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Apple M4 8 Core Cpu Review | 78 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£920
  • Avg. price in US: ~$1,000
  • PassMark benchmark result: 20737
  • N. of physical cores: 8
  • CPU boost clock speed: 4.0 GHz

Apple M4 8 Core Cpu review. Compare 78 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among processors and if it is worth buying.

6.8

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the processor's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best processors on the market.

Score components:

90.0%

6.8

Technical Score

10.0%

?

User score

Good
6.8

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the processor's technical performance, covering key areas such as processing performance, core configuration, efficiency, platform support, integrated features, and thermal behavior.

When it matters: When you want to compare processors based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

60.0%

6.2

Performance

18.0%

8.6

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

7.2

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

6.9

Power & Thermal

4.0%

6.0

Platform

1.0%

8.7

Integrated Graphics

Good
?

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the processor.

When it matters: When you want to know how a processor performs in real workloads and how reliable it is for gaming, productivity, and efficiency according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

?

User reviews

30.0%

?

Popularity

  • 7.9
    Gaming

    Score components:

    30.0%

    8.8

    PassMark single-core benchmark score

    25.0%

    10

    Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    4.6

    CPU boost clock speed

    17.0%

    9.0

    L3 cache

    8.0%

    3.5

    N. of physical cores

  • 5.4
    Video editing

    Score components:

    45.0%

    6.2

    Geekbench 6 multi-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    3.5

    N. of physical cores

    20.0%

    2.8

    CPU threads

    15.0%

    9.0

    L3 cache

  • No image
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Best prices in UK

    N/A~ £920

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Apple M4 8-core CPU, built on a second-generation 3-nanometer process with 28 billion transistors, features a hybrid architecture of 4 performance cores (up to 4.4 GHz) and 4 efficiency cores. It includes a 16-core Neural Engine capable of 38 TOPS for AI tasks, a matching 8-core GPU with hardware-accelerated ray tracing, and supports up to 32GB of LPDDR5X-7500 unified memory with 120 GB/s bandwidth. Main pros include industry-leading single-threaded performance, exceptional power efficiency for extended battery life, and a dedicated display engine that offloads tasks for smoother rendering. However, as the entry-level binned variant, it lacks the extra efficiency cores of the 10-core version and is limited to fewer Thunderbolt ports and single external display support in certain base-model configurations.

Technical Specifications of processor Apple M4 8 Core Cpu

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the processor's technical performance, covering key areas such as processing performance, core configuration, efficiency, platform support, integrated features, and thermal behavior.

When it matters: When you want to compare processors based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

60.0%

?

Performance

18.0%

?

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

?

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

?

Power & Thermal

4.0%

?

Platform

1.0%

?

Integrated Graphics

6.8
Apple M4 8 Core Cpu has a technical score of 6.81 points, which is higher than that of 80.8% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the processor.

When it matters: When you want to know how a processor performs in real workloads and how reliable it is for gaming, productivity, and efficiency according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

0.0

User reviews

30.0%

1.0

Popularity

?
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the processor.
When it matters: When you prefer to choose a processor reviewed and selected by many other buyers.
1.0
Apple M4 8 Core Cpu has a popularity of 1 points, which is higher than 0% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the processor's overall rating with its cost.

When it matters: When you are looking for a processor with a good balance between performance, efficiency, and price.

Score components:

60.0%

6.8

Overall score

40.0%

5.7

Price

6.5
Apple M4 8 Core Cpu has a quality-to-price ratio of 6.5 points, which is higher than 53% of products in this category.
Brand name
What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.
When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Apple
Processor type
What it is: The kind of system the processor is built for, such as desktop PCs, laptops, workstations, or servers.
When it matters: When you want a processor meant for the kind of machine you are actually building or buying, rather than a chip aimed at a different class of system.

Importance: HIGH

mobile
Apple M4 8 Core Cpu belongs to the mobile processor class, which is more advanced than that of 7.3% of processors and equal to that of 48.6% of processors.
CPU socket
What it is: The physical socket the processor fits into on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you need to make sure the CPU can actually be installed on a specific motherboard.

Importance: HIGH

N/A
Chipset
What it is: The motherboard chipset families officially meant to work with the processor.
When it matters: When you are checking whether a CPU will work with the motherboard features and platform you plan to use.

Importance: HIGH

N/A
CPU architecture
What it is: The processor family or design generation behind the chip, such as Zen 4 or Raptor Lake.
When it matters: When you are comparing CPUs across generations and want a clearer sense of their design age, feature level, and expected performance class.

