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Apple M2 vs Core i5-10500

VS

Performance score

Apple M2 2022 · 8/8 cores/threads
25.33
Core i5-10500 2020 · 6/12 cores/threads, 65 W
25.26

Apple M2 and Core i5-10500 are almost equally fast (under 3% apart) — choose by price, socket and platform.

The score is our own estimate from the specs (cores, threads, clocks, architecture generation), not a benchmark run. 100 = the fastest CPU in our database.

Real tests

What the test measures

Blender is a popular free 3D graphics program. The test makes the device render three ready-made 3D scenes (light, shadows, reflections) and counts how many render passes it finishes per minute. The higher the number, the faster the device handles heavy work: 3D, video editing, photo processing. On a CPU the test loads all cores at once, so it shows the chip's full power; on a graphics card it shows its compute strength.

CPU rendering (Blender)

Apple M2
111

faster than 29% of tested · runs: 63

Core i5-10500
125+13 %

faster than 58% of tested · runs: 7

Median of real test runs on users' computers. It does not show FPS in games. Data updated: 31.10.2026.

Overview

Apple M2Core i5-10500
Score (0–100) 25.33 25.26
Ranking position 373 375
Power efficiency (0–100) no data 20.31
Type Laptop Desktop
Manufacturer Apple Intel
Architecture Apple M2 (Avalanche / Blizzard) Comet Lake
Release date Q2 2022 Q2 2020

Specifications

Apple M2Core i5-10500
Cores 8 6
Threads 8 12
P + E cores 4 + 4 no data
Base clock no data 3.1 GHz
Boost clock 3.49 GHz 4.5 GHz
L3 cache no data 12 MB
Process node no data 14 nm
Unlocked multiplier no no
Integrated graphics no Intel UHD Graphics 630
NPU (AI accelerator) no no

Compatibility

Apple M2Core i5-10500
Socket no data LGA1200
TDP no data 65 W

Memory and PCI Express

Apple M2Core i5-10500
Memory type no data DDR4-2666
Memory channels no data 2
Max memory no data 128 GB
PCI Express version no data 3.0
PCIe lanes no data 16

Pros and cons

Apple M2

  • 31% faster single core
  • more cores: 8 vs 6
  • newer: released in 2022

Core i5-10500

  • more threads: 12 vs 8
  • has integrated graphics (Intel UHD Graphics 630)

Other comparisons

Preliminary data: specs are still being checked against the manufacturer's website.

Visitor rating

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