Recent benchmark tests show that the performance cores inside the new Apple M5 Pro chip are officially outpacing the equivalent cores in the Intel Panther Lake processors. When looking at raw processing speeds and daily power usage, Apple is taking a clear lead. Intel has been working hard to catch up in the processor race.
However, it looks like its newest hardware is still falling slightly behind when it comes to balancing clock speeds with peak efficiency.
Early test numbers show a huge efficiency gap between brands
Tech experts recently got their hands on early test results comparing the two processors across various workloads. The data shows the M5 Pro performance cores comfortably running at 4.38 GHz while using just 2.5 watts of power.
In leaked Geekbench 6 scores, the Apple processor hit an impressive single-core score of 4,306. The top-tier Intel Panther Lake chip, the Core Ultra X9, reached a single-core score of 3,031 in similar testing.
This means an Apple laptop can handle heavy tasks like video editing without draining the battery as fast. Intel designed its new series to fix these power drain issues, and while it has made massive improvements in overall battery life for Windows machines, the tests indicate it still needs more electricity to match Apple’s single-core performance.
The new testing results highlight struggles for future laptop designs
This difference in power limits what computer makers can do with battery sizes. Because the M5 Pro runs cooler and more efficiently, Apple can keep its laptops incredibly thin and quiet.
PC manufacturers using Intel chips might need to include larger cooling fans to handle the extra heat. Finding space for these specific cooling parts can make laptops noticeably thicker and heavier for everyday users.
While the Intel chip still offers excellent overall speeds and strong multi-core performance, it struggles to beat Apple’s balance of speed and low power consumption. The industry will watch to see if Intel can refine its software to close this gap before the final release later this year.