Importance: HIGH

ARM64
Apple M4 8 Core Cpu uses the ARM64 architecture, which is less advanced than that of 98.4% of processors and equal to that of 1.7% of processors.
Apple silicon
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N. of physical cores
What it is: The number of physical CPU cores on the processor.
When it matters: When you run workloads that benefit from more real cores.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 8+

8
Apple M4 8 Core Cpu has 8 CPU cores, which is more than 63.4% of processors and equal to 13.6% of processors.
CPU threads
What it is: The total number of processing threads the CPU can handle at once.
When it matters: When you run heavily threaded workloads or multitask a lot.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 16+

8
Apple M4 8 Core Cpu offers 8 CPU threads, which is more than 35.3% of processors and equal to 19% of processors.
Threads per core
What it is: The number of threads each physical core can handle at once.
When it matters: When you want to understand how much thread-level parallelism each core can provide in multitasking or heavily threaded work.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: 2

1
Apple M4 8 Core Cpu offers 1 threads per core, which is fewer than 69.7% of processors and equal to 30.3% of processors.
CPU boost clock speed
What it is: The highest clock speed the processor can reach under boost conditions.
When it matters: When you care about peak speed in short bursts.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >4.7 GHz

4.0 GHz
Apple M4 8 Core Cpu reaches a boost clock of 4.0 GHz which is lower than that of 59.8% of processors and equal to that of 5% of processors.
CPU base clock speed
What it is: The processor's normal all-core starting frequency before boost behavior raises clocks temporarily.
When it matters: When you care about steadier performance in longer workloads rather than short burst speed alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

4 x 4.05 GHz & 4 x 2.75 GHz
Apple M4 8 Core Cpu has a base clock of 4x4.05 GHz & 4x2.75 GHz which is equal to that of 100% of processors.
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Semiconductor size
What it is: The manufacturing process node used to produce the processor, usually expressed in nanometers.
When it matters: When efficiency, heat, and the relative modernity of the chip-making process matter to your comparison.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <10 nm

3 nm
Apple M4 8 Core Cpu uses a 3 nm process node, which is more advanced than that of 96% of processors and equal to that of 4% of processors.
Foundry
What it is: The semiconductor manufacturer that physically fabricates the processor chip.
When it matters: When process source, manufacturing generation, or foundry differences matter to your comparison more than day-to-day performance alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

TSMC 3 nm
Apple M4 8 Core Cpu is built on the TSMC 3 nm foundry process, which is more advanced than that of 96.2% of processors and equal to that of 3.8% of processors.
L3 cache
What it is: The total amount of L3 cache available on the processor.
When it matters: When you want better performance in cache-sensitive workloads and games.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=16 MB

?
L2 cache
What it is: The total amount of L2 cache available across the processor.
When it matters: When you want to compare CPU design efficiency and how much fast intermediate cache the cores have available.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=6 MB

20 MB
Apple M4 8 Core Cpu has an L2 cache of 20 MB which is larger than that of 93.2% of processors and equal to that of 1.1% of processors.
L1 cache
What it is: The total amount of L1 cache built into the processor, which sits closest to the cores.
When it matters: When you are comparing low-level CPU design details rather than the broader performance picture buyers usually notice first.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=512 KB

?
Show more
DDR memory version
What it is: The RAM generation the processor is designed to support, such as DDR4 or DDR5.
When it matters: When you need the CPU to match the kind of memory platform you want to buy or reuse.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: DDR5

LPDDR5X
Apple M4 8 Core Cpu supports DDR LPDDR5X, which is newer than that of 89.9% of processors and equal to that of 1.5% of processors.
Maximum memory speed
What it is: The highest official memory speed supported by the processor.
When it matters: When you choose RAM and want to know the supported speed ceiling.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=4800 MHz

7,500 MHz
Apple M4 8 Core Cpu supports memory speeds up to 7500 MHz, which is higher than that of 93.3% of processors and equal to 3.7% of processors.
Max memory speed (JEDEC)
What it is: The highest official RAM speed the processor supports under standard JEDEC settings, before any memory overclocking profiles are applied.
When it matters: When officially supported stock RAM speed matters more than XMP, EXPO, or manual memory tuning.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5600 MHz

