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Uzair Qureshi

At HI Digital I test and write about different hardware configurations to show other PC users what they can expect from their build. My end goal is to educate the masses to make the right decision when they are looking for new PC parts to buy

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The release of Apple’s Silicon-based CPUs began a new era for Apple, with the M2 CPU promising even more performance than the M1. On the other hand, Intel’s Alder Lake CPUs brought about a similar revolution for them with their Hybrid Core design. Today, I’m comparing two such revolutionary chips in Core i5-12500H vs Apple M2 to find the better one. 

Key Takeaways

• Architecture-wise, the Core i5-12500H uses Intel’s 10nm node and the x86-64 instruction set. Conversely, the Apple M2 uses TSMC’s 5nm node and the ARMv8 instruction set.
• Regarding performance, the Core i5-12500H performs about 37.2% better in multi-core applications than the Apple M2. In contrast, the Apple M2 is 10.1% faster in single-core applications, on average.
• Core i5-12500H laptops cost between $759 and 2573, while Apple M2 laptops are priced from $1099 to $2499. 
• In addition, Core i5-12500H laptops provide better value as they are cheaper and faster in multi-core applications.

Comparison Table 

Let’s see how the two mobile CPUs line up.

Architectural Differences 

1. Process Nodes: The Core i5-12500H uses the Intel 7 process, which involves a 10nm node. On the other hand, the Apple M2 CPU uses TSMC’s optimized 5nm node called N5P. 
2. Instruction Set: The Core i5-12500H consists of the usual x86-64 instruction set while the Apple M2 uses the ARMv8 instruction set. The ARMv8 consists of fewer, more simplified instructions.
3. Core/Thread Counts: Both CPUs have P and E-cores. The Core i5-12500H has 12 cores with 4 P-cores and 8 E-cores. In contrast, the Apple M2 also has 4 P-cores but with 4 E-cores, totaling 8. As for thread counts, the Core i5-12500H has 16 threads compared to 8 of the Apple M2.
4. Clock Speeds: The Apple M2 has much faster base clock speeds, with 3.5GHz for the P-cores and 2.4GHz for the E-cores. As for the Core i5-12500H, it clocks 2.5GHz (P-cores) and 1.8GHz (E-cores) at base. As for boost clock speeds, the Core i5-12500H can be pushed up to 4.5GHz on the P-cores and 3.3GHz on the E-cores. The Apple M2 does not support boost frequencies.
5. Memory: The Apple M2 has unified memory (up to 24GB), while the Core i5-12500H uses RAM (up to 64GB). As for speeds, the Apple M2 solely uses LPDDR5 at 6400 MT/s. The Core i5-12500H also supports LPDDR5 up to 6400 MT/s, along with DDR4 (3200 MT/s), LPDDR4 (4267 MT/s), and DDR5 (4800 MT/s).
6. Cache: The Core i5-12500H has 80KB of L1 cache/core and 2MB L2 cache/per core. Furthermore, it has 18MB of shared L3 cache. Conversely, the Apple M2 has 192KB of L1 cache/core and a 16MB pool of L2 cache. The Apple M2 does not have an L3 cache.
7. TDP: Regarding TDP, the Core i5-12500H may have a base TDP ranging anywhere from 35 watts to 45 watts. The boost TDP goes up to 95 watts. On the contrary, the Apple M2 is much more power-efficient with a fixed TDP of 15 watts.

Core i5-12500H Vs Apple M2: Benchmarks 

Next, we’ll see how the two CPUs perform in multi-core and single-core applications. The CPUs will be tested in three applications. Let’s begin. 

Cinbench R23 

• Starting with the Cinebench R23 multi-core test, the Core i5-12500H scored 13331 points compared to 8670 points of the Apple M2. 
• In the single-core test, the Core i5-12500H accumulated 1694 points while the Apple M2 trailed with 1593 points.

Also Check: Core i7 13700K Vs Apple M2

Geekbench 5

• In Geekbench 5, the Apple M2 (9034 points) caught up in the multi-core test but was still beaten by the Core i5-12500H. (10301 points) 
• The Apple M2 took the lead in the single-core test with 1939 points. In reply, the Core i5-12500H scored 1624 points. 

Similar Article: Core i5 12500H Vs Core i5 12450H

Passmark

• The last benchmark is Passkmark, in which the Intel Core i5-12500H scored 21863 multi-core points. In response, the Apple M2 kept trailing, with 15453 points this time.
• As for the single-core scores, the Apple M2 is the better CPU again, with 4052 points. The Core i5-12500H accumulated 3570 points.

Similar Read: Apple M2 Vs Ryzen 5 7640U

Overall Performance 

I’ve averaged the results from all three applications to get a more definitive result. Here’s how the two CPUs compete.

• Multi-core Performance: The Core i5-12500H came out on top with 15165 points compared to 11052 points of the Apple M2. Thus, on average, the Core i5-12500H is 37.2% faster than the Apple M2 in multi-core applications. 
• Single-core Performance: The Apple M2 is the better CPU with 2528 points over 2296 of the Core i5-12500H. Thus, the Apple M2 is about 10.1% faster than the Core i5-12500H in multi-core applications. 

Also Read: HP Envy vs HP Pavilion

Laptop Prices

With the specifications and benchmarks out of the way, let’s talk prices. The price data for Intel Core i5-12500H laptops has been estimated from Amazon US, while Apple M2 laptop prices have been taken from the Apple website. These prices are valid as of July 2023. 

• Core i5-12500H: Entry-level laptops will set you back by at least $759, while the best-selling laptops are in the $799-$1559 price bracket. Lastly, the most expensive laptops can cost up to $2573.
• Apple M2: This mobile chip is used in Apple’s MacBook Air 13″ (starting $1099) and 15″ (starting $1299) variants. In addition, it’s used in MacBook Pro 13″ (starting $1299). The starting prices give you 8GB of RAM and 256GB of SSD storage. Every additional 8GB RAM and 256GB SSD costs $200 each. So all-in-all, Apple M2 laptops may cost anywhere between $1099 and $2499.

Similar Comparison: Core i7-1360P Vs Apple M2

Apple M2 Vs Core i5-12500H: Better Value? 

We can now talk about the value of the two CPUs. So, the Core i5-12500H laptops can be up to $300 cheaper than Apple M2 laptops. On top of that, Core i5-12500H is 37.2% better in multi-core applications.

The Apple M2 did perform 10.1% better in single-core applications. The price difference negates that, though, especially since multi-core performance matters more for most tasks, including gaming and web browsing. Thus, Core i5-12500H laptops provide better value than Apple M2 laptops. 

Final Words

This marks the end of our Intel Core i5-12500H vs Apple M2 comparison. We compared the two CPUs in various aspects and determined that the Core i5-12500H provides better value.

Still, the Apple M2 has advantages like power efficiency, unified memory, and its more powerful iGPU. So, the no-nonsense option is the Core i5-12500H, but you should evaluate all your preferences before choosing your next mobile CPU.

Pros And Cons

Core i5-12500H vs Apple M2

Also Read: Apple M2 Pro Vs Apple M2

Uzair Qureshi

[How-To Guides Expert]

Laiba, our tech guru at HI Digital, simplifies and crafts How-To Guides with a Google IT Support Certificate. Beyond tech, she captures the city’s aesthetics through her lens. Join her journey where tech meets creativity!

Get In Touch: Laiba@hidgt.com