Context makes that comparison not surprising either, and also less impressive.
The 13980hx is Intel 10nm, now called Intel 7, which is comparable to TSMC 7nm. The M3 is on TSMC N3B.
Even the base M3 uses more transistors than the 13980hx. The M3 Max has more transistors than a 4090.
So it’s essentially Apple buying their way to have a very good CPU. A similar chip is doable by Intel and AMD, but they have to build chips that partners want to buy, and the industry isn’t eager to have $1000+ SoCs that need to go into $3000 laptops, consumer demand for that is low.
And mind you while the 13980hx is Intels highest performing mobile CPU, it’s not actually a mobile CPU, it’s a desktop CPU binned and power limited for mobile use. It’s a half ass take. After next year they will likely dump this approach as they are fundamentally changing their lineup.
Well that’s very naive way of thinking.
Intel is simply not able to compete. Not even with AMD. If you believe they have some magical, efficiency CPU next year you are out of touch.
Intel is history
Context makes that comparison not surprising either, and also less impressive.
The 13980hx is Intel 10nm, now called Intel 7, which is comparable to TSMC 7nm. The M3 is on TSMC N3B.
Even the base M3 uses more transistors than the 13980hx. The M3 Max has more transistors than a 4090.
So it’s essentially Apple buying their way to have a very good CPU. A similar chip is doable by Intel and AMD, but they have to build chips that partners want to buy, and the industry isn’t eager to have $1000+ SoCs that need to go into $3000 laptops, consumer demand for that is low.
And mind you while the 13980hx is Intels highest performing mobile CPU, it’s not actually a mobile CPU, it’s a desktop CPU binned and power limited for mobile use. It’s a half ass take. After next year they will likely dump this approach as they are fundamentally changing their lineup.
Well that’s very naive way of thinking. Intel is simply not able to compete. Not even with AMD. If you believe they have some magical, efficiency CPU next year you are out of touch. Intel is history