LPDDR5X-7500 MHz
Apple M4 8 Core Cpu supports JEDEC memory speeds up to LPDDR5X-7500 MHz, which is higher than that of 94.2% of processors and equal to 3.1% of processors.
Max memory speed (XMP / EXPO)
What it is: The highest memory speed supported through XMP or EXPO profiles.
When it matters: When you want faster RAM through memory profiles.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5200 MHz

N/A
Maximum memory capacity
What it is: The largest total amount of memory officially supported by the processor.
When it matters: When you plan a system with very large RAM capacity.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=128 GB

32 GB
Apple M4 8 Core Cpu supports up to 32 GB of memory, which is less than 71.9% of processors and equal to 19.5% of processors.
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Integrated graphics
What it is: Includes built-in graphics, so the system can output video without a separate graphics card.
When it matters: When you want the PC to work without a dedicated GPU, or you are building an office, media, compact, or troubleshooting-friendly system.

Importance: HIGH

yes
Apple M4 8 Core Cpu includes integrated graphics. 87.6% of processors include integrated graphics.
Apple 8-core GPU
Integrated GPU model
What it is: The model name of the integrated graphics processor, if present.
When it matters: When you plan to use the CPU's built-in graphics.

Importance: MEDIUM

Apple 8-core GPU
Apple M4 8 Core Cpu uses the Apple 8-core GPU integrated GPU, which is more advanced than that in 99% of processors.
Integrated GPU execution units
What it is: The number of execution units available in the integrated graphics part of the processor.
When it matters: When you plan to rely on built-in graphics and want a better sense of its light gaming, display, or media capability.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=24

128
Apple M4 8 Core Cpu has 128 GPU execution units, which is more than 99.4% of processors and equal to 0.7% of processors.
Integrated GPU base frequency
What it is: The base operating frequency of the integrated GPU.
When it matters: When integrated graphics performance matters to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=350 MHz

?
Integrated media encoders/decoders
What it is: The hardware media formats the processor can encode or decode directly.
When it matters: When you stream, edit video, or rely on hardware media acceleration.

Importance: LOW

AV1 (HW decode), ProRes RAW (HW decode/encode)
Apple M4 8 Core Cpu supports AV1 (HW decode), ProRes RAW (HW decode/encode) media codecs, which is broader support than 55.1% of processors and equal to 0.2% of processors.
Show more
TDP (Thermal design power)
What it is: The rated thermal design power, which gives a general idea of cooling and power needs.
When it matters: When you choose a cooler or build in a tighter case.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <30 W

22 W
Apple M4 8 Core Cpu has a TDP of 22 W which is lower than that of 75.5% of processors and equal to that of 0.1% of processors.
Base power (PL1)
What it is: The sustained power target used for longer CPU loads.
When it matters: When you choose cooling and power delivery for sustained workloads.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <30 W

5 W
Apple M4 8 Core Cpu has a base power of 5 W which is lower than that of 98.6% of processors and equal to that of 0.5% of processors.
Boost power (PL2)
What it is: The short-term boost power limit the processor may draw under heavier turbo loads.
When it matters: When you size cooling and power delivery for peak turbo behavior.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <50 W

15 W
Apple M4 8 Core Cpu has a boost power of 15 W which is lower than that of 93.8% of processors and equal to that of 0.9% of processors.
Tau (power duration limit)
What it is: The time limit the CPU can stay at higher boost power before dropping toward sustained power.
When it matters: When you want to understand turbo behavior under longer loads.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=28 s

N/A
Configurable TDP
What it is: Allows the processor to run in alternate power modes instead of being fixed to one default TDP target.
When it matters: When you want more control over heat, noise, and power draw in compact systems, quieter builds, or thermally limited machines.

Importance: LOW

no
Apple M4 8 Core Cpu does not support configurable TDP. 52.9% of processors support configurable TDP.
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Apple M4 8 Core Cpu vs the average processor

  • 2.5x higher single-core score
    Apple M4 8 Core Cpu has a higher Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (3,682 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
    What it is: A Geekbench 6 score that reflects single-core CPU performance in mixed modern workloads.
    When it matters: When you care about snappy everyday performance in lighter apps, browsing, office work, or tasks that do not scale well across many cores.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >2000

    Apple M4 8 Core Cpu has a higher Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (3,682 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.3,682 vs 1,471
  • 79.9% better single-core performance
    Apple M4 8 Core Cpu has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (4,468 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.
    What it is: A benchmark score that reflects single-core CPU performance.
    When it matters: When you care about responsiveness in lighter or older software.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >3200

