Core i7-12800H vs M4 (10 cores)

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 i7-12800H vs M4 (10 cores) 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 i7-12800H vs M4 (10 cores): Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-12800H

2022

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +11.2% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.

Trade-offs

❌1025% higher power demand at 45W vs 4W.

M4 (10 cores)

2024

Why buy it

✅Draws 4W instead of 45W, a 41W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-12800H across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (23,784 vs 24,119).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-12800H better than M4 (10 cores)?

Yes. Core i7-12800H is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 11.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 1.4% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i7-12800H is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 11.2% 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 i7-12800H is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.4% better PassMark, backed by 14 cores and 20 threads.

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

Core i7-12800H still makes the most sense overall. Core i7-12800H comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 11.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

M4 (10 cores) makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2024 vs 2022). That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Core i7-12800H vs M4 (10 cores) Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-12800H

The Core i7-12800H is manufactured by Intel. It was released in Janeiro 2022 (3 years ago). It is based on the Alder Lake-H (2022) architecture. It features 14 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 4.8 GHz. L3 cache: 24 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1744. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 24,119 points. Launch price was $457.

M4 (10 cores)

The M4 (10 cores) is manufactured by Apple. It was released in 7 May 2024 (1 year ago). It features 10 cores and 10 threads. Base frequency is 2.89 GHz, with boost up to 4.4 GHz. L2 cache: 4 MB. Built on 3 nm process technology. Socket: none. Thermal design power (TDP): 4 MB. Memory support: LPDDR5x. Passmark benchmark score: 23,784 points. Launch price was $299.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-12800H packs 14 cores / 20 threads, while the M4 (10 cores) offers 10 cores / 10 threads — the Core i7-12800H has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.8 GHz on the Core i7-12800H versus 4.4 GHz on the M4 (10 cores) — a 8.7% clock advantage for the Core i7-12800H (base: 2.4 GHz vs 2.89 GHz). The Core i7-12800H is built on the Alder Lake-H (2022) architecture. In PassMark, the Core i7-12800H scores 24,119 against the M4 (10 cores)'s 23,784 — a 1.4% lead for the Core i7-12800H.

Feature	Core i7-12800H	M4 (10 cores)
Cores / Threads	14 / 20+40%	10 / 10
Boost Clock	4.8 GHz+9%	4.4 GHz
Base Clock	2.4 GHz	2.89 GHz+20%
L3 Cache	24 MB (total)	—
L2 Cache	1.25 MB (per core)	4 MB+220%
Process	Intel 7 nm	3 nm-57%
Architecture	Alder Lake-H (2022)	—
PassMark	24,119+1%	23,784

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-12800H uses the FCBGA1744 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the M4 (10 cores) uses none (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.