Apple M2 Pro VS Apple M3 Pro
We are comparing the Apple M2 Pro (Apple) with the Apple M3 Pro (Apple). Scroll down to the pros and cons of each processor, in-depth specs, and benchmark comparisons.
Overall Comparison
KEY DIFFERENCES OF Apple M2 Pro AND Apple M3 Pro
Here’s how Apple M2 Pro and Apple M3 Pro stack up against each other in their most impactful areas.
Reasons to consider the Apple M2 Pro
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33% more performance-core threads (8 vs 6)
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33% more performance cores (8 vs 6)
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33% more memory bandwidth (204.8 GB/s vs 153.6 GB/s)
Reasons to consider the Apple M3 Pro
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50% more efficient-core threads (6 vs 4)
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50% more efficient cores (6 vs 4)
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16% higher P-core base frequency (4050 MHz vs 3500 MHz)
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15% higher E-core base frequency (2750 MHz vs 2400 MHz)
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7% higher Geekbench V6 multi-core score (15512 vs 14489)
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19% higher Geekbench V6 single-core score (3163 vs 2666)
SPECIFICATION TABLE COMPARISON OF Apple M2 Pro AND Apple M3 Pro
Below is the detailed specification table comparing Apple M2 Pro and Apple M3 Pro.
Note: Highlighted specs mean that CPU wins that spec row.
If neither side is highlighted, it is a tie or there is not enough data for both specs.
| Specification | Apple M2 Pro | Apple M3 Pro |
|---|---|---|
|
General Information
|
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| CPU Name: | Apple M2 Pro | Apple M3 Pro |
| Vendor: | Apple | Apple |
| Release Date: | January 17, 2023 | October 30, 2023 |
| Type: | Laptop | Laptop |
| Instruction Set: | ARMv8 | ARMv8 |
| Codename: | Apple M2 | Apple M3 |
|
Package and Thermals
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| Manufacturing Process: | 5 nm | 3 nm |
| Transistor Count: | 40 billion | 37 billion |
| TDP (PL1): | 30 W | 30 W |
| Socket: | Apple M-Socket | Apple M-Socket |
| Max Temp (TJMax): | 100 C | 100 C |
|
CPU Cores
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Total Cores
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| Total Cores | 12 | 12 |
| Total Threads | 12 | 12 |
|
P-Cores
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| P-Cores | 8 | 6 |
| P-Threads | 8 | 6 |
| P-Core Base Frequency | 3500 MHz | 4050 MHz |
|
E-Cores
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| E-Cores | 4 | 6 |
| E-Threads | 4 | 6 |
| E-Core Base Frequency | 2400 MHz | 2750 MHz |
|
NPU
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| NPU |
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Cache and Bus
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| Multiplier | Locked | Locked |
| L1 Cache | 192 KB | 192 KB |
| L2 Cache | 32 MB | 16 MB |
|
Memory Support
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| Memory Types: | LPDDR5-6400 | LPDDR5-6400 |
| Max Memory Size: | 32 GB | 36 GB |
| Memory Channels: | 4 | 12 |
| Max Memory Bandwidth: | 204.8 GB/s | 153.6 GB/s |
| ECC Support: |
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Benchmarks
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Geekbench V6
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| Multi-Core | 14489 | 15512 |
| Single-Core | 2666 | 3163 |
| File Compression | 1630 | 1560 |
| Clang Compression | 125 | 133 |
| HTML5 Browser | 357 | 383 |
| PDF Renderer | 353 | 393 |
| Text Processing | 267 | 301 |
| Background Blur | 54 | 61 |
| Photo Processing | 126 | 144 |
| Ray Tracing | 17 | 20 |
|
PassMark CPU
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| Multi-Core | 26693 | 23932 |
| Single-Core | 4091 | 4232 |
| Integer Math | 57700 | 55800 |
| Floating Point | 73200 | 64600 |
| Prime Numbers | 354 | 239 |
| String Sorting | 40900 | 35000 |
| Data Encryption | 15600 | 14300 |
| Data Compression | 334900 | 287100 |
| Physics | 3603 | 2045 |
| Extended Instructions | 14600 | 14000 |
|
Cinebench 2024
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| Multi-Core | 795 | 1059 |
| Single-Core | 125 | 143 |
|
Blender
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| Render Score | 198 | 229 |
Tip: ▲ indicates a higher-is-better spec advantage, while ▼ indicates a lower-is-better advantage.
PERFORMANCE CHART COMPARISON OF Apple M2 Pro AND Apple M3 Pro
The charts below visualize how Apple M2 Pro and Apple M3 Pro stack up in key performance metrics.
Performance Radar Chart
Performance Benchmarks
Release Timeline of Apple M2 Pro and Apple M3 Pro
Apple M2 Pro was released 9 months, 13 days earlier than Apple M3 Pro.
Value For Money Calculator
Prices use available launch or current data. Enter your own prices to see which CPU gives better value.
Apple M2 Pro
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Domain Score Summary
Scores are generated by Comparigon's scoring algorithm and are intended as a high-level guide. They may not map 1-to-1 with the individual spec-by-spec comparisons shown in the table.
Our Verdict
In conclusion, the Apple M3 Pro has a narrow overall lead compared to the Apple M2 Pro. Its strongest advantages are in Single-Core Performance, Multi-Core Performance, Memory Architecture and Energy Efficiency. They are still fairly close in CPU Architecture.
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Disclaimer: Specs, pricing, and benchmarks are sourced from official manufacturer data and verified test results. While we strive for precision, product details and pricing may change. Comparigon may earn an affiliate commission on qualifying purchases.