Core i5-12500H Vs Apple M2: We Tested Both

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Uzair Qureshi

At Tech4Gamers, I proudly wear the title of Comparisons Specialist. Focused on CPUs and GPUs, I bring forth a wealth of hands-on experience and a keen eye for detail to provide our audience with the latest insights and analyses.

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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

[Comparisons Specialist]

I’m a passionate computer hardware expert specializing in CPUs and GPUs. With a lifelong curiosity for hardware and extensive hands-on experience, I provide valuable insights, practical advice, and in-depth analysis on these components. Engaging with the hardware community, I exchange knowledge and stay at the forefront of technological advancements.

Get In Touch: uzair@old.tech4gamers.com