CPU Comparison
Apple M3 vs Intel Core Ultra 5 225H
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.
14 cores provide smooth performance, though the low base clock can cause lag in bursty tasks.
Gaming
The Arc 130T iGPU handles esports and older AAA titles well at 1080p medium settings.
Virtualization
Adequate for light VMs, but limited by 28W base power and 8 PCIe lanes.
Efficiency
Strong battery life in MacBook Air and Pro implementations; 3 nm helps reduce active power relative to workload.
LP-E cores ensure exceptional battery life during idle and light tasks.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- 16-core Neural Engine accelerates on-device ML workloads
- Media engine includes AV1 decode for efficient video streaming
- 83 TOPS easily meets Copilot+ PC requirements
- Arc GPU handles the bulk of AI workloads
- 13 TOPS NPU handles background AI efficiently
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
- Arc 130T is a major leap over previous Intel iGPUs
- Best suited for 1080p gaming
- Performance scales well when OEMs allow higher power limits
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
- Excellent power efficiency via LP-E cores
- Strong Arc 130T integrated graphics
- Capable 83 TOPS AI performance
- Flexible DDR5 and LPDDR5X support
- Good battery life
Cons
- Low 1.7 GHz base clock limits sustained performance
- Limited to 8 CPU-direct PCIe Gen 5 lanes
- No overclocking support
- Reliant on OEMs for proper power tuning
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 Ultra 5 225H
- AMD Ryzen 7 8840HSRival
Thin-and-Light
- Compare head-to-headApple M3Rival
Premium Mobile
If you need more power and don't mind a thicker laptop with worse battery life.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen AI 9 365Alt
Strong alternative if you prioritize battery life and AI efficiency.
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 reviewThe 225H provides a solid balance of multi-core performance and efficiency for everyday laptops, though its 28W base power limits peak performance compared to HX-series chips.
Best for: Purchasing a premium thin-and-light laptop for work, school, and light gaming.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Apple M3 or Intel Core Ultra 5 225H?
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 Ultra 5 225H?
For gaming, the Intel Core Ultra 5 225H leads with a gaming performance score of 75/100 among Apple M3 and Intel Core Ultra 5 225H.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core Ultra 5 225H has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core Ultra 5 225H (28 W).
Do Apple M3 and Intel Core Ultra 5 225H use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Apple M3: Apple Silicon, Intel Core Ultra 5 225H: Intel BGA 2049), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Core Ultra 5 225H has the most cores. Core counts: Apple M3 (8 cores), Intel Core Ultra 5 225H (14 cores).