OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Processors Methodology v3.0
Processors Methodology v3.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Processors Methodology v3.0: the technical score from the specifications is the base, and independent expert and video reviews (up to ±0.5 points), owner opinions (up to ±0.3) and best-of lists (up to +0.3) move it up or down.
Explore Processors Methodology v3.0

Apple M5 review: 74 specs compared

Avg. price:~£1,060PassMark multi-core score:?N. of physical cores:10CPU boost clock speed:4.6 GHzCPU socket:?TDP (Thermal design power):27 W

Apple M5 Review: Compare 168 technical specifications, 1 expert and video reviews and 2 best-of lists to see how this product ranks in the Processors category and whether it is worth buying.

7.6/10

Overall score

Score
7.6/ 10
✕
What it is
Our main score for this model, 1–10. It combines specs, expert reviews, best-of lists, owners and ratings from across the web.
How we count it
Parts: Technical score 40%, Reviews score 25%, List score 15%, Sentiment score 10%, User score 10%
Marks: Each part gets a mark out of 10. For reviews, lists and owners, a typical model in this category gets about 8 and the best one gets 10.
No data yet: A part with no data shows "?". It counts as the mark of a weaker model in this category (4 in 5 models with data score higher). This way, models with reviews, lists and owners usually come out ahead.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 80% of models
Score components

40%

7.6

Technical score

25%

7.3

Reviews score

15%

8.1

List score

10%

?

Sentiment scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.0, the mark of a weaker model in this category

10%

?

User scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 8.4, the mark of a weaker model in this category

▲Better than 80% of processors
6.8

Value for money

Value for money
6.8/ 10
✕
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 distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 80% of models
Score components

70%

7.6

Overall score

30%

4.9

Price

▼Worse than 80%
7.6

Technical score

Technical score
7.6/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 40% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 79% of models
Score components

60%

7.7

Performance

18%

7.8

Architecture

10%

7.2

Memory & PCIe

7%

7.3

Power & Thermal

4%

6.8

Platform

1%

8.2

Integrated graphics

▲Better than 79%
7.3

Reviews score

Reviews score
7.3/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.2 for now.
Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 57% of models

80%

7.9

Average grade

20%

5.0

Popularity

Grades by review (1)
1 video review, counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
Ratings from across the web count in the User score, not in this score.
▼Worse than 57%
?

User score

User score
8.4/ 10
✕
What it is
How happy buyers are with this model, based on ratings from across the web.
How we count it
Enough data: A model needs at least 1 rating from across the web. Without one, it counts as 8.4, the mark of a weaker rated model in this category.
Share: User score counts 10% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
No ratings from across the web yet, so it counts as 8.4, the mark of a weaker rated model in this category.
No ratings from across the web yet
8.1

List score

List score
8.1/ 10
✕
What it is
How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
How we count it
Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 15% of the overall score.
Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
Lists with this model (2)
List score: in 2 of 65 lists (3%)
★Better than 93%
  • No image
No image
Best prices
    N/A~ £1,060
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
Loading category ranking...

Technical Specifications of processor Apple M5

Technical score
Technical score
7.6/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 40% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 79% of models
Score components:

60%

7.7

Performance

18%

7.8

Architecture

10%

7.2

Memory & PCIe

7%

7.3

Power & Thermal

4%

6.8

Platform

1%

8.2

Integrated graphics

7.6
Reviews score
7.3
User score
?
List score
8.1
Value for money
Value for money
6.8/ 10
✕
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 distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 80% of models
Score components:

