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Apple M5

Apple M5

Manufacturer: Apple

The Apple M5 is a laptop CPU featuring a 3 nm semiconductor and integrated Apple M5 GPU, offering a balanced mix of performance and efficiency. With a CPU speed of 4 x 4.6 GHz and 6 x 3.2 GHz, it is designed to handle demanding tasks efficiently.

Key specs include 10 CPU threads, a 16 MB L2 cache, and a maximum memory bandwidth of 153 GB/s, supporting up to 64GB of DDR5 RAM. It also features big.LITTLE technology and supports 64-bit processing, providing a robust foundation for modern computing needs.

Pros
  • Supports 64GB of maximum RAM, allowing for substantial multitasking and memory-intensive applications.
  • Equipped with Apple M5 GPU, providing integrated graphics support for basic visual tasks and light gaming.
  • Has TrustZone and NX bit security features, enhancing system protection against malicious software and unauthorized access.
  • Uses big.LITTLE technology and HMP for optimized performance and energy efficiency across varying workloads.
Cons
  • Does not support ECC memory, which could limit its reliability for critical, error-sensitive applications.
  • No support for an unlocked multiplier, limiting overclocking potential for users seeking to maximize CPU performance.
Who is this for?

This CPU is well-suited for users who need efficient multi-tasking and moderate graphical performance, such as professionals working with office applications, light content creation, or programming. The 64GB RAM support and Apple M5 GPU make it a good choice for those requiring a balance between processing power and energy efficiency in laptop-based setups.

Who is this NOT for?

This product may not be ideal for users seeking extreme performance in resource-heavy applications such as gaming or intensive computational tasks. Its lack of ECC memory could also be a limitation for those working in fields requiring high levels of data integrity, such as scientific computing or financial analysis.

General info:
Type Laptop
Has integrated graphics ✓
release date October 2025
semiconductor size 3 nm
number of transistors 38000 million
Supports 64-bit ✓

The Apple M5 CPU is designed for laptops, featuring a 3 nm semiconductor size for improved efficiency and performance. It includes integrated graphics with the Apple M5 GPU, supporting a seamless visual experience. With a total of 38,000 million transistors and 64-bit support, it provides a solid foundation for modern computing tasks.

Performance:
CPU speed 4 x 4.6 & 6 x 3.2 GHz
CPU threads 10 threads
Has an unlocked multiplier ✕
L2 cache 16 MB
L1 cache 320 KB
Uses big.LITTLE technology ✓
Uses HMP ✓
clock multiplier 46

The Apple M5 CPU features a total clock speed of 4 x 4.6 GHz and 6 x 3.2 GHz, delivering efficient performance for a variety of tasks. With 10 threads and a 16 MB L2 cache, it balances multitasking and data handling. It also supports big.LITTLE technology and HMP for enhanced energy efficiency and performance scaling across tasks.

Benchmarks:
Geekbench 6 result (multi) 16832
Geekbench 6 result (single) 4188

The Apple M5 CPU achieves a Geekbench 6 score of 16832 in multi-core performance and 4188 in single-core performance, reflecting its capability to handle both multi-threaded and single-threaded workloads efficiently.

Integrated graphics:
GPU name Apple M5 GPU
supported displays 2

The Apple M5 CPU features integrated Apple M5 GPU graphics, capable of supporting two displays for enhanced multitasking and visual output.

Memory:
RAM speed (max) 6400 MHz
maximum memory bandwidth 153 GB/s
DDR memory version 5
maximum memory amount 64GB
Supports ECC memory ✕

The Apple M5 supports a maximum RAM speed of 6400 MHz and boasts a high maximum memory bandwidth of 153 GB/s, allowing for fast data processing. It is compatible with up to 64GB of DDR5 memory, although it does not support ECC memory for error correction.

Features:
Has TrustZone ✓
Has NX bit ✓

The Apple M5 includes security features such as TrustZone and the NX bit, providing enhanced protection for secure execution and defense against malicious software.

Final Verdict

The Apple M5 CPU is a solid choice for users seeking a balanced, efficient laptop processor. With its 64GB RAM support and integrated Apple M5 GPU, it provides reliable performance for everyday tasks and moderate graphical workloads. Its energy-efficient big.LITTLE technology makes it a good option for productivity-focused professionals. However, it may not meet the needs of those requiring extreme computational power or high data integrity. Overall, the Apple M5 is a dependable solution for a wide range of general computing needs.

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