Apple A8X vs Apple A9: What is the difference?

CPU speed

3 x 1.5GHz

2 x 2GHz

The CPU speed indicates how many processing cycles per second can be executed by a CPU, considering all of its cores (processing units). It is calculated by adding the clock rates of each core or, in the case of multi-core processors employing different microarchitectures, of each group of cores.

CPU threads

3

2

More threads result in faster performance and better multitasking.

Uses big.LITTLE technology

✖

Apple A8X

✖

Apple A9

Using big.LITTLE technology, a chip can switch between two sets of processor cores to maximize performance and battery life. For example, when playing a game the more powerful cores will be used to increase performance, whereas checking email will use the less powerful cores to maximize battery life.

Uses HMP

✖

Apple A8X

✖

Apple A9

Heterogeneous Multi-Processing (HMP) is a more advanced version of big.LITTLE technology. In this setup, a processor can utilize all cores at the same time, or just a single core for low-intensity tasks. This can provide powerful performance or increased battery life respectively.

turbo clock speed

Unknown. Help us by suggesting a value. (Apple A8X)

Unknown. Help us by suggesting a value. (Apple A9)

When the CPU is running below its limitations, it can boost to a higher clock speed in order to give increased performance.

L2 cache

Unknown. Help us by suggesting a value. (Apple A8X)

3MB

A larger L2 cache results in faster CPU and system-wide performance.

L1 cache

Unknown. Help us by suggesting a value. (Apple A8X)

128KB

A larger L1 cache results in faster CPU and system-wide performance.

clock multiplier

Unknown. Help us by suggesting a value. (Apple A8X)

Unknown. Help us by suggesting a value. (Apple A9)

The clock multiplier controls the speed of the CPU.

L3 cache

Unknown. Help us by suggesting a value. (Apple A8X)

4MB

A larger L3 cache results in faster CPU and system-wide performance.