Super Cores and Chiplets Define new Apple M5 Processors
Apple has adopted chiplets for its new M5 and M5 Max PC processors, an approach that it now shares with AMD and Intel. The company has also changed its CPU-core configuration, introducing new super cores and dropping efficiency cores. The highest-spec CPU configuration now features 6 super and 12 performance cores. This approach is reminiscent of MediaTek’s all-bit-core flagship smartphone processors. On the GPU side, Apple touts built-in neural accelerators instead of a dedicated NPU or AI CPU extensions (which we assume are still present.)
Details are withheld. We don’t know how Apple partitioned the chiplets or the type of substrate employed. AMD and Intel have taken different chiplet approaches to address their unique situations, and Apple could go in a unique direction. As for the CPUs, Apple has proven able to deliver leading performance, and super cores should put further daylight between it and Arm- and x86-based rivals. As for AI, the biggest challenge, which vertically integrated Apple is best positioned to answer, is why build acceleration into a PC.
