CPU·Budget

M1

Apple

PassMark

8,207

10 November 2020 (5 years ago)

Performance Spectrum - CPU

8 / 8

8,207

0.0%

About PassMark

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.

Overview

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.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.•
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for M1 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of M1 specifications and capabilities.

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Processing Power

The M1 is a 8-core / 8-thread processor, manufactured on a 5 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 3.2 GHz from a base frequency of 2.064 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 16 MB of L3 cache, plus 16 MB of L2 cache and 2 MB of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 8,207, placing it in the Budget performance tier as a Aging generation product.

Specification	M1
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	8C / 8T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	3.2 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	2.064 GHz
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	5 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores	16 MB
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data	16 MB
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	2 MB
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities	16000 Million
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	No
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	8,207

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Value Analysis

Performance ranking position: #1434 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	M1
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$149
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#1434
Release DateLaunch date	10 November 2020 (5 years ago)
Release Year	2020
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Apple

Specifications Reference

Raw spec sheet for quick lookup. The analysis cards above explain what these fields mean in practice.

3 categories

General Information

6 specs

Type	Laptop
Series	Apple Apple M-Series
Designer	Apple
Launch Price	$149
Release Date	10 November 2020 (5 years ago)
Performance Ranking Position	1434

Technical Specifications

11 specs

Cores	8
Threads	8
L1 Cache	2 MB
L2 Cache	16 MB
L3 Cache	16 MB
Max Frequency	3.2 GHz
64-Bit Support	+
Base Frequency	2.064 GHz
Transistor Count	16000 Million
Process Technology	5 nm
Windows 11 Compatible	-