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Apple M4 9 Core Cpu Review | 78 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£920
  • Avg. price in US: ~$990
  • PassMark benchmark result: 22201
  • N. of physical cores: 9
  • CPU boost clock speed: 4.4 GHz

Apple M4 9 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%

6.4

Performance

18.0%

8.6

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

6.6

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

6.8

Power & Thermal

4.0%

6.0

Platform

1.0%

8.1

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

  • 8.1
    Gaming

    Score components:

    30.0%

    8.8

    PassMark single-core benchmark score

    25.0%

    10

    Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    5.8

    CPU boost clock speed

    17.0%

    9.0

    L3 cache

    8.0%

    3.9

    N. of physical cores

  • 5.5
    Video editing

    Score components:

    45.0%

    6.2

    Geekbench 6 multi-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    3.9

    N. of physical cores

    20.0%

    3.1

    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 9-core Apple M4 is a 3nm ARMv9-based processor featuring a 3+6 configuration with three performance cores (up to 4.4 GHz) and six efficiency cores (up to 2.9 GHz), paired with a 10-core GPU and a 16-core Neural Engine delivering 38 TOPS for AI. Key pros include industry-leading single-core performance, hardware-accelerated ray tracing, 120 GB/s memory bandwidth, and exceptional power efficiency. However, cons include approximately 10% slower multi-core performance compared to the 10-core M4 variant, a lack of active cooling in its primary iPad Pro implementation leading to thermal throttling under sustained loads, and a fixed 8GB memory limitation in base tablet configurations.

Technical Specifications of processor Apple M4 9 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 9 Core Cpu has a technical score of 6.85 points, which is higher than that of 81.9% 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 9 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 9 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 9 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 9 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+

9
Apple M4 9 Core Cpu has 9 CPU cores, which is more than 77% 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+

9
Apple M4 9 Core Cpu offers 9 CPU threads, which is more than 54.4% 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 9 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

4.4 GHz
Apple M4 9 Core Cpu reaches a boost clock of 4.4 GHz which is higher than that of 51.2% of processors and equal to that of 5.1% 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

3 x 4.40 GHz & 6 x 2.90 GHz
Apple M4 9 Core Cpu has a base clock of 3x4.40 GHz & 6x2.90 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 9 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 9 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 9 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 9 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 9 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 9 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

16 GB
Apple M4 9 Core Cpu supports up to 16 GB of memory, which is less than 91.7% of processors and equal to 6.4% 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 9 Core Cpu includes integrated graphics. 87.6% of processors include integrated graphics.
Apple 10-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 10-core GPU
Apple M4 9 Core Cpu uses the Apple 10-core GPU integrated GPU, which is more advanced than that in 99.1% of processors and equal to that in 0.2% 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

10
Apple M4 9 Core Cpu has 10 GPU execution units, which is fewer than 72.8% of processors and equal to 1.1% 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)
Apple M4 9 Core Cpu supports AV1 (HW decode) media codecs, which is narrower support than 63.1% of processors and equal to 10.8% of processors.
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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

?
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

9 W
Apple M4 9 Core Cpu has a base power of 9 W which is lower than that of 95% of processors and equal to that of 1.2% 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

14 W
Apple M4 9 Core Cpu has a boost power of 14 W which is lower than that of 94.8% 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 9 Core Cpu does not support configurable TDP. 52.9% of processors support configurable TDP.
Show more

Apple M4 9 Core Cpu vs the average processor

  • 2.51x higher single-core score
    Apple M4 9 Core Cpu has a higher Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (3,694 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 9 Core Cpu has a higher Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (3,694 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.3,694 vs 1,471
  • 80.5% better single-core performance
    Apple M4 9 Core Cpu has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (4,482 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 9 Core Cpu has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (4,482 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.4,482 vs 2,483
  • 2.8x higher multi-core score
    Apple M4 9 Core Cpu has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (13,405 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 9 Core Cpu has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (13,405 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.13,405 vs 4,793
  • 8x larger L2 cache
    Apple M4 9 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 9 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 9 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 9 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 9 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 9 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 9 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 9 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
  • 80% lower base power
    Apple M4 9 Core Cpu has a lower base power draw than the average processor (9 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 9 Core Cpu has a lower base power draw than the average processor (9 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.9 W vs 45 W
  • 4 year/s newer release date
    Apple M4 9 Core Cpu has a newer release date than the average processor (2,024 vs 2,020).
  • Supports HMP
    Apple M4 9 Core Cpu supports HMP, the average processor does not.
  • 2.51x higher single-core score
    Apple M4 9 Core Cpu has a higher Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (3,694 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
  • 80.5% better single-core performance
    Apple M4 9 Core Cpu has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (4,482 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.
  • 2.8x higher multi-core score
    Apple M4 9 Core Cpu has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (13,405 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
  • 2.11x higher PassMark score
    Apple M4 9 Core Cpu has a higher PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (22,201 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.
  • 3 more CPU cores
    Apple M4 9 Core Cpu has more CPU cores than the average processor (9 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
  • 6 wider front-end design
    Apple M4 9 Core Cpu has a higher front-end width than the average processor (10 vs 4). The average processor uses front-end width of 4.
  • 1 more CPU threads
    Apple M4 9 Core Cpu has more CPU threads than the average processor (9 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
  • 8x larger L2 cache
    Apple M4 9 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 9 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 9 Core Cpu uses a big.LITTLE design, the average processor does not.
  • More advanced foundry
    Apple M4 9 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 9 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 9 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 9 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 9 Core Cpu supports a newer DDR generation than the average processor (LPDDR5X vs DDR4).
  • 80% lower base power
    Apple M4 9 Core Cpu has a lower base power draw than the average processor (9 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
  • 78.1% lower boost power
    Apple M4 9 Core Cpu has a lower boost power draw than the average processor (14 W vs 64 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 64 W.

