Apple M3 VS Apple M3 Pro
We are comparing the Apple M3 (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 M3 AND Apple M3 Pro
Here’s how Apple M3 and Apple M3 Pro stack up against each other in their most impactful areas.
Reasons to consider the Apple M3
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11% higher PassMark single-core score (4715 vs 4232)
Reasons to consider the Apple M3 Pro
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50% more CPU threads (12 vs 8)
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50% more CPU cores (12 vs 8)
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50% more performance-core threads (6 vs 4)
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50% more performance cores (6 vs 4)
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50% more efficient-core threads (6 vs 4)
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50% more efficient cores (6 vs 4)
SPECIFICATION TABLE COMPARISON OF Apple M3 AND Apple M3 Pro
Below is the detailed specification table comparing Apple M3 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 M3 | Apple M3 Pro |
|---|---|---|
|
General Information
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| CPU Name: | Apple M3 | Apple M3 Pro |
| Vendor: | Apple | Apple |
| Release Date: | October 30, 2023 | October 30, 2023 |
| Type: | Laptop | Laptop |
| Instruction Set: | ARMv8 | ARMv8 |
| Codename: | Apple M3 | Apple M3 |
|
Package and Thermals
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| Manufacturing Process: | 3 nm | 3 nm |
| Transistor Count: | 25 billion | 37 billion |
| TDP (PL1): | 20 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 | 8 | 12 |
| Total Threads | 8 | 12 |
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P-Cores
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| P-Cores | 4 | 6 |
| P-Threads | 4 | 6 |
| P-Core Base Frequency | 4050 MHz | 4050 MHz |
|
E-Cores
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| E-Cores | 4 | 6 |
| E-Threads | 4 | 6 |
| E-Core Base Frequency | 2750 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 | 36 GB |
| Memory Channels: | 8 | 12 |
| Max Memory Bandwidth: | 102.4 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 | 11815 | 15512 |
| Single-Core | 3009 | 3163 |
| File Compression | 1260 | 1560 |
| Clang Compression | 95 | 133 |
| HTML5 Browser | 264 | 383 |
| PDF Renderer | 314 | 393 |
| Text Processing | 297 | 301 |
| Background Blur | 50 | 61 |
| Photo Processing | 115 | 144 |
| Ray Tracing | 13 | 20 |
|
PassMark CPU
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| Multi-Core | 19095 | 23932 |
| Single-Core | 4715 | 4232 |
| Integer Math | 42600 | 55800 |
| Floating Point | 48400 | 64600 |
| Prime Numbers | 232 | 239 |
| String Sorting | 27300 | 35000 |
| Data Encryption | 11500 | 14300 |
| Data Compression | 225700 | 287100 |
| Physics | 1862 | 2045 |
| Extended Instructions | 10000 | 14000 |
|
Cinebench 2024
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| Multi-Core | 712 | 1059 |
| Single-Core | 140 | 143 |
|
Blender
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| Render Score | 160 | 229 |
Tip: ▲ indicates a higher-is-better spec advantage, while ▼ indicates a lower-is-better advantage.
PERFORMANCE CHART COMPARISON OF Apple M3 AND Apple M3 Pro
The charts below visualize how Apple M3 and Apple M3 Pro stack up in key performance metrics.
Performance Radar Chart
Performance Benchmarks
Release Timeline of Apple M3 and Apple M3 Pro
Apple M3 and Apple M3 Pro were released on the same day.
Value For Money Calculator
Prices use available launch or current data. Enter your own prices to see which CPU gives better value.
Apple M3
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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 M3. Its strongest advantages are in Multi-Core Performance, CPU Architecture and Memory Architecture. The Apple M3 is the better fit if your top priority is Single-Core Performance.
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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.