Apple M1 Max 10 Core vs Intel Core i5 12600K

Updated Nov 2026 · Scored by the Let’s Compare Data Engine · How we score

For most buyers the Intel Core i5 12600K is the better pick — it scores 68/100 to the Apple M1 Max 10 Core's 48, leading on Core Specifications and Integrated Graphics. Choose the Apple M1 Max 10 Core instead if you want to spend less.

Verdict

Our overall take, at a glance

Intel Core i5 12600K leads overall

Intel Core i5 12600K

Apple M1 Max 10 Core

Why it stands out

Core Specifications Threads: 16
Benchmark PassMark CPU Mark: 27,497 (24% more)

Winner by category for Apple M1 Max 10 Core vs Intel Core i5 12600K
Category	Intel Core i5 12600K	Apple M1 Max 10 Core	Winner
Core Specifications	88	50	Intel Core i5 12600K
Integrated Graphics	44	0	Intel Core i5 12600K
Benchmark	60	47	Intel Core i5 12600K

In-depth analysisAI

AI-generated from the cited sources — may be incomplete or inaccurate; verify important details before deciding · generated Nov 2026.

Apple M1 Max 10 Core

The Apple M1 Max processor is a high-performance, professional-grade chip designed for powerful computing tasks. Its architecture separates general computation from advanced graphical and media workloads. This CPU/GPU combination suits users who require peak efficiency and raw power for demanding applications.

Best for Video EditingBest for 3D RenderingBest for Professional Design/Development

Pros

Features a robust core structure combining multiple high-performance and energy-efficient CPU cores
Offers extensive memory capacity up to 64GB using LPDDR5 technology
Provides highly scalable GPU acceleration due to its multi-core design (up to 32 cores)
Designed with high transistor counts (57 billion) for complex and demanding tasks (Source 1)

Cons

The chip is designed for mobile/desktop integration, potentially limiting some standalone upgrade options
Requires modern operating systems to fully utilize its advanced ARM architecture capabilities
Is positioned at a higher end of Apple's silicon product line

Intel Core i5 12600K

The Intel Core i5 12600K is a 10-core, 16-thread desktop processor built for the LGA1700 platform. Introduced in late 2021, it offers a 3.7 GHz base clock with boost speeds up to 4.9 GHz and includes integrated Intel UHD Graphics 770. It targets users seeking a balanced mid-range CPU for gaming and desktop productivity with manual overclocking support.

Best for Mid-range gaming builds with room for manual clock frequency tuningBest for General desktop productivity tasks benefiting from multi-core processing

Pros

10 cores and 16 threads deliver solid multi-tasking performance
Unlocked processor allows for manual overclocking
High peak frequency reaching up to 4.9 GHz
Includes integrated Intel UHD Graphics 770 for display output

Cons

Maximum power consumption of 150 W requires effective cooling solutions
Requires an LGA1700 motherboard socket, necessitating a system upgrade from older platforms

Value for Money

Which is the better deal for the price

Pre-filled with launch prices where known — enter today's price for an up-to-date check. Use the same currency for both.

Apple M1 Max 10 Core

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Intel Core i5 12600K

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Performance

Higher benchmark score = faster

Apple M1 Max 10 Core22,155

Intel Core i5 12600K27,497

See the raw benchmark values →

Benchmark score — a measured indicator of raw performance, not a guarantee of real-world speed.

Detailed Specifications

The full spec sheet, side by side

Core Specifications

Feature	Apple M1 Max 10 Core	Intel Core i5 12600K
Cores	10	10
Threads	10	16
Base Frequency	N/A	3.7 GHz
Base Power Consumption	N/A	125 W
Maximum Frequency	N/A	4.9 GHz
Maximum Power Consumption	N/A	150 W
L1 Cache	N/A	864 KB
L2 Cache	N/A	9.5 MB
L3 Cache	N/A	20 MB
Lithography Process	5 nm29% less	7 nm
Is unlocked	No	Yes

Integrated Graphics

Feature	Apple M1 Max 10 Core	Intel Core i5 12600K
Model	N/A

Benchmark

Feature	Apple M1 Max 10 Core	Intel Core i5 12600K
PassMark CPU Mark	22,155	27,49724% more

Specification Note

Specifications are compiled from official manufacturer data and other reliable internet sources. Some features may vary by region or model configuration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Apple M1 Max 10 Core vs Intel Core i5 12600K comparison

They are closely matched: Apple M1 Max 10 Core scores 55/100 and Intel Core i5 12600K scores 55/100 in our overall comparison — within 1 points. Neither is a clear winner overall, so the decision comes down to the specific features and price that matter most to you.

Apple M1 Max 10 Core and Intel Core i5 12600K are compared side by side above across every spec in the cpus category — including performance, features and design — each scored 0–100 so you can see exactly where one leads the other. Our overall scores are 55/100 for Apple M1 Max 10 Core and 55/100 for Intel Core i5 12600K.

It's close — Apple M1 Max 10 Core (55/100) and Intel Core i5 12600K (55/100) score almost the same. Pick based on price and the individual specs that matter most to you; the comparison above shows where each one pulls ahead.