Core i5-10300H vs M1

PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.

Core i5-10300H vs M1 FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

Core i5-10300H vs M1: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Core i5-10300H

2020

Why buy it

✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with UHD Graphics 630, while M1 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 16 MB).

M1

2020

Why buy it

✅+166.7% larger total L3 cache (16 MB vs 6 MB).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (8,207 vs 8,209).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-10300H can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-10300H better than M1?

Yes. Core i5-10300H is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i5-10300H is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.6% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-10300H is the stronger fit. You are getting 0% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Core i5-10300H still makes the most sense overall. Core i5-10300H comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

M1 is the safer long-term CPU choice because it gives you more room to grow and a better platform outlook.

Core i5-10300H vs M1 Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

Core i5-10300H

The Core i5-10300H is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 17 September 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Comet Lake-H (2020) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 4.5 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1440. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 8,209 points. Launch price was $149.

M1

The M1 is manufactured by Apple. It was released in 10 November 2020 (5 years ago). It features 8 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.064 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 16 MB. L2 cache: 16 MB. Built on 5 nm process technology. Passmark benchmark score: 8,207 points. Launch price was $149.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i5-10300H packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the M1 offers 8 cores / 8 threads — the M1 has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.5 GHz on the Core i5-10300H versus 3.2 GHz on the M1 — a 33.8% clock advantage for the Core i5-10300H (base: 2.5 GHz vs 2.064 GHz). The Core i5-10300H is built on the Comet Lake-H (2020) architecture. In PassMark, the Core i5-10300H scores 8,209 against the M1's 8,207 — a 0% lead for the Core i5-10300H. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-10300H vs 16 MB on the M1.

Feature	Core i5-10300H	M1
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	8 / 8+100%
Boost Clock	4.5 GHz+41%	3.2 GHz
Base Clock	2.5 GHz+21%	2.064 GHz
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	16 MB+167%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)+1500%	16 MB
Process	14 nm	5 nm-64%
Architecture	Comet Lake-H (2020)	—
PassMark	8,209	8,207
Geekbench 6 Single	1,533	—

🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-10300H) / not specified (M1). The Core i5-10300H includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 630), while the M1 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-10300H targets Performance Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i5-10300H rivals Ryzen 5 4600H.