Apple M4 (8 Core) vs Intel Xeon Gold 5218R

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

For most buyers the Intel Xeon Gold 5218R is the better pick — it scores 64/100 to the Apple M4 (8 Core)'s 52, leading on Core Specifications and Benchmark. Choose the Apple M4 (8 Core) instead if integrated graphics matters most to you, where it comes out ahead.

Verdict

Our overall take, at a glance

Intel Xeon Gold 5218R leads overall

Intel Xeon Gold 5218R

Apple M4 (8 Core)

Why it stands out

Core Specifications Cores: 20
Core Specifications Threads: 40
Benchmark PassMark CPU Mark: 25,076 (21% more)

Winner by category for Apple M4 (8 Core) vs Intel Xeon Gold 5218R
Category	Intel Xeon Gold 5218R	Apple M4 (8 Core)	Winner
Core Specifications	78	64	Intel Xeon Gold 5218R
Integrated Graphics	0	53	Apple M4 (8 Core)
Benchmark	57	45	Intel Xeon Gold 5218R

In-depth analysisAI

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

Apple M4 (8 Core)

The Apple M4 is a specialized System-on-a-chip designed by Apple, forming the core processing unit for high-end devices, including modern iMacs and MacBook models. Featuring an advanced architecture that integrates CPU, GPU, and NPU components, it is primarily intended for professionals requiring strong performance in demanding creative and computational tasks.

Best for Professional Content CreationBest for AI/Machine Learning WorkloadsBest for High-Performance Computing (HPC)

Pros

Incorporates an advanced Neural Processing Unit (NPU) with a notable capability to accelerate AI workloads, compared to previous generations of the chip.
Supports hardware acceleration for modern functions like AV1 decoding, mesh shading, and ray tracing within its GPU architecture.
Employs high-speed LPDDR5X unified memory, offering substantial bandwidth to support multiprocessing applications.
The M4 series is built on a highly dense manufacturing process (3 nm), enabling the integration of numerous cores over 28 billion transistors.

Cons

Specific core configurations (CPU/GPU counts) vary greatly across its Pro and Max variants, which requires careful selection for targeted performance needs.
Memory bandwidth capacity is highly dependent on the specific model variant utilized, ranging from lower base limits to exceptionally high capacities.

Intel Xeon Gold 5218R

The Intel Xeon Gold processor series includes models designated for specific configurations, such as uniprocessor, dual-processor, and quad-processor setups. These CPUs are designed for server environments leveraging Cascade Lake architecture, providing varying core counts and capabilities.

Best for Server environmentsBest for High-capacity parallel computing

Pros

Models appear in dedicated categories: Uniprocessor, Dual Processor, and Quad Processor Xeon Gold series
One specific listing mentions the 'R' suffix indicating a Refresh cycle chip.

Value for Money

Which is the better deal for the price

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Apple M4 (8 Core)

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Intel Xeon Gold 5218R

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Performance

Higher benchmark score = faster

Apple M4 (8 Core)20,702

Intel Xeon Gold 5218R25,076

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 M4 (8 Core)	Intel Xeon Gold 5218R
Cores	8	20
Threads	8	40
Base Frequency	N/A	2.1 GHz
Base Power Consumption	N/A	125 W
Maximum Frequency	N/A	4 GHz
Maximum Power Consumption	N/A	N/A
L1 Cache	N/A	1,280 KB
L2 Cache	N/A	20 MB
L3 Cache	N/A	27.5 MB
Lithography Process	3 nm79% less	14 nm
Is unlocked	No	No

Integrated Graphics

Feature	Apple M4 (8 Core)	Intel Xeon Gold 5218R
Model		N/A

Benchmark

Feature	Apple M4 (8 Core)	Intel Xeon Gold 5218R
PassMark CPU Mark	20,702	25,07621% 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 M4 (8 Core) vs Intel Xeon Gold 5218R comparison

They are closely matched: Apple M4 (8 Core) scores 55/100 and Intel Xeon Gold 5218R 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 M4 (8 Core) and Intel Xeon Gold 5218R 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 M4 (8 Core) and 55/100 for Intel Xeon Gold 5218R.

It's close — Apple M4 (8 Core) (55/100) and Intel Xeon Gold 5218R (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.