Apple M3 Ultra VS Apple M5 Max
We are comparing the Apple M3 Ultra (Apple) with the Apple M5 Max (Apple). Scroll down to the pros and cons of each processor, in-depth specs, and benchmark comparisons.
Overall Comparison
KEY DIFFERENCES OF Apple M3 Ultra AND Apple M5 Max
Here’s how Apple M3 Ultra and Apple M5 Max stack up against each other in their most impactful areas.
Reasons to consider the Apple M3 Ultra
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78% more CPU threads (32 vs 18)
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78% more CPU cores (32 vs 18)
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300% more performance-core threads (24 vs 6)
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300% more performance cores (24 vs 6)
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23% higher Blender score (718 vs 583)
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33% more memory bandwidth (819.3 GB/s vs 614 GB/s)
Reasons to consider the Apple M5 Max
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50% more efficient-core threads (12 vs 8)
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50% more efficient cores (12 vs 8)
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14% higher P-core base frequency (4608 MHz vs 4050 MHz)
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60% higher E-core base frequency (4400 MHz vs 2750 MHz)
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4% higher Geekbench V6 multi-core score (29226 vs 28128)
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32% higher Geekbench V6 single-core score (4281 vs 3247)
SPECIFICATION TABLE COMPARISON OF Apple M3 Ultra AND Apple M5 Max
Below is the detailed specification table comparing Apple M3 Ultra and Apple M5 Max.
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 Ultra | Apple M5 Max |
|---|---|---|
|
General Information
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| CPU Name: | Apple M3 Ultra | Apple M5 Max |
| Vendor: | Apple | Apple |
| Release Date: | March 5, 2025 | March 3, 2026 |
| Type: | Desktop | Laptop |
| Instruction Set: | ARMv8 | ARM |
| Codename: | Apple M3 | Apple M5 |
| Foundry: | — | TSMC |
|
Package and Thermals
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| Manufacturing Process: | 3 nm | 3 nm |
| Transistor Count: | 184 billion | — |
| TDP (PL1): | 140 W | 72 W |
| Socket: | Apple M-Socket | Apple M-Socket |
| Max Temp (TJMax): | 100 C | — |
|
CPU Cores
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Total Cores
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| Total Cores | 32 | 18 |
| Total Threads | 32 | 18 |
|
P-Cores
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| P-Cores | 24 | 6 |
| P-Threads | 24 | 6 |
| P-Core Base Frequency | 4050 MHz | 4608 MHz |
|
E-Cores
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| E-Cores | 8 | 12 |
| E-Threads | 8 | 12 |
| E-Core Base Frequency | 2750 MHz | 4400 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 | — |
| L2 Cache | 64 MB | 32 MB |
| L3 Cache | — | 24 MB |
|
Memory Support
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| Memory Types: | LPDDR5-6400 | LPDDR5X-9600 |
| Max Memory Size: | 512 GB | 128 GB |
| Memory Channels: | 64 | 32 |
| Max Memory Bandwidth: | 819.3 GB/s | 614 GB/s |
| ECC Support: |
|
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Benchmarks
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Geekbench V6
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| Multi-Core | 28128 | 29226 |
| Single-Core | 3247 | 4281 |
| File Compression | 2690 | — |
| Clang Compression | 319 | — |
| HTML5 Browser | 820 | — |
| PDF Renderer | 702 | — |
| Text Processing | 328 | — |
| Background Blur | 63 | — |
| Photo Processing | 191 | — |
| Ray Tracing | 62 | — |
|
PassMark CPU
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| Multi-Core | 72769 | 57465 |
| Single-Core | 5048 | 5928 |
| Integer Math | 181100 | 132600 |
| Floating Point | 187700 | 186100 |
| Prime Numbers | 1055 | 553 |
| String Sorting | 122700 | 84900 |
| Data Encryption | 49200 | 40800 |
| Data Compression | 1073700 | 689600 |
| Physics | 8805 | 6847 |
| Extended Instructions | 54500 | 33400 |
|
Cinebench 2024
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| Multi-Core | 2753 | 2255 |
| Single-Core | 133 | 201 |
|
Blender
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| Render Score | 718 | 583 |
Tip: ▲ indicates a higher-is-better spec advantage, while ▼ indicates a lower-is-better advantage.
PERFORMANCE CHART COMPARISON OF Apple M3 Ultra AND Apple M5 Max
The charts below visualize how Apple M3 Ultra and Apple M5 Max stack up in key performance metrics.
Performance Radar Chart
Performance Benchmarks
Release Timeline of Apple M3 Ultra and Apple M5 Max
Apple M3 Ultra was released 11 months, 26 days earlier than Apple M5 Max.
Value For Money Calculator
Prices use available launch or current data. Enter your own prices to see which CPU gives better value.
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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 Ultra edges out overall compared to the Apple M5 Max. Its strongest advantages are in Multi-Core Performance, CPU Architecture and Memory Architecture. The Apple M5 Max is the better fit if your top priority is Single-Core Performance and Energy Efficiency.
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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.