Intel Core Ultra 9 395K
Panther Lake · 26C · 6.0 GHz
Apple M5
10C CPU · 10C GPU · 153 GB/s memory
Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.
In our weighted Specdex score, Intel Core Ultra 9 395K lands at 93 and Apple M5 at 93. With scores tied, the decision hinges on which sub-scores matter most to you.
Pick Intel Core Ultra 9 395K if…
- ✓Latest generation silicon
- ✓Improved perf-per-watt
- ✓Full modern feature set
Pick Apple M5 if…
- ✓10-core CPU (up to 4 performance + 6 efficiency)
- ✓10-core GPU
- ✓153 GB/s unified memory bandwidth
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 | Intel Core Ultra 9 395K | Apple M5 |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Panther Lake | — |
| Cores | ▲ 26 (8P+16E+2LP) | 10 (up to 4P + 6E) |
| Threads | 26 | — |
| Socket | LGA1851 | — |
| Release year | 2025 | 2025 |
| Memory bandwidth | — | 153 GB/s |
| Neural engine | — | 16-core |
| Process | — | TSMC 3 nm (3rd-generation) |
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
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
FAQ: Intel Core Ultra 9 395K vs Apple M5
Which is better, Intel Core Ultra 9 395K or Apple M5? +
Both score 93 on our weighted rubric — tied. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
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.
Is Apple M5 worth the price? +
At $1,299, Apple M5 delivers a Specdex score of 93 — strongest in single.
Does Intel Core Ultra 9 395K or Apple M5 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, Intel Core Ultra 9 395K or Apple M5? +
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, Intel Core Ultra 9 395K or Apple M5? +
Intel Core Ultra 9 395K — leads on multi (93 vs 90). Rendering, compilation, heavy multitasking — favours core count.