    Apple M4 8 Core Cpu has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (4,468 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.4,468 vs 2,483
  • 2.84x higher multi-core score
    Apple M4 8 Core Cpu has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (13,617 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
    What it is: A Geekbench 6 score that reflects multi-core CPU performance in mixed modern workloads.
    When it matters: When you want a quick picture of multi-core speed in everyday mixed workloads, multitasking, and broadly optimized software.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >8500

    Apple M4 8 Core Cpu has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (13,617 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.13,617 vs 4,793
  • 8x larger L2 cache
    Apple M4 8 Core Cpu has a higher L2 cache than the average processor (20 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.
    What it is: The total amount of L2 cache available across the processor.
    When it matters: When you want to compare CPU design efficiency and how much fast intermediate cache the cores have available.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=6 MB

    Apple M4 8 Core Cpu has a higher L2 cache than the average processor (20 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.20 MB vs 2.5 MB
  • 75% smaller process node
    Apple M4 8 Core Cpu has a lower process node than the average processor (3 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
    What it is: The manufacturing process node used to produce the processor, usually expressed in nanometers.
    When it matters: When efficiency, heat, and the relative modernity of the chip-making process matter to your comparison.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: <10 nm

    Apple M4 8 Core Cpu has a lower process node than the average processor (3 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.3 nm vs 12 nm
  • 2.56x higher memory speed
    Apple M4 8 Core Cpu has a higher maximum memory speed than the average processor (7,500 MHz vs 2,933 MHz). The average processor supports memory speed of 2,933 MHz.
    What it is: The highest official memory speed supported by the processor.
    When it matters: When you choose RAM and want to know the supported speed ceiling.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >=4800 MHz

    Apple M4 8 Core Cpu has a higher maximum memory speed than the average processor (7,500 MHz vs 2,933 MHz). The average processor supports memory speed of 2,933 MHz.7500 MHz vs 2933 MHz
  • 2.62x higher memory bandwidth
    Apple M4 8 Core Cpu has a higher memory bandwidth than the average processor (120 GB/s vs 45.8 GB/s). The average processor offers memory bandwidth of 45.8 GB/s.
    What it is: The maximum theoretical memory bandwidth the processor can support.
    When it matters: When memory-heavy workloads matter to you.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >75 GB/s

    Apple M4 8 Core Cpu has a higher memory bandwidth than the average processor (120 GB/s vs 45.8 GB/s). The average processor offers memory bandwidth of 45.8 GB/s.120 GB/s vs 45.8 GB/s
  • 88.9% lower base power
    Apple M4 8 Core Cpu has a lower base power draw than the average processor (5 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
    What it is: The sustained power target used for longer CPU loads.
    When it matters: When you choose cooling and power delivery for sustained workloads.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <30 W

    Apple M4 8 Core Cpu has a lower base power draw than the average processor (5 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.5 W vs 45 W
  • 4 year/s newer release date
    Apple M4 8 Core Cpu has a newer release date than the average processor (2,024 vs 2,020).
  • Supports HMP
    Apple M4 8 Core Cpu supports HMP, the average processor does not.
  • 2.5x higher single-core score
    Apple M4 8 Core Cpu has a higher Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (3,682 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
  • 79.9% better single-core performance
    Apple M4 8 Core Cpu has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (4,468 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.
  • 2.84x higher multi-core score
    Apple M4 8 Core Cpu has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (13,617 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
  • 96.9% higher PassMark score
    Apple M4 8 Core Cpu has a higher PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (20,737 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.
  • 2 more CPU cores
    Apple M4 8 Core Cpu has more CPU cores than the average processor (8 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
  • 6 wider front-end design
    Apple M4 8 Core Cpu has a higher front-end width than the average processor (10 vs 4). The average processor uses front-end width of 4.
  • 8x larger L2 cache
    Apple M4 8 Core Cpu has a higher L2 cache than the average processor (20 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.
  • 75% smaller process node
    Apple M4 8 Core Cpu has a lower process node than the average processor (3 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
  • Uses big.LITTLE design
    Apple M4 8 Core Cpu uses a big.LITTLE design, the average processor does not.
  • More advanced foundry
    Apple M4 8 Core Cpu uses a more advanced foundry process than the average processor (TSMC 3 nm vs Intel 14 nm).
  • 5.66x more transistors
    Apple M4 8 Core Cpu has more transistors than the average processor (28 billion vs 4.95 billion). The average processor has 4.95 billion transistors.
  • 2.56x higher memory speed
    Apple M4 8 Core Cpu has a higher maximum memory speed than the average processor (7,500 MHz vs 2,933 MHz). The average processor supports memory speed of 2,933 MHz.
  • 2.62x higher memory bandwidth
    Apple M4 8 Core Cpu has a higher memory bandwidth than the average processor (120 GB/s vs 45.8 GB/s). The average processor offers memory bandwidth of 45.8 GB/s.
  • Newer DDR support
    Apple M4 8 Core Cpu supports a newer DDR generation than the average processor (LPDDR5X vs DDR4).
  • 5.33x more GPU execution units
    Apple M4 8 Core Cpu has more GPU execution units than the average processor (128 vs 24). The average processor has 24 GPU execution units.
  • 88.9% lower base power
    Apple M4 8 Core Cpu has a lower base power draw than the average processor (5 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
  • 76.6% lower boost power
    Apple M4 8 Core Cpu has a lower boost power draw than the average processor (15 W vs 64 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 64 W.
  • 51.1% lower TDP
    Apple M4 8 Core Cpu has a lower TDP than the average processor (22 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.

