H2H

Apple M3 vs Intel Core i5-14500

Full comparison of specs, performance and benchmarks

Aggregate performance score

We've compared M3 and Core i5-14500 across specs and all relevant benchmarks.

Core i5-14500 outperforms M3 by 73% based on our aggregate benchmark results.+73%

Scores are normalized on the Head to Head scale. Higher is better.
QUICK COMPARISON ANALYSIS

Apple M3 vs Intel Core i5-14500: key takeaway

The comparison of M3 and Core i5-14500 shows a 75% advantage for Core i5-14500 in gaming performance, while M3 may still be stronger in value for money. 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.

H2H
Performance
Single-core
Multi-core
Efficiency
Performance
1221
Single-core
6883
Multi-core
2743
Efficiency
6017
Missing values are never replaced with zero or an average.Model: H2H 2026.07 fixed scale.
COMPARISON RESULT

M3 is the best overall choice

M3 leads in overall performance, while M3 offers better price-to-performance. Check results in your applications before making the final choice.

PERFORMANCE DIFFERENCE15%

M3 leads in the combined performance index

PRICE DIFFERENCE$264

Core i5-14500 costs less

OVERALL SCORE

Overview

Scores are calculated from specifications, performance, and efficiency.

The Summary score section compares M3 and Core i5-14500 with normalized H2H data, turning specifications, tests and value signals into practical buying context.

CategoryM3Core i5-14500
GamesDirectX, OpenCL, and Vulkan performance
12
21Better
Professional applications3D modeling, video editing, and rendering
15
22Better
AI and machine learningMachine-learning and AI capabilities
13
19Better
Power efficiencyPower consumption across workloads
60Better
17
Head to Head scoreOverall catalog score
23Better
20
FULL COMPARISON

Specifications

The better numeric value is highlighted in green, taking the metric direction into account.

The Specifications section compares M3 and Core i5-14500 with normalized H2H data, turning specifications, tests and value signals into practical buying context.

SpecificationM3Core i5-14500
PassMark1908132933Better
Release date20232023
Device classMobileDesktop
Cores / Threads8 / 8Better6P+8E / 20
Clock speedUp to 4.1 GHzBetterP 2,6 - 5 GHz / E 1,9 - 3,7 GHz
Base clock2600 MHz
Boost clock4.1 GHz5000 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 cluster2 MB per P-core, 4 MB per E-core cluster
L3 cache24 MB
Memory supportUnified memory, up to 24 GB, 100 GB/sBetterDDR5-4800 / DDR4-3200
Integrated graphicsApple 10-core GPUUHD 770 1,55 GHzBetter
PBP / MTP15 / 25 W65 / 154 WBetter
Power consumption25 WBetter65 / 154 W
SocketLGA1700
ArchitectureRaptor Lake Refresh
Process node10 nm (Intel 7)
HEAD TO HEAD · CALCULATED INDEX

H2H workload indices

Comparable internal indices on a fixed 0–100 scale.

The Benchmarks section compares M3 and Core i5-14500 with normalized H2H data, turning specifications, tests and value signals into practical buying context.

IndexM3Core i5-14500Difference
H2H Single-core IndexH2H Index / 100688320%
H2H Multi-core IndexH2H Index / 100274346%
H2H Productivity IndexH2H Index / 100424915%
H2H Rendering IndexH2H Index / 100273526%
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 M3 and Core i5-14500 with normalized H2H data, turning specifications, tests and value signals into practical buying context.

IndexM3Core i5-14500Difference
H2H ML Preprocessing IndexH2H Index / 100121522%
H2H CPU Inference IndexH2H Index / 100121629%
H2H Local LLM CPU IndexH2H Index / 10012120%
H2H Data Pipeline IndexH2H Index / 100121734%
H2H Computer Vision CPU IndexH2H Index / 100121629%

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.

Device AM323
Device BCore i5-1450020
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 reviewedHelpful to the community🏅Expert badges
FAQ · CHOOSE BY USE CASE

Frequently asked comparison questions

Short recommendations based on performance, memory, power consumption, and intended use.

01Which is better for gaming: M3 or Core i5-14500?

M3 has the higher overall gaming score, while M3 offers the better price-to-performance ratio. The final choice depends on resolution and settings.

02Which is better for streaming?

M3 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?

M3 is generally the better option for Blender and GPU rendering. Rendering-engine support and available VRAM also matter.

04Which is better for video editing?

M3 offers more overall performance, while M3 offers more memory headroom. Codecs, hardware encoders, and editor optimization can change the result.

05Which is better for neural networks and AI?

M3 is the more practical option for local AI workloads. VRAM capacity, compute libraries, and framework compatibility are especially important.

06Which is better for 1080p?

M3 is the most rational 1080p choice, where high frame rates and cost per frame matter most.

07Which is better for 1440p?

M3 leads in combined 1440p performance. M3 can be preferable for heavy textures and games with high VRAM usage.

08Which is better for 4K?

M3 is preferable for 4K, where total performance, memory bandwidth, and VRAM capacity have the greatest impact.

09Which is better for a quiet PC?

M3 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?

M3 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 M3 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.