Total
Platform
Performance
Cache & Architecture
Memory & PCIe
Power & Thermal
  • Narrower instruction support
    Apple M4 9 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 9 Core Cpu does not support multithreading, the average processor does.
  • 1 fewer threads per core
    Apple M4 9 Core Cpu has fewer threads per core than the average processor (1 vs 2). The average processor offers 2 threads per core.
  • 75% less memory capacity
    Apple M4 9 Core Cpu has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average processor (16 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.
  • Narrower media codec support
    Apple M4 9 Core Cpu supports fewer media codecs than the average processor (AV1 (HW decode) vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode)).
  • 58.3% fewer GPU execution units
    Apple M4 9 Core Cpu has fewer GPU execution units than the average processor (10 vs 24). The average processor has 24 GPU execution units.
  • No configurable TDP
    Apple M4 9 Core Cpu does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
  • No multithreading support
    Apple M4 9 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 9 Core Cpu does not support multithreading, the average processor does.
  • Narrower instruction support
    Apple M4 9 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 9 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
  • No configurable TDP
    Apple M4 9 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 9 Core Cpu does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
  • Narrower media codec support
    Apple M4 9 Core Cpu supports fewer media codecs than the average processor (AV1 (HW decode) 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 9 Core Cpu supports fewer media codecs than the average processor (AV1 (HW decode) vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode)).AV1 (HW decode) vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode)
  • 75% less memory capacity
    Apple M4 9 Core Cpu has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average processor (16 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 9 Core Cpu has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average processor (16 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.16 GB vs 64 GB
  • 3.68x more expensive
    Apple M4 9 Core Cpu is more expensive than the average processor (£920 vs £250).
    Apple M4 9 Core Cpu is more expensive than the average processor (£920 vs £250).£920 vs £250
  • 1 fewer threads per core
    Apple M4 9 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 9 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
  • 58.3% fewer GPU execution units
    Apple M4 9 Core Cpu has fewer GPU execution units than the average processor (10 vs 24). The average processor has 24 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

    Apple M4 9 Core Cpu has fewer GPU execution units than the average processor (10 vs 24). The average processor has 24 GPU execution units.10 vs 24
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Graphic comparison of Apple M4 9 Core Cpu and other processors

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Third-party reviews

What customers like about Apple M4 9 Core Cpu?

  • Industry-leading single-core performance that rivals top-tier desktop processors.
  • Significant 20-30% multi-core performance jump over previous M2 and M3 base models.
  • Highly efficient power management leading to exceptional battery life in portable devices.
  • Enhanced 16-core Neural Engine provides a future-proof foundation for local AI and 'Apple Intelligence' tasks.
  • Provides a smoother experience for 4K video editing and creative workflows than previous entry-level chips.

What customers dislike about Apple M4 9 Core Cpu?

  • Performance is roughly 10% lower in multi-threaded tasks compared to the full 10-core M4 variant.
  • Susceptible to thermal throttling in thin, fanless chassis like the iPad Pro during sustained heavy workloads.
  • Often locked to lower base memory configurations (e.g., 8GB or 16GB) compared to higher-tier M4 models.
  • GPU clock speeds are reportedly lower than those in the 10-core version, affecting high-end gaming.
  • Limited upgrade appeal for current M3 users as real-world speed gains in daily tasks are often negligible.

Expert reviews

C
cpubenchmark.net
30/03/2026
Apple M4 10 vs Apple M4 9 - CPU Benchmarks

The Apple M4 10-core and 9-core processors, built on a 3nm process, share identical AI and GPU features but differ in CPU configuration, with the 10-core serving as the full chip and the 9-core as a binned version. The 10-core variant delivers roughly 10-11% higher multi-threaded performance, whereas both offer comparable, industry-leading single-thread speeds. Key advantages...Read more

C
cpubenchmark.net
[Undated]
Apple M4 9 Core - CPU Benchmarks

The Apple M4 9-core processor, often found in the iPad Pro and base MacBooks, provides exceptional single-threaded performance with a 13-18% boost over the M3 series, driven by an asymmetric architecture of 3 performance and 6 efficiency cores. It includes a 10-core GPU for hardware-accelerated ray tracing and a 16-core Neural Engine for AI workloads, often paired with faster...Read more

D
dday.it
13/05/2024
iPad Pro M4 review: Sublime screen and overkill performance

DDay.it calls the iPad Pro M4 a hardware masterpiece limited by its software, highlighting the stunning Tandem OLED "Ultra Retina XDR" display and an incredibly thin design. While the M4 chip offers excessive power for current iPadOS, performance is stratified, with higher storage models offering a superior CPU and 16GB RAM. Key improvements include a landscape front camera and a...Read more

(Translated)Show original
L
laptopmedia.com
07/01/2025
Apple iMac (M4) Review - There's One Hidden Crucial Detail

The Apple iMac (M4) review by LaptopMedia reveals a critical, hidden performance divide based on cooling: the 8-core base model uses a single fan, while the 10-core variant features a dual-fan setup, resulting in significantly better thermal management and sustained performance for the latter. Pros include the 16GB base RAM upgrade, a 12MP Center Stage camera, an excellent 4.5K...Read more

(Translated)Show original
G
global.techradar.com
01/11/2024
Apple iMac (M4, 2024) review

The Apple iMac 24-inch M4 (2024) is identified as a top all-in-one, featuring a powerful M4 chip and a new 16GB base RAM configuration that boosts performance and longevity. While maintaining an ultra-thin design in new colors, the device brings USB-C connectivity to all peripherals. The 4.5K display is excellent, with optional nano-texture glass providing a superior anti-reflective...Read more

(Translated)Show original

Video reviews

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