Intel Core Ultra 7 356H VS Apple M5 Pro (15-Core)
We are comparing the Intel Core Ultra 7 356H (Intel) with the Apple M5 Pro (15-Core) (Apple). Scroll down to the pros and cons of each processor, in-depth specs, and benchmark comparisons.
Overall Comparison
KEY DIFFERENCES OF Intel Core Ultra 7 356H AND Apple M5 Pro (15-Core)
Here’s how Intel Core Ultra 7 356H and Apple M5 Pro (15-Core) stack up against each other in their most impactful areas.
Reasons to consider the Intel Core Ultra 7 356H
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7% more CPU threads (16 vs 15)
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7% more CPU cores (16 vs 15)
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20% more efficient-core threads (12 vs 10)
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20% more efficient cores (12 vs 10)
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33% smaller manufacturing process (2 nm vs 3 nm)
Reasons to consider the Apple M5 Pro (15-Core)
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25% more performance-core threads (5 vs 4)
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25% more performance cores (5 vs 4)
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143% higher P-core base frequency (4610 MHz vs 1900 MHz)
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192% higher E-core base frequency (4380 MHz vs 1500 MHz)
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86% higher Geekbench V6 multi-core score (25906 vs 13948)
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55% higher Geekbench V6 single-core score (4254 vs 2753)
SPECIFICATION TABLE COMPARISON OF Intel Core Ultra 7 356H AND Apple M5 Pro (15-Core)
Below is the detailed specification table comparing Intel Core Ultra 7 356H and Apple M5 Pro (15-Core).
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 | Intel Core Ultra 7 356H | Apple M5 Pro (15-Core) |
|---|---|---|
|
General Information
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| CPU Name: | Intel Core Ultra 7 356H | Apple M5 Pro (15-Core) |
| Vendor: | Intel | Apple |
| Release Date: | January 5, 2026 | March 3, 2026 |
| Type: | Laptop | Laptop |
| Instruction Set: | x86-64 | ARMv9 |
| Codename: | Panther Lake | Apple M5 |
|
Package and Thermals
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| Manufacturing Process: | 2 nm | 3 nm |
| Transistor Count: | — | 28 billion |
| TDP (PL1): | 15-25 W | — |
| Max Boost TDP (PL2): | 80 W | — |
| Socket: | FCBGA2540 | Apple M-Socket |
| Max Temp (TJMax): | 100 C | 100 C |
|
CPU Cores
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Total Cores
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| Total Cores | 16 | 15 |
| Total Threads | 16 | 15 |
|
P-Cores
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| P-Cores | 4 | 5 |
| P-Threads | 4 | 5 |
| P-Core Base Frequency | 1900 MHz | 4610 MHz |
| P-Core Turbo Frequency | 4700 MHz | — |
|
E-Cores
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| E-Cores | 12 | 10 |
| E-Threads | 12 | 10 |
| E-Core Base Frequency | 1500 MHz | 4380 MHz |
| E-Core Turbo Frequency | 3700 MHz | — |
|
NPU
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| NPU |
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Cache and Bus
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| Multiplier | Locked | Locked |
| Bus Frequency | 100 MHz | — |
| L1 Cache | 192 KB | 192 KB |
| L2 Cache | 2.5 MB | — |
| L3 Cache | 18 MB | — |
|
Memory Support
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| Memory Types: | LPDDR5X-8533, DDR5-7200 | LPDDR5X-9600 |
| Max Memory Size: | 128 GB | 64 GB |
| Memory Channels: | 2 | 4 |
| Max Memory Bandwidth: | — | 307 GB/s |
| ECC Support: |
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Benchmarks
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Geekbench V6
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| Multi-Core | 13948 | 25906 |
| Single-Core | 2753 | 4254 |
| File Compression | 1200 | 2370 |
| Clang Compression | 120 | 222 |
| HTML5 Browser | 241 | 673 |
| PDF Renderer | 422 | 667 |
| Text Processing | 296 | 437 |
| Background Blur | 61 | 99 |
| Photo Processing | 118 | 239 |
| Ray Tracing | 23 | 40 |
|
PassMark CPU
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| Multi-Core | 32438 | 49402 |
| Single-Core | 3945 | 5901 |
| Integer Math | 81800 | 111700 |
| Floating Point | 100000 | 158500 |
| Prime Numbers | 322 | 479 |
| String Sorting | 38200 | 71800 |
| Data Encryption | 25000 | 34100 |
| Data Compression | 313100 | 593700 |
| Physics | 2836 | 5502 |
| Extended Instructions | 26100 | 27300 |
|
Cinebench 2024
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| Multi-Core | 1093 | 1982 |
| Single-Core | 122 | 208 |
Tip: ▲ indicates a higher-is-better spec advantage, while ▼ indicates a lower-is-better advantage.
PERFORMANCE CHART COMPARISON OF Intel Core Ultra 7 356H AND Apple M5 Pro (15-Core)
The charts below visualize how Intel Core Ultra 7 356H and Apple M5 Pro (15-Core) stack up in key performance metrics.
Performance Radar Chart
Performance Benchmarks
Release Timeline of Intel Core Ultra 7 356H and Apple M5 Pro (15-Core)
Intel Core Ultra 7 356H was released 1 month, 26 days earlier than Apple M5 Pro (15-Core).
Value For Money Calculator
Prices use available launch or current data. Enter your own prices to see which CPU gives better value.
Intel Core Ultra 7 356H
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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 Apple M5 Pro (15-Core) is clearly better overall compared to the Intel Core Ultra 7 356H. Its strongest advantages are in Single-Core Performance, Multi-Core Performance, CPU Architecture and Energy Efficiency. They are still fairly close in Memory Architecture.
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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.