Apple M3 Pro VS Apple M5 Pro (15-Core)
We are comparing the Apple M3 Pro ( Apple ) head-to-head with the Apple M5 Pro (15-Core) ( Apple ) . You will get the key pros and cons of each processor, in-depth specs, and benchmark comparisons.
Note: This comparison of Apple M3 Pro vs. Apple M5 Pro (15-Core) is based on Comparigon's analysis and is for informational purposes only.
Overall Comparison
KEY DIFFERENCES OF Apple M3 Pro AND Apple M5 Pro (15-Core)
Here’s how Apple M3 Pro and Apple M5 Pro (15-Core) stack up against each other in their most impactful areas. Use these bullets to quickly see where each CPU leads.
Reasons to consider the Apple M3 Pro
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20% more performance-core threads (6 vs 5)
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20% more performance cores (6 vs 5)
Reasons to consider the Apple M5 Pro (15-Core)
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25% more CPU threads (15 vs 12)
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25% more CPU cores (15 vs 12)
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67% more efficient-core threads (10 vs 6)
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67% more efficient cores (10 vs 6)
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14% higher P-core base frequency (4610 MHz vs 4050 MHz)
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59% higher E-core base frequency (4380 MHz vs 2750 MHz)
SPECIFICATION TABLE COMPARISON OF Apple M3 Pro AND Apple M5 Pro (15-Core)
Below is the detailed specification table comparing Apple M3 Pro and Apple M5 Pro (15-Core).
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 M3 Pro | Apple M5 Pro (15-Core) |
|---|---|---|
|
General Information
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| CPU Name: | Apple M3 Pro | Apple M5 Pro (15-Core) |
| Vendor: | Apple | Apple |
| Release Date: | October 30, 2023 | March 3, 2026 |
| Type: | Laptop | Laptop |
| Instruction Set: | ARMv8 | ARMv9 |
| Codename: | Apple M3 | Apple M5 |
|
Package and Thermals
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| Manufacturing Process: | 3 nm | 3 nm |
| Transistor Count: | 37 billion | 28 billion |
| TDP (PL1): | 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 | 15 |
| Total Threads | 12 | 15 |
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P-Cores
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| P-Cores | 6 | 5 |
| P-Threads | 6 | 5 |
| P-Core Base Frequency | 4050 MHz | 4610 MHz |
|
E-Cores
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| E-Cores | 6 | 10 |
| E-Threads | 6 | 10 |
| E-Core Base Frequency | 2750 MHz | 4380 MHz |
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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 | — |
|
Memory Support
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| Memory Types: | LPDDR5-6400 | LPDDR5X-9600 |
| Max Memory Size: | 36 GB | 64 GB |
| Memory Channels: | 12 | 4 |
| Max Memory Bandwidth: | 153.6 GB/s | 307 GB/s |
| ECC Support: |
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Benchmarks
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Geekbench V6
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| Multi-Core | 15512 | 25906 |
| Single-Core | 3163 | 4254 |
| File Compression | 1560 | 2370 |
| Clang Compression | 133 | 222 |
| HTML5 Browser | 383 | 673 |
| PDF Renderer | 393 | 667 |
| Text Processing | 301 | 437 |
| Background Blur | 61 | 99 |
| Photo Processing | 144 | 239 |
| Ray Tracing | 20 | 40 |
|
PassMark CPU
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| CPU Mark | 23932 | 49402 |
| Single-Core | 4232 | 5901 |
| Integer Math | 55800 | 111700 |
| Floating Point | 64600 | 158500 |
| Prime Numbers | 239 | 479 |
| String Sorting | 35000 | 71800 |
| Data Encryption | 14300 | 34100 |
| Data Compression | 287100 | 593700 |
| Physics | 2045 | 5502 |
| Extended Instructions | 14000 | 27300 |
|
Cinebench 2024
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| Multi-Core | 1059 | 1982 |
| Single-Core | 143 | 208 |
|
Blender
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| Render Score | 229 | — |
Tip: ▲ indicates a higher-is-better spec advantage, while ▼ indicates a lower-is-better advantage.
PERFORMANCE CHART COMPARISON OF Apple M3 Pro AND Apple M5 Pro (15-Core)
The charts below visualize how Apple M3 Pro and Apple M5 Pro (15-Core) stack up in key performance metrics.
Performance Radar Chart
Performance Benchmarks
Release Timeline of Apple M3 Pro and Apple M5 Pro (15-Core)
Apple M3 Pro was released 2 years, 4 months, 1 day earlier than Apple M5 Pro (15-Core).
Value For Money Calculator
Prices use available launch or current data. Enter your own prices to see which CPU gives better value.
Apple M3 Pro
Apple M5 Pro (15-Core)
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Domain Score Summary
Note: Scores (0 to 100) 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 M5 Pro (15-Core) is clearly better overall compared to the Apple M3 Pro. It comes out ahead across every comparable key area.
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