Apple M5
10C CPU · 10C GPU · 153 GB/s memory
Intel Core Ultra 9 395K
Panther Lake · 26C · 6.0 GHz
Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.
In our weighted Specdex score, Apple M5 lands at 93 and Intel Core Ultra 9 395K at 93. With scores tied, the decision hinges on which sub-scores matter most to you.
Pick Apple M5 if…
- ✓10-core CPU (up to 4 performance + 6 efficiency)
- ✓10-core GPU
- ✓153 GB/s unified memory bandwidth
Pick Intel Core Ultra 9 395K if…
- ✓Latest generation silicon
- ✓Improved perf-per-watt
- ✓Full modern feature set
Winner by scenario
Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate testGaming
Intel Core Ultra 9 395KFrame-rate-bound workloads — favours cache and single-thread speed
Intel Core Ultra 9 395K leads on gaming (94 vs 78).
Creators & productivity
Intel Core Ultra 9 395KRendering, compilation, heavy multitasking — favours core count
Intel Core Ultra 9 395K leads on multi (93 vs 90).
Power efficiency
Apple M5Performance per watt — thermals, PSU headroom, electricity cost
Apple M5 leads on efficiency (100 vs 86).
Value for money
Intel Core Ultra 9 395KSpecdex score per dollar at MSRP
Intel Core Ultra 9 395K more score per dollar ($649 vs $1,299).
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Apple M5 | Intel Core Ultra 9 395K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores | 10 (up to 4P + 6E) | ▲ 26 (8P+16E+2LP) |
| Memory bandwidth | 153 GB/s | — |
| Neural engine | 16-core | — |
| Process | TSMC 3 nm (3rd-generation) | — |
| Release year | 2025 | 2025 |
| Architecture | — | Panther Lake |
| Threads | — | 26 |
| Socket | — | LGA1851 |
Apple M5
- +10-core CPU (up to 4 performance + 6 efficiency)
- +10-core GPU
- +153 GB/s unified memory bandwidth
- −Apple-ecosystem only
- −Base tier starts at 16 GB
- −Windows via Parallels only
Intel Core Ultra 9 395K
- +Latest generation silicon
- +Improved perf-per-watt
- +Full modern feature set
- −Premium pricing
- −Requires up-to-date platform
- −Initial stock scarcity likely
FAQ: Apple M5 vs Intel Core Ultra 9 395K
Which is better, Apple M5 or Intel Core Ultra 9 395K? +
Both score 93 on our weighted rubric — tied. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is Apple M5 worth the price? +
At $1,299, Apple M5 delivers a Specdex score of 93 — strongest in single.
Is Intel Core Ultra 9 395K worth the price? +
At $649, Intel Core Ultra 9 395K delivers a Specdex score of 93 — strongest in single.
Does Apple M5 or Intel Core Ultra 9 395K last longer? +
Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.
Which is better for gaming, Apple M5 or Intel Core Ultra 9 395K? +
Intel Core Ultra 9 395K — leads on gaming (94 vs 78). Frame-rate-bound workloads — favours cache and single-thread speed.
Which is better for creator and productivity work, Apple M5 or Intel Core Ultra 9 395K? +
Intel Core Ultra 9 395K — leads on multi (93 vs 90). Rendering, compilation, heavy multitasking — favours core count.