Apple M5 Ultra VS Apple M3 Ultra
We are comparing the Apple M5 Ultra (Apple) with the Apple M3 Ultra (Apple). Scroll down to the pros and cons of each processor, in-depth specs, and benchmark comparisons.
Overall Comparison
KEY DIFFERENCES OF Apple M5 Ultra AND Apple M3 Ultra
Here’s how Apple M5 Ultra and Apple M3 Ultra stack up against each other in their most impactful areas.
Why Apple M5 Ultra is the best choice:
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13% more CPU threads (36 vs 32)
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13% more CPU cores (36 vs 32)
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50% more performance-core threads (36 vs 24)
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50% more performance cores (36 vs 24)
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50% higher Geekbench V6 multi-core score (42327 vs 28128)
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45% higher Geekbench V6 single-core score (4710 vs 3247)
SPECIFICATION TABLE COMPARISON OF Apple M5 Ultra AND Apple M3 Ultra
Below is the detailed specification table comparing Apple M5 Ultra and Apple M3 Ultra.
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 M5 Ultra | Apple M3 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
|
General Information
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| CPU Name: | Apple M5 Ultra | Apple M3 Ultra |
| Vendor: | Apple | Apple |
| Release Date: | August 25, 2026 | March 5, 2025 |
| Generation: | M5 | — |
| Type: | Desktop | Desktop |
| Instruction Set: | ARM64 | ARMv8 |
| Codename: | Apple M5 | Apple M3 |
| Foundry: | TSMC | — |
|
Package and Thermals
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| Manufacturing Process: | 3 nm | 3 nm |
| Transistor Count: | — | 184 billion |
| TDP (PL1): | — | 140 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 | 36 | 32 |
| Total Threads | 36 | 32 |
|
P-Cores
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| P-Cores | 36 | 24 |
| P-Threads | 36 | 24 |
| P-Core Base Frequency | — | 4050 MHz |
|
E-Cores
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| E-Cores | — | 8 |
| E-Threads | — | 8 |
| E-Core Base Frequency | — | 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 |
| L2 Cache | — | 64 MB |
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Memory Support
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| Memory Types: | - LPDDR5X-9600 | LPDDR5-6400 |
| Max Memory Size: | 512 GB | 512 GB |
| Memory Channels: | 64 | 64 |
| Max Memory Bandwidth: | 1.2 TB/s | 819.3 GB/s |
| ECC Support: |
|
|
| Technologies: | 12 Super Cores, 24 Performance Cores, Quad-Die Architecture, Next-Generation UltraFusion, 80-Core GPU, Neural Accelerators, 32-Core Neural Engine, Second-Generation Dynamic Caching, Hardware-Accelerated Mesh Shading, Third-Generation Ray Tracing, Hardware-Accelerated H.264, HEVC, ProRes, ProRes RAW and AV1 Decode, Thunderbolt 5, RDMA | N/A |
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Benchmarks
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Geekbench V6
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| Multi-Core | 42327 | 28128 |
| Single-Core | 4710 | 3247 |
| 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 |
| Single-Core | — | 5048 |
| Integer Math | — | 181100 |
| Floating Point | — | 187700 |
| Prime Numbers | — | 1055 |
| String Sorting | — | 122700 |
| Data Encryption | — | 49200 |
| Data Compression | — | 1073700 |
| Physics | — | 8805 |
| Extended Instructions | — | 54500 |
|
Cinebench 2024
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| Multi-Core | 3905 | 2753 |
| Single-Core | 226 | 133 |
|
Blender
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| Render Score | — | 718 |
Tip: ▲ indicates a higher-is-better spec advantage, while ▼ indicates a lower-is-better advantage.
PERFORMANCE CHART COMPARISON OF Apple M5 Ultra AND Apple M3 Ultra
The charts below visualize how Apple M5 Ultra and Apple M3 Ultra stack up in key performance metrics.
Performance Radar Chart
Performance Benchmarks
Release Timeline of Apple M5 Ultra and Apple M3 Ultra
Apple M3 Ultra was released 1 year, 5 months, 20 days earlier than Apple M5 Ultra.
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 M5 Ultra is clearly better overall compared to the Apple M3 Ultra. It comes out ahead across every comparable key area.
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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.