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Is the M4 line of Macs the faster single core computer in the world?
- Thread starter Phonzoxd
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The M4 processor is not single core.
Also the M4 Max is slower than some Intel and AMD processors, though it does use a lot less power than fastest processors. For some tasks the M2 Ultra is the fastest Apple processor.
Also the M4 Max is slower than some Intel and AMD processors, though it does use a lot less power than fastest processors. For some tasks the M2 Ultra is the fastest Apple processor.
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I think he was just referring to a single core performance not it being a single core processor. I could be wrong though.
It likely has the highest geekbench score, but that’s just one benchmark so it only relevant to whatever that benchmark does.
It’s likely the fastest single and multi core processor in a laptop, but I doubt it is faster than top end Intel and AMD desktop processors. Also, it’s miles ahead Intel when it comes to power consumption, which is the main factor on the laptop. Oh, one day Microsoft will get Windows on arm working correctly 😂
IMO benchmarks are only relevant if the benchmark is doing what the user is doing in the real world. If the benchmark is rendering 3D graphics and the user only browses in the web, then the benchmark isn’t that’s relevant. Perhaps a web browsing benchmark would be more relevant. I think too many people get hung up with benchmarks that mean nothing to what they’re using the computer for. Maybe it’s good if you want to brag to your friends that your computer has a higher benchmark result than theirs.
You are probably right. It just sounded odd.
In that case, these two pages may be relevant.
Laptop Processors Ranking List [2025] - NanoReview
Ranking of the best laptop CPUs based on real-world tests, benchmarks, power efficiency, iGPU performance and other factors.
nanoreview.net
Desktop Processors Ranking List [2025] - NanoReview
Explore our comprehensive performance rating of desktop CPUs based on benchmarks (like Cinebench/GeekBench) and real-world tests.
nanoreview.net
But real life heavy workloads are all multithreaded and so the multicore scores are more useful. The Intel and AMD desktop processors are way ahead of M4 Max on this basis, and somewhat ahead for laptops.
But, I don't purchase my computers based solely on benchmark scores.
Totally agree with this. It was hard to tell and I might be wrong.
Yeah, I suspected a desktop computer supplied with hundreds of watts would overpower the low wattage Apple processors.
Apple really did well when it comes to laptops. You can’t put that much power into a laptop without getting ridiculous with the power supplies and then you have heat, which doesn’t work so well and the very small enclosure. Many laptops throttle down when unplugged.
As to real life heavy workloads, I totally agree multi core is what to look for but most people don’t do real life heavy workloads. I find many people fascinated with benchmarks often are the ones doing light tasks, other than benchmarks of course. The last part is just a joke (sort of) so people don’t get offended 😂
This is very smart. Purchase computers based on what you’re doing with them not some benchmark. CPU and GPU speed is something to look at, but even then you want to look at it how it relates to your applications. The OS is a big factor because if whatever you’re doing, doesn’t work on windows or macOS that will make your decision. If it’s a laptop, then there’s a whole bunch of other factors like battery life, the keyboard, how the screen looks, portability.