Apple M2 VS Apple M3
We are comparing the Apple M2 (Apple) with the Apple M3 (Apple). Scroll down to the pros and cons of each processor, in-depth specs, and benchmark comparisons.
Overall Comparison
KEY DIFFERENCES OF Apple M2 AND Apple M3
Here’s how Apple M2 and Apple M3 stack up against each other in their most impactful areas.
Why Apple M3 is the best choice:
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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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17% higher Geekbench V6 multi-core score (11815 vs 10122)
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16% higher Geekbench V6 single-core score (3009 vs 2589)
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21% higher PassMark single-core score (4715 vs 3885)
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47% higher Blender score (160 vs 109)
SPECIFICATION TABLE COMPARISON OF Apple M2 AND Apple M3
Below is the detailed specification table comparing Apple M2 and Apple M3.
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 | Apple M3 |
|---|---|---|
|
General Information
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| CPU Name: | Apple M2 | Apple M3 |
| Vendor: | Apple | Apple |
| Release Date: | June 6, 2022 | 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: | 20 billion | 25 billion |
| TDP (PL1): | 18 W | 20 W |
| Socket: | Apple M-Socket | Apple M-Socket |
| Max Temp (TJMax): | — | 100 C |
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CPU Cores
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Total Cores
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| Total Cores | 8 | 8 |
| Total Threads | 8 | 8 |
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P-Cores
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| P-Cores | 4 | 4 |
| P-Threads | 4 | 4 |
| P-Core Base Frequency | 3500 MHz | 4050 MHz |
|
E-Cores
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| E-Cores | 4 | 4 |
| E-Threads | 4 | 4 |
| 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 | 16 MB | 16 MB |
|
Memory Support
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| Memory Types: | LPDDR5-6400 | LPDDR5-6400 |
| Max Memory Size: | 24 GB | 24 GB |
| Memory Channels: | 8 | 8 |
| Max Memory Bandwidth: | 102.4 GB/s | 102.4 GB/s |
| ECC Support: |
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Benchmarks
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Geekbench V6
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| Multi-Core | 10122 | 11815 |
| Single-Core | 2589 | 3009 |
| File Compression | 1130 | 1260 |
| Clang Compression | 80 | 95 |
| HTML5 Browser | 235 | 264 |
| PDF Renderer | 266 | 314 |
| Text Processing | 257 | 297 |
| Background Blur | 42 | 50 |
| Photo Processing | 107 | 115 |
| Ray Tracing | 10 | 13 |
|
PassMark CPU
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| Multi-Core | 15642 | 19095 |
| Single-Core | 3885 | 4715 |
| Integer Math | 37000 | 42600 |
| Floating Point | 37600 | 48400 |
| Prime Numbers | 174 | 232 |
| String Sorting | 23700 | 27300 |
| Data Encryption | 9500 | 11500 |
| Data Compression | 186000 | 225700 |
| Physics | 1664 | 1862 |
| Extended Instructions | 7700 | 10000 |
|
Cinebench 2024
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| Multi-Core | 582 | 712 |
| Single-Core | 125 | 140 |
|
Blender
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| Render Score | 109 | 160 |
Tip: ▲ indicates a higher-is-better spec advantage, while ▼ indicates a lower-is-better advantage.
PERFORMANCE CHART COMPARISON OF Apple M2 AND Apple M3
The charts below visualize how Apple M2 and Apple M3 stack up in key performance metrics.
Performance Radar Chart
Performance Benchmarks
Release Timeline of Apple M2 and Apple M3
Apple M2 was released 1 year, 4 months, 24 days earlier than Apple M3.
Value For Money Calculator
Prices use available launch or current data. Enter your own prices to see which CPU gives better value.
Apple M2
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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 edges out overall compared to the Apple M2. Its strongest advantages are in Single-Core Performance, Multi-Core Performance, CPU Architecture and Energy Efficiency. They are still fairly close in Memory 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.