Total
Platform
Performance
Cache & Architecture
Memory & PCIe
Integrated Graphics
Power & Thermal
  • Narrower instruction support
    Apple M4 8 Core Cpu supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (NEON, AES, SHA2, SHA3, FP16, AMX, SME vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA).
  • No multithreading support
    Apple M4 8 Core Cpu does not support multithreading, the average processor does.
  • 7% lower boost clock
    Apple M4 8 Core Cpu has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (4 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.
  • 1 fewer threads per core
    Apple M4 8 Core Cpu has fewer threads per core than the average processor (1 vs 2). The average processor offers 2 threads per core.
  • 50% less memory capacity
    Apple M4 8 Core Cpu has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average processor (32 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.
  • Narrower media codec support
    Apple M4 8 Core Cpu supports fewer media codecs than the average processor (AV1 (HW decode), ProRes RAW (HW decode/encode) vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode)).
  • No configurable TDP
    Apple M4 8 Core Cpu does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
  • No multithreading support
    Apple M4 8 Core Cpu does not support multithreading, the average processor does.
    What it is: Lets each physical core run more than one thread at the same time, such as with Hyper-Threading or SMT.
    When it matters: When multitasking, rendering, compiling, virtualization, or other thread-heavy work benefits from more total processing threads.

    Importance: HIGH

    Apple M4 8 Core Cpu does not support multithreading, the average processor does.
  • Narrower instruction support
    Apple M4 8 Core Cpu supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (NEON, AES, SHA2, SHA3, FP16, AMX, SME vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA).
    What it is: The supported CPU instruction sets and extensions.
    When it matters: When you run software that depends on specific CPU instructions.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Apple M4 8 Core Cpu supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (NEON, AES, SHA2, SHA3, FP16, AMX, SME vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA).NEON, AES, SHA2, SHA3, FP16, AMX, SME vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA
  • 7% lower boost clock
    Apple M4 8 Core Cpu has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (4 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.
    What it is: The highest clock speed the processor can reach under boost conditions.
    When it matters: When you care about peak speed in short bursts.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >4.7 GHz

    Apple M4 8 Core Cpu has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (4 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.4.0 GHz vs 4.3 GHz
  • No configurable TDP
    Apple M4 8 Core Cpu does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
    What it is: Allows the processor to run in alternate power modes instead of being fixed to one default TDP target.
    When it matters: When you want more control over heat, noise, and power draw in compact systems, quieter builds, or thermally limited machines.

    Importance: LOW

    Apple M4 8 Core Cpu does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
  • 3.68x more expensive
    Apple M4 8 Core Cpu is more expensive than the average processor (£920 vs £250).
    Apple M4 8 Core Cpu is more expensive than the average processor (£920 vs £250).£920 vs £250
  • 50% less memory capacity
    Apple M4 8 Core Cpu has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average processor (32 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.
    What it is: The largest total amount of memory officially supported by the processor.
    When it matters: When you plan a system with very large RAM capacity.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >=128 GB

