Intel Core Ultra 9 386H VS Apple M3
We are comparing the Intel Core Ultra 9 386H (Intel) 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 Intel Core Ultra 9 386H AND Apple M3
Here’s how Intel Core Ultra 9 386H and Apple M3 stack up against each other in their most impactful areas.
Reasons to consider the Intel Core Ultra 9 386H
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100% more CPU threads (16 vs 8)
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100% more CPU cores (16 vs 8)
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200% more efficient-core threads (12 vs 4)
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200% more efficient cores (12 vs 4)
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36% higher Geekbench V6 multi-core score (16098 vs 11815)
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33% smaller manufacturing process (2 nm vs 3 nm)
Reasons to consider the Apple M3
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93% higher P-core base frequency (4050 MHz vs 2100 MHz)
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72% higher E-core base frequency (2750 MHz vs 1600 MHz)
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5% higher Geekbench V6 single-core score (3009 vs 2874)
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More advanced instruction set support (ARMV8)
SPECIFICATION TABLE COMPARISON OF Intel Core Ultra 9 386H AND Apple M3
Below is the detailed specification table comparing Intel Core Ultra 9 386H 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 | Intel Core Ultra 9 386H | Apple M3 |
|---|---|---|
|
General Information
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| CPU Name: | Intel Core Ultra 9 386H | Apple M3 |
| Vendor: | Intel | Apple |
| Release Date: | January 5, 2026 | October 30, 2023 |
| Type: | Laptop | Laptop |
| Instruction Set: | x86-64 | ARMv8 |
| Codename: | Panther Lake | Apple M3 |
|
Package and Thermals
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| Manufacturing Process: | 2 nm | 3 nm |
| Transistor Count: | — | 25 billion |
| TDP (PL1): | 15-25 W | 20 W |
| Max Boost TDP (PL2): | 80 W | — |
| Socket: | FCBGA2540 | Apple M-Socket |
| Max Temp (TJMax): | 100 C | 100 C |
|
CPU Cores
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Total Cores
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| Total Cores | 16 | 8 |
| Total Threads | 16 | 8 |
|
P-Cores
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| P-Cores | 4 | 4 |
| P-Threads | 4 | 4 |
| P-Core Base Frequency | 2100 MHz | 4050 MHz |
| P-Core Turbo Frequency | 4900 MHz | — |
|
E-Cores
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| E-Cores | 12 | 4 |
| E-Threads | 12 | 4 |
| E-Core Base Frequency | 1600 MHz | 2750 MHz |
| E-Core Turbo Frequency | 3900 MHz | — |
|
NPU
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| NPU |
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Cache and Bus
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| Multiplier | Locked | Locked |
| Bus Frequency | 100 MHz | — |
| L1 Cache | 192 KB | 192 KB |
| L2 Cache | 2.5 MB | 16 MB |
| L3 Cache | 18 MB | — |
|
Memory Support
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| Memory Types: | LPDDR5X-8533, DDR5-7200 | LPDDR5-6400 |
| Max Memory Size: | 128 GB | 24 GB |
| Memory Channels: | 2 | 8 |
| Max Memory Bandwidth: | — | 102.4 GB/s |
| ECC Support: |
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Benchmarks
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Geekbench V6
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| Multi-Core | 16098 | 11815 |
| Single-Core | 2874 | 3009 |
| File Compression | 1420 | 1260 |
| Clang Compression | 118 | 95 |
| HTML5 Browser | 426 | 264 |
| PDF Renderer | 484 | 314 |
| Text Processing | 286 | 297 |
| Background Blur | 66 | 50 |
| Photo Processing | 158 | 115 |
| Ray Tracing | 24 | 13 |
|
PassMark CPU
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| Multi-Core | — | 19095 |
| Single-Core | — | 4715 |
| Integer Math | — | 42600 |
| Floating Point | — | 48400 |
| Prime Numbers | — | 232 |
| String Sorting | — | 27300 |
| Data Encryption | — | 11500 |
| Data Compression | — | 225700 |
| Physics | — | 1862 |
| Extended Instructions | — | 10000 |
|
Cinebench 2024
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| Multi-Core | 1187 | 712 |
| Single-Core | 125 | 140 |
|
Blender
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| Render Score | — | 160 |
Tip: ▲ indicates a higher-is-better spec advantage, while ▼ indicates a lower-is-better advantage.
PERFORMANCE CHART COMPARISON OF Intel Core Ultra 9 386H AND Apple M3
The charts below visualize how Intel Core Ultra 9 386H and Apple M3 stack up in key performance metrics.
Performance Radar Chart
Performance Benchmarks
Release Timeline of Intel Core Ultra 9 386H and Apple M3
Apple M3 was released 2 years, 2 months, 6 days earlier than Intel Core Ultra 9 386H.
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 Intel Core Ultra 9 386H has a narrow overall lead compared to the Apple M3. Its strongest advantages are in Multi-Core Performance, Memory Architecture and Energy Efficiency. The Apple M3 is the better fit if your top priority is Single-Core Performance and CPU 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.