Comparing AMD, Intel, and Apple Processors in 2025
Performance and Power Efficiency Analysis
Comparing and choosing the right processor in 2025 means balancing raw performance and power efficiency. AMD, Intel, and Apple each offer compelling options, but their strengths differ. Below, we break down the latest benchmark data and visualize the differences.
Top Laptop Processors (2025): Performance & Power
| Processor | Cinebench R23 Multi-Core | Cinebench R23 Single-Core | Cores (P+E) | TDP (W) | Energy Efficiency* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple M4 Max (16-Core) | 27,399 | 2,281 | 16 (12+4) | 70 | 93 |
| AMD Ryzen 9 9955HX3D | 37,283 | 2,171 | 16 (16+0) | 55-75 | 82 |
| Intel Core Ultra 9 285HX | 35,391 | 2,008 | 24 (8+16) | 45-55 | 79 |
| Apple M4 Pro (14-Core) | 23,435 | 2,269 | 14 (10+4) | 46 | 94 |
*Energy Efficiency is a composite score from NanoReview, higher is better4.
Performance Comparison
Cinebench R23 Multi-Core Scores
Apple M4 Max (16-Core): ████████████████ 27,399
AMD Ryzen 9 9955HX3D: ████████████████████ 37,283
Intel Core Ultra 9 285HX: ██████████████████ 35,391
Apple M4 Pro (14-Core): ████████████ 23,435
- AMD leads in raw multi-core performance, making it ideal for demanding tasks like rendering and scientific computing4.
- Intel closely follows, offering strong all-around performance, especially for mixed workloads.
- Apple chips, while slightly behind in raw multi-core, excel in single-core and efficiency4.
Cinebench R23 Single-Core Scores
Apple M4 Max (16-Core): ███████████████ 2,281
AMD Ryzen 9 9955HX3D: ██████████████ 2,171
Intel Core Ultra 9 285HX: ████████████ 2,008
Apple M4 Pro (14-Core): ██████████████ 2,269
- Apple leads in single-core performance, which benefits everyday tasks and creative workflows.
- AMD and Intel are close behind, with minimal differences for most users.
Power Efficiency
Efficiency Score (Higher is Better)
Apple M4 Pro (14-Core): ██████████████████████████ 94
Apple M4 Max (16-Core): █████████████████████████ 93
AMD Ryzen 9 9955HX3D: ████████████████████ 82
Intel Core Ultra 9 285HX: ██████████████████ 79
- Apple dominates power efficiency, delivering high performance at lower wattages, ideal for laptops and mobile workstations4.
- AMD has improved efficiency, especially in high-end chips, but typically draws more power under load.
- Intel trails in efficiency, particularly in sustained heavy workloads, but offers good balance for mixed-use scenarios47.
Key Takeaways
- AMD: Best for users needing top multi-core performance (content creators, power users).
- Intel: Great all-rounder, especially for those needing high compatibility and integrated graphics.
- Apple: Unmatched in energy efficiency and single-core performance, making it the best choice for mobile professionals and those prioritizing battery life.
Charts and scores based on NanoReview and real-world benchmarks as of Q2 2025.
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