-device ML workloads
- Media engine includes AV1 decode for efficient video streaming
- No dedicated AI hardware
- CPU inference is decent due to 12 threads
Content Creation
Gaming
- Ray tracing support enables better visuals in supported titles
- Dynamic Caching improves GPU utilization for more consistent frame times
- Single external display limit constrains multi-monitor gaming setups
- Best paired with GTX 1660 or RTX 3060 class GPUs
- Low base clock won't bottleneck as much due to high turbo
- Great for SFF gaming
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- 3 nm process for improved efficiency
- Hardware-accelerated ray tracing and mesh shading
- Dynamic Caching optimizes GPU memory usage
- Strong single-core performance
- Excellent battery life in supported systems
Cons
- Single external display limit in most configurations
- Memory not user-upgradable
- Does not support Thunderbolt 4 on some models
- No Wi-Fi 7 support on current implementations
Pros
- Extremely low 35W TDP
- 6 cores and 12 threads
- High 4.0 GHz turbo boost
- Great for passive cooling
Cons
- Locked multiplier
- Lower base clock
- Hard to find retail
- 14nm process is outdated
Competitors & Alternatives
Apple M3
- Intel Core Ultra 7 155HRival
Thin-and-Light
- AMD Ryzen 7 8840URival
Thin-and-Light
- Compare head-to-headApple M2Rival
Previous-gen SoC
- Qualcomm Snapdragon X EliteRival
Windows on ARM SoC
- Alt
More CPU/GPU cores and increased memory bandwidth for heavier workloads.
Compare head-to-head - Alt
Maximum core counts and memory support for professional creator workflows.
Compare head-to-head
Intel Core i7-8700T
- AMD Ryzen 5 2600ERival
Low Power Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-8670TRival
Low Power Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 7 2700ERival
Low Power Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-8500TRival
Low Power Desktop
- Intel Core i7-9700TRival
Low Power Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600GEAlt
Much newer and more efficient.
- Intel Core i5-10400TAlt
Similar performance, newer generation.
If you have the cooling for 65W, it's much faster.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 4600GAlt
Better integrated graphics and IPC.
Our Verdict on Each
A balanced step forward that brings 3 nm efficiency, meaningful GPU features, and strong single-threaded performance to thin-and-light Macs.
Best for: Portable Mac for everyday productivity, light content creation, and student use
Read the full reviewAn outstanding 35W processor that doesn't compromise on core count, perfect for silent builds requiring strong multi-threaded capability.
Best for: Building a Small Form Factor (SFF) PC for silent operation.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Apple M3 or Intel Core i7-8700T?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i7-8700T comes out ahead with a score of 8.2/10. 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 M3 or Intel Core i7-8700T?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-8700T leads with a gaming performance score of 65/100 among Apple M3 and Intel Core i7-8700T.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i7-8700T has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i7-8700T (35 W).
Do Apple M3 and Intel Core i7-8700T use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Apple M3: Apple Silicon, Intel Core i7-8700T: Intel Socket 1151), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Apple M3 has the most cores. Core counts: Apple M3 (8 cores), Intel Core i7-8700T (6 cores).
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i7-8700T posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i7-8700T (13,500). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.