    Apple M4 8 Core Cpu has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average processor (32 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.32 GB vs 64 GB
  • 1 fewer threads per core
    Apple M4 8 Core Cpu has fewer threads per core than the average processor (1 vs 2). The average processor offers 2 threads per core.
    What it is: The number of threads each physical core can handle at once.
    When it matters: When you want to understand how much thread-level parallelism each core can provide in multitasking or heavily threaded work.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: 2

    Apple M4 8 Core Cpu has fewer threads per core than the average processor (1 vs 2). The average processor offers 2 threads per core.1 vs 2
  • Narrower media codec support
    Apple M4 8 Core Cpu supports fewer media codecs than the average processor (AV1 (HW decode), ProRes RAW (HW decode/encode) vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode)).
    What it is: The hardware media formats the processor can encode or decode directly.
    When it matters: When you stream, edit video, or rely on hardware media acceleration.

    Importance: LOW

    Apple M4 8 Core Cpu supports fewer media codecs than the average processor (AV1 (HW decode), ProRes RAW (HW decode/encode) vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode)).AV1 (HW decode), ProRes RAW (HW decode/encode) vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode)
Total
Overall
Platform
Performance
Memory & PCIe
Integrated Graphics
Power & Thermal

Graphic comparison of Apple M4 8 Core Cpu and other processors

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Third-party reviews

What customers like about Apple M4 8 Core Cpu?

  • Exceptional single-core performance, outperforming many high-end desktop CPUs in snappiness
  • Outstanding energy efficiency leading to class-leading battery life in portable devices
  • Significantly faster multi-core processing compared to previous M1/M2 generations
  • Advanced 16-core Neural Engine provides excellent headroom for local AI and 'Apple Intelligence' features
  • Cool and silent operation even under moderate workloads, especially in fanless designs like the iPad

What customers dislike about Apple M4 8 Core Cpu?

  • 8-core CPU variant is often paired with lower base RAM (e.g., 8GB or 16GB) which can limit high-end professional multitasking
  • Limited to two external displays on certain models, even with the performance increase
  • Incremental performance gains for users already on M3-series chips
  • 8-core configuration is 'binned' and roughly 10-20% slower in multi-threaded tasks than the full 10-core M4
  • Hardware capabilities often exceed the current limitations of iPadOS for 'Pro' users

Expert reviews

T
theguardian.com
10/04/2025
Apple MacBook Air M4 review: the laptop to beat, now cheaper

The Guardian's review of the 2025 MacBook Air M4 highlights a significant value shift, with the device now starting at £999 ($999) featuring the powerful M4 chip and a boosted 16GB of RAM, effectively addressing previous 8GB entry-level criticisms. Key performance pros include "super-fast" M4 speeds in a silent, fanless design, outstanding 16-hour battery life, and an upgraded...Read more

U
uk.pcmag.com
06/04/2025
Apple's M4 Silicon Tested and Compared—in All the New Macs

The PCMag review indicates the Apple M4 series offers significant performance boosts, with the base M4 rivaling previous mid-tier M3 Pro chips and featuring a 22% increase in single-core capability. A major advantage is the enhanced 16-core Neural Engine, which doubles processing speed to 38 trillion operations per second to better support Apple Intelligence features. The 14-inch...Read more

C
cpubenchmark.net
Q4 2024
Apple M4 8 Core - CPU Benchmarks

Built on a second-generation 3nm process, the Apple M4 8-Core processor features a 4 core architecture with a 4.5 GHz base clock, delivering a 20,737 PassMark score. The chip excels in single-threaded performance and energy efficiency (22W TDP), with a 16-core Neural Engine designed for 38 TOPS in AI tasks and an 8-core GPU with hardware ray tracing. As an entry-level model, it is...Read more

C
cpu-monkey.com
02/03/2026
Apple M4 (8-core CPU) Benchmarks & Technical Specifications

The Apple M4 (8-CPU) is an entry-level 3nm processor utilizing a hybrid architecture with 4 performance and 4 efficiency cores, boasting 120 GB/s memory bandwidth and a 20 MB L2 cache. It features substantial performance gains, including a 23% increase in single-core speed over the M3 and 38 TOPS for AI tasks, along with an 8-core GPU capable of hardware-accelerated ray tracing....Read more

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laptopmedia.com
26/06/2025
Apple MacBook Air (13.6", M4) - The Silent King of Efficiency

