a14x Benchmarks: Does It Beat Core i9?
This page explains what the alleged Apple A14X chip benchmarks show and whether they actually outperform Intel Core i9 processors. You enter nothing here; instead, you get a factual comparison of benchmark scores, architectural differences, and real-world implications. The short answer: in specific multi-core and GPU benchmarks, the A14X can match or exceed some Core i9 models, but it does not universally beat all Core i9s across every workload.
Background: What Is the A14X Chip?
The A14X is an unannounced Apple silicon chip that was widely reported to power the iPad Pro (5th generation) and later the M1 chip in Macs. It is based on the A14 Bionic architecture found in the iPhone 12, but with more GPU cores and higher sustained performance. The name “A14X” follows Apple’s naming pattern for iPad Pro chips (A9X, A10X, A12X), and leaked benchmark scores appeared online before the official announcement.
Key specifications reported for the A14X include:
- 8-core CPU (4 high-performance + 4 high-efficiency)
- 8-core GPU (up from 4 in the A14)
- 5-nanometer manufacturing process
- 16-core Neural Engine
These specs are similar to the Apple M1 chip, which Apple officially released in November 2020. The M1 is essentially the A14X with a different name and slightly different packaging.
How Benchmarks Work and What They Measure
Benchmarks are standardized tests that measure a processor’s performance in specific tasks. The most common ones for comparing chips are:
- Geekbench 5: Measures single-core and multi-core CPU performance using real-world tasks like encryption, image processing, and machine learning.
- GFXBench: Tests GPU performance with high-resolution graphics workloads.
- Cinebench: Renders a 3D scene to test sustained CPU performance.
Each benchmark has its own scoring system. Higher scores mean better performance in that specific test. However, a chip can score high in one benchmark and lower in another, depending on the workload and how the chip handles heat and power.
Alleged a14x Benchmarks vs Core i9: The Numbers
Leaked Geekbench 5 scores for the A14X (which later matched the M1) showed approximately:
- Single-core: ~1700
- Multi-core: ~6800
For comparison, a high-end Intel Core i9-10900K (10 cores, 20 threads) scores around 1300 single-core and 11000 multi-core. A Core i9-9980HK (8 cores, 16 threads) scores around 1100 single-core and 7000 multi-core.
So the A14X’s single-core score is significantly higher than any Core i9, but its multi-core score is lower than the i9-10900K. The A14X beats the i9-9980HK in multi-core, but not the higher-core-count i9-10900K. In GPU benchmarks like GFXBench, the A14X scores higher than most integrated GPUs in Core i9 laptops, but dedicated GPUs in gaming laptops still outperform it.
Architectural Differences: Why Scores Differ
The A14X and Core i9 are built on different architectures, which explains the benchmark differences:
- Instruction Set: The A14X uses ARM architecture, while Core i9 uses x86. ARM chips are more power-efficient but historically slower for heavy computing. Apple’s custom cores have closed that gap for single-threaded tasks.
- Power Consumption: The A14X is designed for tablets, so it runs at 5-10 watts. Core i9 desktop chips can draw 125-250 watts. The i9 can sustain higher clock speeds, which helps in multi-core workloads.
- Memory Architecture: The A14X uses unified memory (shared between CPU and GPU), which speeds up data transfer but limits total memory capacity. Core i9 systems have separate RAM for CPU and GPU, allowing more capacity but with higher latency.
These differences mean the A14X excels at tasks that are short, bursty, and single-threaded, while the Core i9 wins in long, multi-threaded workloads like video rendering or scientific simulations.
Real-World Performance: What It Means for You
Benchmark scores don’t always translate to real-world speed. For everyday tasks like web browsing, email, and office work, the A14X feels faster because of its high single-core performance and fast storage. For professional tasks like 4K video editing, the Core i9 with more cores will render faster, but the A14X is still capable and runs cooler and quieter.
If you’re choosing between a device with an A14X (like an iPad Pro or a MacBook Air with M1) and a laptop with a Core i9, consider what you do most:
- For portability and battery life, the A14X wins.
- For heavy multi-core processing, the Core i9 wins.
- For gaming, a dedicated GPU in a Core i9 laptop is better.
Common Misconceptions About Benchmarks
One common misconception is that a higher benchmark score always means a better chip. That’s not true because benchmarks are synthetic. A chip might score high in Geekbench but throttle (slow down) under sustained load due to heat. Also, benchmarks don’t measure compatibility with software. Many Windows programs are not optimized for ARM, so a Core i9 might run them faster even if the A14X has a higher score.
Another misconception is that the A14X is the same as the M1. While they are very similar, the M1 has a slightly different GPU configuration and is used in Macs with fanless designs that can sustain performance differently. The A14X in an iPad Pro has a fanless design too, but it shares the same chip as the M1 in the MacBook Air.
How to Choose Between A14X and Core i9
When deciding which chip is better for you, follow these steps:
- List the software you use daily. Check if it’s available for ARM (Apple Silicon) or x86 (Intel).
- Identify the most demanding task you do. If it’s video editing, note how long your projects are.
- Consider your power source. If you’re often away from a wall outlet, the A14X’s efficiency is a big advantage.
- Compare total cost of ownership, including the device price, accessories, and software licenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the A14X faster than an Intel Core i9?
In single-core tasks, yes, the A14X is faster than any Core i9. In multi-core tasks, it depends on the specific i9 model. It beats the 8-core i9-9980HK but loses to the 10-core i9-10900K.
Can the A14X run Windows programs?
Not natively. The A14X uses ARM architecture, and Windows programs are compiled for x86. Some can run through emulation, but performance will be lower than on a Core i9.
Why does the A14X have such a high single-core score?
Apple designs its own CPU cores, which are wider and more efficient than Intel’s. This allows them to execute more instructions per clock cycle, resulting in higher single-thread performance.
Does the A14X overheat?
No, the A14X is designed for low power consumption and runs cool in tablets. It may throttle under sustained heavy load, but it generally maintains good performance without a fan.
Is the A14X the same as the M1 chip?
Yes, the M1 is essentially the A14X with a different name. Apple uses the M1 in Macs and the A14X in iPads, but they share the same CPU and GPU architecture.
Will the A14X work for gaming?
For mobile games, yes, the A14X is excellent. For desktop PC games, no, because most are not available for ARM and the GPU is not as powerful as a dedicated graphics card.
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Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.