CPU Comparison
Apple M3 vs Intel Core i7-11700T
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 office tasks and moderate compilation well, but slows down in sustained all-core workloads.
Gaming
The low base clock can cause stuttering in CPU-heavy games unless the turbo is aggressively sustained.
Virtualization
8 cores are nice, but power limits throttle heavy VM deployments.
Efficiency
Strong battery life in MacBook Air and Pro implementations; 3 nm helps reduce active power relative to workload.
Outstanding efficiency, drawing minimal power at idle and under load.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- 16-core Neural Engine accelerates on-device ML workloads
- Media engine includes AV1 decode for efficient video streaming
- Not suitable for heavy AI workloads due to power throttling
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
- Low base clock affects minimum FPS
- Fine for casual or older games
- Pair with a low-power GPU for best results
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
- Includes 8 cores and 16 threads
- Built-in UHD 750 graphics
- Supports PCIe 4.0
Cons
- Very low base clock of 1.4 GHz
- End-of-life platform
- Overpriced compared to 65W variants
- Throttles quickly under sustained load
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 i7-11700T
- AMD Ryzen 7 5700GRival
Desktop APU
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600GERival
Low-Power Desktop
- Intel Core i5-11400TRival
Low-Power Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-11700Rival
Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i9-11900TRival
Low-Power Desktop
- Intel Core i5-12400TAlt
Newer architecture with better efficiency and performance.
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600Alt
Better gaming performance and upgrade path.
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 reviewGreat for specialized SFF builds needing 8 cores at 35W, but the low base clock heavily limits out-of-the-box performance compared to 65W parts.
Best for: Building a PC inside a severely thermally constrained Mini-ITX case.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Apple M3 or Intel Core i7-11700T?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Apple M3 comes out ahead with a score of 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 M3 or Intel Core i7-11700T?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-11700T leads with a gaming performance score of 60/100 among Apple M3 and Intel Core i7-11700T.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i7-11700T has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i7-11700T (35 W).
Do Apple M3 and Intel Core i7-11700T use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Apple M3: Apple Silicon, Intel Core i7-11700T: LGA 1200), so each needs a compatible motherboard.