CPU Comparison
Apple M4 Pro vs Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Apple M4 Pro is a high‑performance ARM‑based system‑on‑a‑chip (SoC) for professional MacBook Pro laptops, featuring a 12‑ or 14‑core CPU with up to 10 performance cores and a 16‑ or 20‑core GPU, built on a second‑generation 3 nm process and paired with high‑bandwidth unified memory.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Very high multi‑threaded CPU and GPU performance for pro apps like Premiere, Resolve, Blender, and Xcode.
Handles heavily threaded tasks with ease, losing only 1-2% to the 285HX.
Gaming
Strong for an iGPU, especially in native or well‑ported titles; performance in Windows games via emulation can vary and is often lower than comparable Windows gaming laptops.
Performs identically to the flagship in GPU-bound scenarios.
Virtualization
Good performance for running Linux/ARM VMs and Docker, but x86 emulation overhead limits some workloads.
Strong performance for local VMs, limited slightly by dual-channel memory.
Efficiency
Outstanding performance per watt; MacBook Pro 14/16 with M4 Pro deliver high performance with long battery life.
Power-hungry under load, requiring robust laptop cooling.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- 16‑core Neural Engine up to 38 TOPS INT8 across M4 family.
- CPU ML accelerators and GPU compute are suitable for on‑device inference and moderate LLM workloads.
- Larger LLMs still limited by unified memory size and lack of dedicated high‑bandwidth HBM.
- 13 TOPS NPU included
- Total Int8 TOPS up to 36
- Relies heavily on CPU/dGPU for heavy AI
Content Creation
Gaming
- 20‑core GPU is significantly faster than previous M3 Pro GPU.
- Hardware ray tracing and mesh shading improve modern API support.
- Most AAA games still run via emulation; performance and compatibility vary.
- Native Apple‑silicon titles can approach mid‑range discrete laptop GPU levels.
- 5.4 GHz turbo is plenty for high-refresh-rate gaming
- Won't bottleneck high-end mobile GPUs
- Overclockable to match higher-tier SKUs
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Very high single‑threaded and multi‑threaded CPU performance.
- Up to 20‑core GPU with hardware ray tracing.
- High memory bandwidth (273 GB/s) for unified memory.
- Excellent performance per watt; long battery life in MacBook Pros.
- Tight integration with macOS and pro app ecosystem.
- Thunderbolt 5 support on M4 Pro/Max MacBook Pros.
Cons
- Soldered, non‑upgradeable RAM and storage.
- Limited x86 Windows game compatibility without emulation.
- No official overclocking support.
- Maximum 64 GB unified memory may limit very large models.
- Entirely dependent on Apple’s repair and upgrade ecosystem.
Pros
- Excellent value for 24-core performance
- Unlocked multiplier allows matching flagship clocks
- 20 PCIe Gen 5 lanes for maximum expandability
- 36MB L3 cache keeps cores fed
- ECC memory support
Cons
- High power consumption (160W turbo)
- Requires heavy, thick laptop chassis for cooling
- Poor battery life efficiency
- Weak integrated graphics relative to CPU power
Competitors & Alternatives
Apple M4 Pro
- AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370Rival
High‑End Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core Ultra 9 288VRival
High‑End Mobile
- Qualcomm Snapdragon X2 Elite ExtremeRival
High‑End ARM Laptop
- AMD Ryzen 9 8945HXRival
High‑End Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core Ultra 9 275HXRival
High‑End Mobile
- Apple M4 MaxAlt
More GPU cores and higher memory bandwidth for heavier GPU workloads.
- Alt
Lower cost and sufficient for many users who don’t need the extra CPU/GPU headroom.
Compare head-to-head - Alt
Older but often discounted; still strong for many pro workloads.
Compare head-to-head - AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 laptopAlt
Better x86 Windows compatibility and often stronger gaming performance.
- Intel Core Ultra 9 288V laptopAlt
Good Windows alternative with strong single‑threaded performance and x86 compatibility.
Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX
- AMD Ryzen 9 8945HXRival
Mobile (DTR)
- AMD Ryzen 9 7945HXRival
Mobile (DTR)
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i9-14900HXRival
Mobile (DTR)
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core Ultra 9 285HXRival
Mobile (DTR)
- Compare head-to-headApple M3 MaxRival
Mobile Workstation
- AMD Ryzen 9 7900HXAlt
A strong competitor for pure gaming performance.
A more budget-friendly option for mid-range gaming.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 7 8845HSAlt
If portability and battery life are higher priorities.
- AMD Ryzen 9 7945HX3DAlt
Features 3D V-Cache for superior gaming cache.
Our Verdict on Each
A very efficient, high‑performance pro SoC that pushes single‑threaded and multi‑threaded CPU performance while retaining excellent battery life and strong integrated graphics, though it is soldered and locked to Apple’s ecosystem.
Best for: Professionals and advanced creators who need a power‑efficient laptop with strong CPU and GPU performance, long battery life, and macOS ecosystem.
Read the full reviewOffers 95% of the flagship's performance for a better value, maintaining the massive 24-core layout and unlocked overclocking.
Best for: The Core Ultra 9 275HX is highly recommended for gamers and creators seeking near-flagship performance without paying the absolute premium for the highest-tier chips. If you are looking at a high-end gaming laptop and the 275HX option is significantly cheaper than the 285HX, it is often the smarter buy, as the 100MHz difference is negligible in real-world scenarios. It retains the unlocked multiplier, 24 cores, and 20 PCIe Gen 5 lanes, making it highly future-proof. However, like all HX chips, it requires a substantial cooling solution to manage its 160W turbo power, so prioritize laptops with robust thermal designs. Avoid this processor if you need a laptop for casual use or long battery life, as it is inefficient for light workloads. Pair it with a high-end GPU to get the most out of your investment.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Apple M4 Pro or Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Apple M4 Pro comes out ahead with a score of 9.1/10. 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 M4 Pro or Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX?
For gaming, the Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX leads with a gaming performance score of 96/100 among Apple M4 Pro and Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX (55 W).
Do Apple M4 Pro and Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Apple M4 Pro: On‑package (BGA), Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX: Intel BGA 2114), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX has the most cores. Core counts: Apple M4 Pro (14 cores), Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX (24 cores).