70%

7.6

Overall score

30%

4.9

Price

6.8
Processor type
mobile
This processor belongs to the mobile processor class, which is more advanced than that of 6.9% of processors and equal to that of 47.7% of processors.
CPU socket
?
Chipset
N/A
CPU architecture
ARM64
This processor uses the ARM64 architecture, which is less advanced than that of 98.2% of processors and equal to that of 1.8% of processors.
Instruction sets
Armv9.2-A
Show more
N. of physical cores
10
Market range: <2 – >12
This processor has 10 CPU cores, which is more than 75.2% of processors and equal to 4.6% of processors.
CPU threads
10
Market range: <4 – >24
This processor offers 10 CPU threads, which is more than 52.4% of processors and equal to 0.6% of processors.
CPU boost clock speed
4.6 GHz
Market range: <3 GHz – >5.5 GHz
This processor reaches a boost clock of 4.6 GHz which is higher than that of 59.9% of processors and equal to that of 4.7% of processors.
CPU base clock speed
4x 4.61 GHz & 6x 3.05 GHz
PassMark multi-core score
?
Show more
Semiconductor size
3 nm
Market range: <4 nm – >24 nm
This processor uses a 3 nm process node, which is more advanced than that of 94.6% of processors and equal to that of 4.6% of processors.
Foundry
TSMC 3 nm
This processor is built on the TSMC 3 nm foundry process, which is more advanced than that of 95.7% of processors and equal to that of 4.3% of processors.
L3 cache
?
L2 cache
6 MB
Market range: <1 MB – >16 MB
This processor has an L2 cache of 6 MB which is larger than that of 65.6% of processors and equal to that of 3.9% of processors.
L1 cache
?
Show more
DDR memory version
LPDDR5X
This processor supports DDR LPDDR5X, which is newer than that of 88.8% of processors and equal to that of 2.2% of processors.
Maximum memory speed
9,600 MHz
Market range: <1.5k MHz – >6.5k MHz
This processor supports memory speeds up to 9,600 MHz, which is higher than that of 99.5% of processors and equal to 0.5% of processors.
Max memory speed (JEDEC)
LPDDR5X-9600 MHz
Max memory speed (XMP / EXPO)
N/A
Maximum memory capacity
32 GB
Market range: <32 GB – >256 GB
This processor supports up to 32 GB of memory, which is less than 73% of processors and equal to 18.9% of processors.
Show more
Integrated graphics
yes
This processor includes integrated graphics. 14.7% of processors offer this.
Integrated GPU model
Apple 10-core GPU
This processor uses the Apple 10-core GPU integrated GPU, which is more advanced than that in 98.9% of processors and equal to that in 0.2% of processors.
Integrated GPU execution units
160
Market range: <6 – >64
This processor has 160 GPU execution units, which is more than 99.8% of processors.
Integrated GPU base frequency
340 MHz
Market range: <300 MHz – >800 MHz
This processor has an integrated GPU clock of 340 MHz which is lower than that of 57.4% of processors.
Integrated media encoders/decoders
?
Show more
TDP (Thermal design power)
27 W
Market range: <15 W – >90 W
This processor has a TDP of 27 W which is lower than that of 75% of processors and equal to that of 0.1% of processors.
Base power (PL1)
27 W
Market range: <15 W – >90 W
This processor has a base power of 27 W which is lower than that of 74.8% of processors.
Boost power (PL2)
?
Tau (power duration limit)
N/A
Configurable TDP
no
This processor does not support configurable TDP. 53.7% of processors offer this.
Show more

Apple M5 vs the average processor

246810TotalPlatformPerformanceArchitectureMemory & PCIeIntegrated graphicsPower & Thermal
  • 3.44x higher multi-core score
    This processor has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (17,894 vs 5,209). The average processor scores 5,209 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
    17,894 vs 5,209
  • 2.8x higher single-core score
    This processor has a higher Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (4,305 vs 1,535). The average processor scores 1,535 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
    4,305 vs 1,535
  • 4 more CPU cores
    This processor has more CPU cores than the average processor (10 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
    10 vs 6
  • 75% smaller process node
    This processor 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
  • 3x higher memory speed
    This processor has a higher maximum memory speed than the average processor (9600 MHz vs 3200 MHz). The average processor supports memory speed of 3200 MHz.
    9,600 MHz vs 3,200 MHz
  • 3.28x higher memory bandwidth
    This processor has a higher memory bandwidth than the average processor (153.6 GB/s vs 46.9 GB/s). The average processor offers memory bandwidth of 46.9 GB/s.
    153.6 GB/s vs 46.9 GB/s
  • Newer DDR support
    This processor supports a newer DDR generation than the average processor (LPDDR5X vs DDR4).
    LPDDR5X vs DDR4
  • More advanced foundry
    This processor uses a more advanced foundry process than the average processor (TSMC 3 nm vs Intel 14 nm).
    TSMC 3 nm vs Intel 14 nm
  • 9.0% higher review score
    Reviews score
    7.3/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.2 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    ▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    ▼ Worse than 57% of models