The Apple MacBook Air 13 (M4), dubbed the "silent king of efficiency," offers exceptional, fanless performance with single-core speeds that surpass top-tier competitors by roughly 20%, featuring a 13.6-inch PWM-free Liquid Retina display. Key advantages include native support for dual external displays, an impressive 16+ hour battery life, 16GB of base RAM, and a superior 12MP...Read more

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L
laptopmedia.com
07/01/2025
Apple iMac (M4) - There is a crucial hidden detail nobody is talking about

The LaptopMedia review of the Apple iMac (M4) highlights a critical, often-overlooked difference: the 10-core model features a dual-fan cooling system, whereas the 8-core base model uses a single fan. This design choice means the 10-core version maintains better performance under heavy, sustained workloads, while the base model is better suited for daily tasks. While maintaining the...Read more

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N
notebookcheck.biz
20/05/2024
Apple M4 SoC Review: AMD, Intel, and Qualcomm Don't Stand a Chance Right Now

The Apple M4 SoC, built on a second-generation 3nm process, currently offers superior single-core performance and energy efficiency, outperforming competing mobile chips from AMD, Intel, and Qualcomm. Featuring a 10-core CPU, it provides a 10-20% performance boost over the M3, with an integrated GPU supporting hardware-accelerated ray tracing and an improved 38 TOPS Neural Engine....Read more

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L
lesnumeriques.com
17/02/2025
Apple iMac M4 (2024) Review - All-in-One Computer

The Apple iMac 24-inch (M4) is highly praised by Les Numériques for its performance boost, thanks to the new M4 chip, and a standard 16GB of RAM that enhances its value as a powerful all-in-one computer. Key pros include a vibrant 4.5K Retina display with an optional nano-texture coating to reduce glare, a new 12MP Center Stage camera, and a full transition to USB-C charging for...Read more

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C
computerhoy.20minutos.es
08/11/2024
I've tested the M4 iMac and it's so powerful it could be a Pro

The 2024 iMac with the M4 chip, tested by Computer Hoy, delivers a significant performance leap suitable for both casual and professional tasks, effectively bridging the gap between consumer and "Pro" devices. Key upgrades include a standard 16GB of RAM, blazing-fast speeds for demanding tasks like video editing, and a 12MP Center Stage camera. While maintaining the 2021 design, it...Read more

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S
saggiamente.com
30/11/2024
Apple Mac mini M4 and M4 Pro Review: Smaller, More Powerful, Simply the Best

The 2024 Apple Mac mini featuring M4 and M4 Pro chips, reviewed by Saggiamente, introduces a major redesign with a significantly smaller 12.7 x 12.7 cm footprint, marking the first substantial change in over a decade. The M4 model is lauded as an excellent entry-level machine with robust thermal management, while the M4 Pro variant offers workstation-level performance that...Read more

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L
laptopmedia.com
07/01/2025
Apple iMac (M4) Review - There's one crucial detail nobody's talking about

The Apple iMac M4 review by LaptopMedia highlights a significant performance difference between configurations based on a newly discovered internal cooling system, where the 10-core model utilizes dual fans compared to the base model's single fan to eliminate thermal throttling. Key advantages include high single-core performance, an excellent 4.5K Retina display with zero PWM and...Read more

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G
global.techradar.com
15/11/2024
Apple iMac (M4, 2024) review

The Apple iMac 24-inch (M4, 2024) is a top-tier all-in-one featuring the M4 chip, which provides significant performance boosts for creative tasks and Apple Intelligence, alongside a necessary base upgrade to 16GB of RAM. The design includes a new 12MP Center Stage camera for enhanced video calls and the option for nano-texture glass to reduce glare, while all peripherals have...Read more

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I
iculture.nl
13/05/2024
iPad Pro 2024 Review: So thin, yet so powerful

The iCulture review of the 2024 iPad Pro highlights the Tandem OLED "Ultra Retina XDR" display as a major advancement, providing deep blacks and vibrant colors that make it the best tablet screen currently available. Its design is notably thin and light—with the 13-inch model at only 5.1 mm—improving comfort, while the M4 chip delivers immense, almost excessive performance, coupled...Read more

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T
tweakers.net
11/03/2025
Apple MacBook Air M4 - A better deal for the entry-level MacBook

The Apple MacBook Air M4 offers improved value by starting with 16GB of RAM, combined with up to 34% faster processor performance over the M3 and a new 12MP Center Stage webcam. Key advantages include support for two external displays and a durable, fanless design that provides silent operation, though the M4 chip faces faster thermal throttling under sustained heavy loads compared...Read more

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