Apple A5X vs Intel Core 2 Extreme QX6850

Last updated:

CPU comparison with benchmarks

-VS-

CPU lineage

Apple A5X or Apple A5X – which processor offers superior performance? In this comparison, we examine disparities and assess which of these two CPUs outperforms the other. We delve into technical specifications and benchmark outcomes.
The Apple A5X features 2 processor cores and has the capability to manage 2 threads concurrently.
It was released in Q1/2011 and belongs to the 5 generation of the Apple A series series.
The Intel Core 2 Extreme QX6850 features 4 processor cores and has the capability to manage 4 threads concurrently.
It was released in Q3/2007 and belongs to the 1 generation of the Intel Core2 Extreme series.
To use the Intel Core 2 Extreme QX6850, you'll need a motherboard with a LGA 775 socket.
Apple A series Family Intel Core2 Extreme
Mobile Segment Desktop / Server
5 Generation 1
Apple A5X Name Intel Core 2 Extreme QX6850
Apple A5/A5X Group Intel Core 2 Extreme QX6000
 
 

CPU Cores and Base Frequency

The Apple A5X has 2 CPU cores and can calculate 2 threads in parallel.
The clock frequency of the Apple A5X is 1.0 GHz
The Intel Core 2 Extreme QX6850 has 4 CPU cores and can calculate 4 threads in parallel.
The clock frequency of the Intel Core 2 Extreme QX6850 is 3.0 GHz
No Overclocking Yes
1.0 GHz Frequency 3.0 GHz
2x Cortex-A9 Cores 4x
2 Threads 4
2 CPU Cores 4
normal Core architecture normal
No Hyperthreading No
 
 

Internal Graphics

The Apple A5X has integrated graphics, called iGPU for short.
Specifically, the Apple A5X uses the PowerVR SGX543MP4 (4 Cores), which has 64 texture shaders
and 8 execution units.
The iGPU uses the system's main memory as graphics memory and sits on the processor's die.
The Intel Core 2 Extreme QX6850 does not have integrated graphics.
8 Execution units --
-- Generation --
10 Direct X --
64 Shaders --
0 bytes Max. GPU Memory 0 bytes
0.2 GHz GPU frequency --
45 nm Technology --
Q1/2012 Release date --
-- Max. displays --
-- GPU (Turbo) --
PowerVR SGX543MP4 (4 Cores) GPU name
 
 

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

-- AI specifications --
-- AI hardware --
 
 

Hardware codec support

A photo or video codec that is accelerated in hardware can greatly accelerate the working speed of a processor and extend the battery life of notebooks or smartphones when playing videos.
No AVC --
No VP8 --
No h265 / HEVC (10 bit) --
No h264 --
No h265 / HEVC (8 bit) --
No VP9 --
No JPEG --
No VC-1 --
No AV1 --
 
 

Memory & PCIe

The processor supports a maximum memory capacity of 1.0 GB distributed across 4 memory channels. It offers a peak memory bandwidth of 12.8 GB/s. Both the type and quantity of memory can have a substantial impact on the overall system performance.
1.0 GB Max. Memory 16.0 GB
No ECC No
No AES-NI No
4 Memory channels 2
pci PCIe pci
12.8 GB/s Bandwidth --
LPDDR2-800 Memory type DDR3-1066, DDR2-800
 
 

Thermal Management

TDP indicates the cooling solution needed to effectively manage the processor's heat. It generally provides an approximate indication of the actual power consumption of the CPU itself.
The processor has a thermal design power (TDP) of 130 W watts.
-- Tjunction max --
None TDP (PL1 / PBP) 130 W
 
 

Technical details

The Apple A5X is manufactured using a 32 nm process.
A smaller manufacturing process indicates a more contemporary and energy-efficient CPU.
A substantial cache can significantly enhance the processor's performance, particularly in scenarios like gaming.
The Intel Core 2 Extreme QX6850 is manufactured using a 65 nm process.
0 bytes L3-Cache 0 bytes
iOS Operating systems Windows 10, Linux
ISA extensions SSE3, MMX, SSE2
ARMv7-A32 (32 bit) Instruction set (ISA) x86-64 (64 bit)
-- Release price --
Technical data sheet Documents Technical data sheet
Q1/2011 Release date Q3/2007
1.0 MB L2-Cache 8.0 MB
None Virtualization VT-x
APL 5498 Part Number --
A5 Architecture Kentsfield (Core)
32 nm Technology 65 nm
Socket LGA 775
Chiplet Chip design Monolithic