Apple M6 VS Intel Core Ultra 9 285K
We are comparing the Apple M6 (Apple) with the Intel Core Ultra 9 285K (Intel). Scroll down to the pros and cons of each processor, in-depth specs, and benchmark comparisons.
Overall Comparison
KEY DIFFERENCES OF Apple M6 AND Intel Core Ultra 9 285K
Here’s how Apple M6 and Intel Core Ultra 9 285K stack up against each other in their most impactful areas.
Reasons to consider the Apple M6
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66% more memory bandwidth (170 GB/s vs 102.4 GB/s)
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33% smaller manufacturing process (2 nm vs 3 nm)
Reasons to consider the Intel Core Ultra 9 285K
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100% more CPU threads (24 vs 12)
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100% more CPU cores (24 vs 12)
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33% more performance-core threads (8 vs 6)
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33% more performance cores (8 vs 6)
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167% more efficient-core threads (16 vs 6)
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167% more efficient cores (16 vs 6)
SPECIFICATION TABLE COMPARISON OF Apple M6 AND Intel Core Ultra 9 285K
Below is the detailed specification table comparing Apple M6 and Intel Core Ultra 9 285K.
Note: Highlighted specs mean that CPU wins that spec row.
If neither side is highlighted, it is a tie or there is not enough data for both specs.
| Specification | Apple M6 | Intel Core Ultra 9 285K |
|---|---|---|
|
General Information
|
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| CPU Name: | Apple M6 | Intel Core Ultra 9 285K |
| Vendor: | Apple | Intel |
| Release Date: | August 25, 2026 | October 24, 2024 |
| Generation: | M6 | Ultra 9 (Arrow Lake) |
| Type: | Desktop | Desktop |
| Instruction Set: | ARM64 | — |
| Codename: | — | Arrow Lake-S |
| Foundry: | TSMC | TSMC |
|
Package and Thermals
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| Manufacturing Process: | 2 nm | 3 nm |
| Die Size: | — | 243 mm² |
| Transistor Count: | — | 17.8 billion |
| TDP (PL1): | — | 250 W |
| Max Boost TDP (PL2): | — | 250 W |
| Socket: | Apple M-Socket | FCLGA1851 |
| Max Temp (TJMax): | — | 105 C |
|
CPU Cores
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Total Cores
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| Total Cores | 12 | 24 |
| Total Threads | 12 | 24 |
|
P-Cores
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| P-Cores | 6 | 8 |
| P-Threads | 6 | 8 |
| P-Core Base Frequency | — | 3700 MHz |
| P-Core Turbo Frequency | — | 5500 MHz |
|
E-Cores
|
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| E-Cores | 6 | 16 |
| E-Threads | 6 | 16 |
| E-Core Base Frequency | — | 3200 MHz |
| E-Core Turbo Frequency | — | 4600 MHz |
|
NPU
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| NPU |
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| NPU TOPS | — | 13 TOPS |
|
Cache and Bus
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| Multiplier | Locked | Unlocked |
| Bus Frequency | — | 100 MHz |
| L1 Cache | — | 192 KB |
| L2 Cache | — | 3 MB |
| L3 Cache | — | 36 MB |
|
Memory Support
|
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| Memory Types: | Unified Memory | DDR5-6400 |
| Max Memory Size: | 32 GB | 256 GB |
| Memory Channels: | — | 2 |
| Max Memory Bandwidth: | 170 GB/s | 102.4 GB/s |
| ECC Support: |
|
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| Technologies: | 2 Super Cores, 4 Performance Cores, 6 Efficiency Cores, Dual 16-core Neural Engine, Neural Accelerators | MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, AVX-VNNI, FMA3, SHA, VT-x, VT-d, AES-NI, TXT, TDT, Thread Director, AI Boost 3.0, DLBoost 3.0, TBT 2.0, TBMT 3.0, TVB, vPro |
Tip: ▲ indicates a higher-is-better spec advantage, while ▼ indicates a lower-is-better advantage.
PERFORMANCE CHART COMPARISON OF Apple M6 AND Intel Core Ultra 9 285K
The charts below visualize how Apple M6 and Intel Core Ultra 9 285K stack up in key performance metrics.
Performance Radar Chart
Performance Benchmarks
Release Timeline of Apple M6 and Intel Core Ultra 9 285K
Intel Core Ultra 9 285K was released 1 year, 10 months, 1 day earlier than Apple M6.
Value For Money Calculator
Prices use available launch or current data. Enter your own prices to see which CPU gives better value.
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Domain Score Summary
Scores are generated by Comparigon's scoring algorithm and are intended as a high-level guide. They may not map 1-to-1 with the individual spec-by-spec comparisons shown in the table.
Our Verdict
In conclusion, the Intel Core Ultra 9 285K dominates overall compared to the Apple M6. It comes out ahead across every comparable key area.
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Disclaimer: Specs, pricing, and benchmarks are sourced from official manufacturer data and verified test results. While we strive for precision, product details and pricing may change. Comparigon may earn an affiliate commission on qualifying purchases.