    80%

    7.9

    Average grade

    20%

    5.0

    Popularity

    Grades by review (1)
    1 video review, counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    Ratings from across the web count in the User score, not in this score.
    7.3 vs 6.7
  • 5 years newer release date
    This processor has a newer release date than the average processor (2025 vs 2020).
    2025 vs 2020
  • Supports heterogeneous scheduling
    This processor uses heterogeneous multi-processing, while the average processor does not. 24.8% of processors use it.
  • 3.44x higher multi-core score
    This processor has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (17,894 vs 5,209). The average processor scores 5,209 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
    17,894 vs 5,209
  • 2.8x higher single-core score
    This processor has a higher Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (4,305 vs 1,535). The average processor scores 1,535 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
    4,305 vs 1,535
  • 4 more CPU cores
    This processor has more CPU cores than the average processor (10 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
    10 vs 6
  • 4.5% higher boost clock
    This processor has a higher boost clock speed than the average processor (4.6 GHz vs 4.4 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.4 GHz.
    4.6 GHz vs 4.4 GHz
  • 2 more CPU threads
    This processor has more CPU threads than the average processor (10 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
    10 vs 8
  • 18 higher clock multiplier
    This processor has a higher clock multiplier than the average processor (46 vs 28). The average processor has a clock multiplier of 28.
    46 vs 28
  • 75% smaller process node
    This processor 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
  • More advanced foundry
    This processor uses a more advanced foundry process than the average processor (TSMC 3 nm vs Intel 14 nm).
    TSMC 3 nm vs Intel 14 nm
  • Mixed big and small cores
    This processor uses a big.LITTLE design, while the average processor does not. 22.6% of processors use one.
  • 5.66x more transistors
    This processor has more transistors than the average processor (28 billion vs 4.95 billion). The average processor has 4.95 billion transistors.
    28 billion vs 4.95 billion
  • 2x larger L2 cache
    This processor has a higher L2 cache than the average processor (6 MB vs 3 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 3 MB.
    6 MB vs 3 MB
  • 3x higher memory speed
    This processor has a higher maximum memory speed than the average processor (9600 MHz vs 3200 MHz). The average processor supports memory speed of 3200 MHz.
    9,600 MHz vs 3,200 MHz
  • 3.28x higher memory bandwidth
    This processor has a higher memory bandwidth than the average processor (153.6 GB/s vs 46.9 GB/s). The average processor offers memory bandwidth of 46.9 GB/s.
    153.6 GB/s vs 46.9 GB/s
  • Newer DDR support
    This processor supports a newer DDR generation than the average processor (LPDDR5X vs DDR4).
    LPDDR5X vs DDR4
  • Newer PCIe version
    This processor supports a newer PCIe version than the average processor (4 vs 3).
    4.0 vs 3.0
  • Better integrated GPU
    This processor uses a better integrated GPU than the average processor (Apple 10-core GPU vs Intel UHD Graphics 630).
    Apple 10-core GPU vs Intel UHD Graphics 630
  • 6.67x more GPU execution units
    This processor has more GPU execution units than the average processor (160 vs 24). The average processor has 24 GPU execution units.
    160 vs 24
  • 40% lower base power
    This processor has a lower base power draw than the average processor (27 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
    27 W vs 45 W
  • 40% lower TDP
    This processor has a lower TDP than the average processor (27 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
    27 W vs 45 W
  • Lower base clock
    This processor has a lower base clock than the average processor (4x4.61 GHz & 6x3.05 GHz vs 4x3.4 GHz).
    4x4.61 GHz & 6x3.05 GHz vs 4x3.4 GHz
  • Narrower instruction support
    This processor supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (Armv9.2-A vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA, AMD-V).
    Armv9.2-A vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA, AMD-V
  • No configurable TDP
    This processor does not support configurable TDP, while the average processor does. 53.7% of processors support configurable TDP.
  • No simultaneous multithreading
    This processor does not support simultaneous multithreading, while the average processor does. 73.8% of processors support it.
  • Less advanced architecture
    This processor uses a less advanced architecture than the average processor (ARM64 vs x86-64).
    ARM64 vs x86-64
  • Lower JEDEC memory speed
    This processor has a lower JEDEC memory speed than the average processor (LPDDR5X-9600 MHz vs DDR4-3200 MHz). The average processor supports JEDEC memory speed of DDR4-3200 MHz.
    LPDDR5X-9600 MHz vs DDR4-3,200 MHz
  • 4.24x more expensive
    Apple M5 is more expensive than the average processor (£1,060 vs £250).
    £1,060 vs £250
  • More limited crypto acceleration
    This processor offers more limited crypto acceleration than the average processor (AES vs AES, SHA).
    AES vs AES, SHA
  • 4.24x more expensive
    Apple M5 is more expensive than the average processor (£1,060 vs £250).
    £1,060 vs £250
  • 7.5% worse value for money
    Apple M5 has worse value for money than the average processor (6.82 vs 7.3).
    6.82 vs 7.33
  • Narrower instruction support
    This processor supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (Armv9.2-A vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA, AMD-V).
    Armv9.2-A vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA, AMD-V
  • Less advanced architecture
    This processor uses a less advanced architecture than the average processor (ARM64 vs x86-64).
    ARM64 vs x86-64
  • More limited crypto acceleration
    This processor offers more limited crypto acceleration than the average processor (AES vs AES, SHA).
    AES vs AES, SHA
  • Lower base clock
    This processor has a lower base clock than the average processor (4x4.61 GHz & 6x3.05 GHz vs 4x3.4 GHz).
    4x4.61 GHz & 6x3.05 GHz vs 4x3.4 GHz
  • No simultaneous multithreading
    This processor does not support simultaneous multithreading, while the average processor does. 73.8% of processors support it.
  • No speed boosting
    This processor does not support automatic speed boosting, while the average processor does. 87.7% of processors offer this.
  • Lower JEDEC memory speed
    This processor has a lower JEDEC memory speed than the average processor (LPDDR5X-9600 MHz vs DDR4-3200 MHz). The average processor supports JEDEC memory speed of DDR4-3200 MHz.
    LPDDR5X-9600 MHz vs DDR4-3,200 MHz
  • 50% less memory capacity
    This processor 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
  • No configurable TDP
    This processor does not support configurable TDP, while the average processor does. 53.7% of processors support configurable TDP.

