Processor Comparison

Apple M1

Apple M1 — 8-core / 8-thread Apple laptop processor (2020) with a boost clock of 3.2 GHz and 20 W TDP.

Key specifications

Cores8
Threads8
Boost clock (GHz)3.2
TDP (W)20
Single-core score2,350
Multi-core score8,300

About Apple M1

The Apple M1 is a 8-core / 8-thread Apple processor that boosts to 3.2 GHz within a 20 W power envelope. It scores 2,350 single-core and 8,300 multi-core on our normalized index — an entry-level result. Single-core speed drives gaming and responsiveness; multi-core drives rendering and compilation.

The comparisons below show how Apple M1 stacks up against the alternatives people most often weigh against it, with the specific numbers laid out side by side.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Apple M1 any good?

Apple M1 — 8-core / 8-thread Apple laptop processor (2020) with a boost clock of 3.2 GHz and 20 W TDP.

What are the key specs of the Apple M1?

See the specification table above for the full breakdown.

MC
Marcus Chen
Hardware & Product Analyst

Marcus benchmarks processors, GPUs, phones and vehicles and maintains normalized performance databases.

MSc Computer Engineering10+ years review experience
✓ Reviewed by Priya Nair, Data Quality Reviewer.
Last updated 2026-05-15

Compare Apple M1 with…