Apple
Apple M2 Pro vs Intel Core i5-12490F
Full comparison of specs, performance and benchmarks
Intel
Core i5-12490F
Aggregate performance score
We've compared M2 Pro and Core i5-12490F across specs and all relevant benchmarks.
↗M2 Pro outperforms Core i5-12490F by 7% based on our aggregate benchmark results.+7%
Scores are normalized on the Head to Head scale. Higher is better.Apple M2 Pro vs Intel Core i5-12490F: key takeaway
The comparison of M2 Pro and Core i5-12490F shows a 8% advantage for M2 Pro in gaming performance, while Core i5-12490F may still be stronger in efficiency and feature set. Use the sections below to check whether that lead comes from real FPS, specifications, efficiency, price or platform features.
SUMMARY PROFILE
Verified-metrics radar
Axes with missing data are hidden; every value uses a fixed scale.
Apple
IntelPerformance
Single-core
Multi-core
Efficiency
1413
5877
3523
3514
COMPARISON RESULT
M2 Pro is the best overall choice
M2 Pro leads in overall performance, while M2 Pro offers better price-to-performance. Check results in your applications before making the final choice.
M2 Pro leads in the combined performance index
Core i5-12490F costs less
OVERALL SCORE
Overview
Scores are calculated from specifications, performance, and efficiency.
The Summary score section compares M2 Pro and Core i5-12490F with normalized H2H data, turning specifications, tests and value signals into practical buying context.
GamesDirectX, OpenCL, and Vulkan performance
14Better
13
Professional applications3D modeling, video editing, and rendering
16
16
AI and machine learningMachine-learning and AI capabilities
14Better
13
Power efficiencyPower consumption across workloads
35Better
14
Head to Head scoreOverall catalog score
19Better
13
FULL COMPARISON
Specifications
The better numeric value is highlighted in green, taking the metric direction into account.
The Specifications section compares M2 Pro and Core i5-12490F with normalized H2H data, turning specifications, tests and value signals into practical buying context.
PassMark21975Better20570
Release date20232021
Device classMobileDesktop
Cores / Threads12 / 12Better6P / 12
Clock speedUp to 3.5 GHzBetterP 3 - 4,6 GHz
Base clock—3000 MHz
Boost clock3.5 GHz4600 MHzBetter
L1 cacheApple core-type L1 cache (varies by P/E core)80 KB per P-core, 96 KB per E-coreBetter
L2 cacheApple shared L2 cache by core clusterBetter1.25 MB per P-core, 2 MB per E-core cluster
L3 cache—20 MB
Memory supportUnified memory, LPDDR5, up to 32 GB, 200 GB/sDDR5-4800 / DDR4-3200
Integrated graphicsApple 16-core / 19-core GPU—
PBP / MTP35 / 50 W65 / 117 WBetter
Power consumption50 WBetter65 / 117 W
Socket—LGA1700
Architecture—Alder Lake
Process node—10 nm (Intel 7)
HEAD TO HEAD · CALCULATED INDEX
H2H workload indices
Comparable internal indices on a fixed 0–100 scale.
The Benchmarks section compares M2 Pro and Core i5-12490F with normalized H2H data, turning specifications, tests and value signals into practical buying context.
H2H Single-core IndexH2H Index / 100587728%
H2H Multi-core IndexH2H Index / 100352341%
H2H Productivity IndexH2H Index / 100433618%
H2H Rendering IndexH2H Index / 100351864%
H2H Value IndexH2H Index / 100000%
These are versioned H2H calculated indices derived from normalized catalog data. They are not results from a third-party benchmark.
HEAD TO HEAD · CALCULATED INDEX
H2H AI workload indices
Estimated workload profiles based on available performance and memory data.
The Detailed comparison section compares M2 Pro and Core i5-12490F with normalized H2H data, turning specifications, tests and value signals into practical buying context.
H2H ML Preprocessing IndexH2H Index / 10014943%
H2H CPU Inference IndexH2H Index / 100141033%
H2H Local LLM CPU IndexH2H Index / 10014855%
H2H Data Pipeline IndexH2H Index / 100141033%
H2H Computer Vision CPU IndexH2H Index / 100141033%
These are versioned H2H calculated indices derived from normalized catalog data. They are not results from a third-party benchmark.
AI EXPLAIN · HEAD TO HEAD
Explain this comparison
Beyond percentages: causes, relevant specifications, and practical impact behind every chart.
What AI will explain
Overall score, radar, FPS, synthetic tests, specifications, efficiency, and value.
REAL CONFIGURATIONS
Owner experiences
Real builds, results, and community feedback.
♢Moderator reviewed☆Helpful to the community🏅Expert badges
Frequently asked comparison questions
Short recommendations based on performance, memory, power consumption, and intended use.
01Which is better for gaming: M2 Pro or Core i5-12490F?+
M2 Pro has the higher overall gaming score, while M2 Pro offers the better price-to-performance ratio. The final choice depends on resolution and settings.
02Which is better for streaming?+
M2 Pro is the stronger streaming choice thanks to performance, hardware encoding, and application support. Check AV1, H.264, and HEVC support before buying.
03Which is better for Blender?+
M2 Pro is generally the better option for Blender and GPU rendering. Rendering-engine support and available VRAM also matter.
04Which is better for video editing?+
M2 Pro offers more overall performance, while M2 Pro offers more memory headroom. Codecs, hardware encoders, and editor optimization can change the result.
05Which is better for neural networks and AI?+
M2 Pro is the more practical option for local AI workloads. VRAM capacity, compute libraries, and framework compatibility are especially important.
06Which is better for 1080p?+
M2 Pro is the most rational 1080p choice, where high frame rates and cost per frame matter most.
07Which is better for 1440p?+
M2 Pro leads in combined 1440p performance. M2 Pro can be preferable for heavy textures and games with high VRAM usage.
08Which is better for 4K?+
M2 Pro is preferable for 4K, where total performance, memory bandwidth, and VRAM capacity have the greatest impact.
09Which is better for a quiet PC?+
M2 Pro is easier to use in a quiet build because of its lower estimated power and thermal load. Actual noise depends on the specific cooler.
10Which is better without replacing the power supply?+
M2 Pro is the safer candidate because its stated power consumption is lower. Verify PSU wattage, age, and power connectors.
11Is it worth upgrading from the previous generation?+
Consider upgrading to M2 Pro if your current device no longer delivers the required FPS, memory capacity, or feature support. A gain below 15–20% is usually worth waiting for a price cut.