CPU Comparison
Apple M5 vs Intel Core Ultra 5 325
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Apple M5 is an ARM-based system-on-chip built on third-generation 3nm technology, featuring up to a 10-core CPU with four performance (super) cores and six efficiency cores, an up-to-10-core GPU with per-core Neural Accelerators, a 16-core Neural Engine, and up to 32GB of LPDDR5X unified memory.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Gaming
Virtualization
Efficiency
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- 16-core Neural Engine improves inference latency for on-device models
- GPU Neural Accelerators target AI graphics workloads like image generation
- Efficient AI execution suitable to Apple Intelligence and local LLMs within memory constraints
- 47 TOPS NPU supports Windows Studio Effects and on‑device inference
- 40 TOPS GPU AI compute complements NPU for hybrid workloads
- Total CPU+GPU+NPU TOPS competitive for mainstream thin‑and‑light AI PCs
Content Creation
Gaming
- Hardware-accelerated ray tracing supported
- Best suited for casual to mid-tier gaming at reasonable settings
- Performance constrained by integrated GPU and thermal limits in fanless chassis
- 4‑core Xe3 iGPU suitable for 1080p low/medium in many titles
- Much faster than older 11th‑gen Xe but slower than 8‑core Xe or Arc B‑series iGPUs
- Best for light and casual gaming rather than high‑refresh or high‑detail AAA
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Strong power efficiency thanks to 3nm process
- Hybrid CPU design balances snappy responsiveness and battery life
- GPU with per-core Neural Accelerators improves AI graphics performance
- 16-core Neural Engine speeds up on-device AI and Apple Intelligence
- Unified memory up to 32GB simplifies configuration for most users
- Hardware-accelerated ray tracing adds realism to supported games and apps
- Fanless-capable in MacBook Air and iPad Pro designs
Cons
- Unified memory ceiling at 32GB limits very large pro workloads
- No user-overclocking or socket-upgrade path
- Apple does not disclose clock speeds or cache sizes publicly
- Multi-core gains over M4 are incremental rather than transformative
- External GPU support is limited by Thunderbolt 4 bandwidth
Pros
- Strong single‑thread and responsiveness for everyday tasks
- Meaningful AI compute with 47 TOPS NPU and 40 TOPS GPU
- Good efficiency on Intel 18A at 25 W base power
- Capable 4‑core Xe3 iGPU with AV1 and modern display outputs
- 12 MB Smart Cache improves gaming and threaded workloads
- Supports DDR5‑6400 and LPDDR5X‑7467 with up to 128 GB RAM
Cons
- Only 8 threads with no SMT; weaker in heavily threaded workloads than higher‑core SKUs
- Locked multiplier limits overclocking headroom
- 12 PCIe lanes may constrain expansion in some designs
- Only four P‑cores; not ideal for sustained all‑core workloads compared to 6+ core rivals
- OEM‑dependent GPU branding (Intel Graphics vs Arc) can be confusing
Competitors & Alternatives
Apple M5
- Compare head-to-headApple M4Rival
Premium Tablet/Laptop SoC
- Qualcomm Snapdragon X EliteRival
Windows Laptop SoC
- Intel Core Ultra 7 155HRival
Thin-and-Light Laptop CPU
- AMD Ryzen AI 9 365Rival
Thin-and-Light Laptop CPU
- MediaTek Dimensity 9400Rival
Premium Tablet SoC
- Alt
More CPU/GPU cores, higher memory bandwidth and capacity for demanding pro workloads.
Compare head-to-head - Alt
Maximized core counts and memory bandwidth for heavy 3D, video, and AI workloads.
Compare head-to-head
Intel Core Ultra 5 325
- AMD Ryzen AI 7 350Rival
Mainstream Mobile AI APU
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core Ultra 5 332Rival
Mainstream Mobile / Thin-and-Light
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core Ultra 7 355Rival
Mainstream Mobile / Premium Thin-and-Light
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core Ultra 5 322Rival
Entry-Level Mobile / Value
- AMD Ryzen 7 8840URival
Thin-and-Light Mobile
- Intel Core Ultra 5 125HAlt
Older Meteor Lake part with 14 cores/18 threads; more threaded performance but lower efficiency and weaker NPU/GPU AI features.
Our Verdict on Each
The base M5 balances meaningful gains in AI graphics and efficiency with modest bumps in CPU throughput, making it a compelling upgrade for M1/M2 users especially on fanless designs like MacBook Air and iPad Pro.
Best for: Upgrading from M1/M2 MacBook Air or earlier iPad Pro, and prioritizing battery life and on-device AI in a portable device.
Read the full reviewA solid mainstream mobile SoC that delivers meaningful CPU and NPU upgrades over prior Ultra 5 generations, with good efficiency and capable integrated graphics—best for users who want AI features and balanced performance in a thin laptop rather than outright compute headroom.
Best for: Thin‑and‑light AI PC where you want strong efficiency, modern AI features, and better integrated graphics than older Ultra 5 chips, but don’t need the extra cores or GPU power of Core Ultra 7 or X7 SKUs.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Apple M5 or Intel Core Ultra 5 325?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Apple M5 comes out ahead with a score of 8.7/10. 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 M5 or Intel Core Ultra 5 325?
For gaming, the Intel Core Ultra 5 325 leads with a gaming performance score of 78/100 among Apple M5 and Intel Core Ultra 5 325.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core Ultra 5 325 has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core Ultra 5 325 (25 W).
Do Apple M5 and Intel Core Ultra 5 325 use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Apple M5: BGA (SoC), Intel Core Ultra 5 325: FCBGA2540), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Apple M5 has the most cores. Core counts: Apple M5 (10 cores), Intel Core Ultra 5 325 (8 cores).