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

9.0
Prodigeek
≈ estimated
23/10/2025
Hands-on review · CPU, GPU and gaming tests
Verdict
Apple M5 delivers outstanding performance per watt, but gaming support on Apple Silicon remains a serious weakness.
Overview video

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

tweakers.net
12/04/2020
Not graded yet

Third-party reviews

What we like about Apple M5

  • Four faster cores and six slower ones share the work.
  • A single-core score of 4305 in Geekbench 6 keeps everyday tasks quick.
  • A multi-core score of 17894 in Geekbench 6 handles busy workloads.
  • 160 graphics units give the chip a big graphics block.
  • Memory at 9600 MHz with 153.6 GB/s of bandwidth moves data quickly.
  • A 27 W design power keeps power use modest.

What we don't like about Apple M5

  • Memory tops out at 32 GB.
  • No multithreading means each core handles one thread at a time.
  • It lacks Turbo Boost, which many chips include.
  • Memory is LPDDR5X and cannot be swapped later.
  • Memory cannot be overclocked, which limits tuning.

Verdict

The Apple M5 packs ten cores onto a 3 nm chip, and it scores 4305 on single-core work in Geekbench 6. Its 27 W design power is modest, and the 160 graphics units make the built-in graphics a real strength. The layout mixes four faster cores with six slower ones, an uncommon setup that saves power on light work. Memory runs at 9600 MHz with 153.6 GB/s of bandwidth, though the chip tops out at 32 GB. The trade-off is that it has no multithreading and no Turbo Boost, so each core handles one thread. It packs 28 billion transistors into a 157 mm² die, which keeps the chip compact. It suits someone who wants quick results on a small power budget, and who does not need more than 32 GB of memory.

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