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Apple M3 Pro Review | 78 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£1,610
  • Avg. price in US: ~$2,000
  • PassMark benchmark result: ?
  • N. of physical cores: ?
  • CPU boost clock speed: 4.06 GHz

Apple M3 Pro review. Compare 78 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among processors and if it is worth buying.

7.8

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the processor's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best processors on the market.

Score components:

90.0%

7.8

Technical Score

10.0%

?

User score

Very good
7.8

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the processor's technical performance, covering key areas such as processing performance, core configuration, efficiency, platform support, integrated features, and thermal behavior.

When it matters: When you want to compare processors based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

60.0%

7.8

Performance

18.0%

9.0

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

6.9

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

6.4

Power & Thermal

4.0%

6.8

Platform

1.0%

8.9

Integrated Graphics

Very good
?

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the processor.

When it matters: When you want to know how a processor performs in real workloads and how reliable it is for gaming, productivity, and efficiency according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

?

User reviews

30.0%

?

Popularity

  • 8.3
    Gaming

    Score components:

    30.0%

    9.4

    PassMark single-core benchmark score

    25.0%

    9.1

    Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    4.8

    CPU boost clock speed

    17.0%

    9.0

    L3 cache

    8.0%

    9.0

    N. of physical cores

  • 8.1
    Video editing

    Score components:

    45.0%

    6.9

    Geekbench 6 multi-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    9.0

    N. of physical cores

    20.0%

    9.0

    CPU threads

    15.0%

    9.0

    L3 cache

  • No image
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Best prices in UK

    N/A~ £1,610

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Apple M3 Pro is a 3-nanometer processor available in 11-core or 12-core CPU configurations, featuring up to 6 performance and 6 efficiency cores, alongside a 14-core or 18-core GPU and a 16-core Neural Engine. Its primary characteristics include a new graphics architecture with hardware-accelerated ray tracing, mesh shading, and Dynamic Caching, which optimizes memory allocation for intensive tasks. Main pros consist of a 30% faster single-threaded performance compared to the M1 Pro, support for up to 36GB of unified memory, and high energy efficiency that enables up to 22 hours of battery life in 16-inch models. However, notable cons include a reduction in memory bandwidth to 150GB/s—down from 200GB/s in its predecessors—and fewer performance cores in certain configurations compared to the M2 Pro.

Technical Specifications of processor Apple M3 Pro

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the processor's technical performance, covering key areas such as processing performance, core configuration, efficiency, platform support, integrated features, and thermal behavior.

When it matters: When you want to compare processors based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

60.0%

?

Performance

18.0%

?

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

?

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

?

Power & Thermal

4.0%

?

Platform

1.0%

?

Integrated Graphics

7.8
Apple M3 Pro has a technical score of 7.8 points, which is higher than that of 94.5% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the processor.

When it matters: When you want to know how a processor performs in real workloads and how reliable it is for gaming, productivity, and efficiency according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

0.0

User reviews

30.0%

1.0

Popularity

?
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the processor.
When it matters: When you prefer to choose a processor reviewed and selected by many other buyers.
1.0
Apple M3 Pro has a popularity of 1 points, which is higher than 0% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the processor's overall rating with its cost.

When it matters: When you are looking for a processor with a good balance between performance, efficiency, and price.

Score components:

60.0%

7.8

Overall score

40.0%

2.0

Price

6.1
Apple M3 Pro has a quality-to-price ratio of 6.1 points, which is lower than 61% of products in this category.
Brand name
What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.
When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Apple
Processor type
What it is: The kind of system the processor is built for, such as desktop PCs, laptops, workstations, or servers.
When it matters: When you want a processor meant for the kind of machine you are actually building or buying, rather than a chip aimed at a different class of system.

Importance: HIGH

mobile
Apple M3 Pro belongs to the mobile processor class, which is more advanced than that of 7.3% of processors and equal to that of 48.6% of processors.
CPU socket
What it is: The physical socket the processor fits into on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you need to make sure the CPU can actually be installed on a specific motherboard.

Importance: HIGH

N/A
Chipset
What it is: The motherboard chipset families officially meant to work with the processor.
When it matters: When you are checking whether a CPU will work with the motherboard features and platform you plan to use.

Importance: HIGH

Z790, B660
Apple M3 Pro supports Z790, B660 chipsets, which is broader compatibility than 79% of processors and equal to that of 1.2% of processors.
CPU architecture
What it is: The processor family or design generation behind the chip, such as Zen 4 or Raptor Lake.
When it matters: When you are comparing CPUs across generations and want a clearer sense of their design age, feature level, and expected performance class.

Importance: HIGH

ARM64
Apple M3 Pro uses the ARM64 architecture, which is less advanced than that of 98.4% of processors and equal to that of 1.7% of processors.
Apple silicon
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N. of physical cores
What it is: The number of physical CPU cores on the processor.
When it matters: When you run workloads that benefit from more real cores.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 8+

?
CPU threads
What it is: The total number of processing threads the CPU can handle at once.
When it matters: When you run heavily threaded workloads or multitask a lot.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 16+

?
Threads per core
What it is: The number of threads each physical core can handle at once.
When it matters: When you want to understand how much thread-level parallelism each core can provide in multitasking or heavily threaded work.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: 2

1
Apple M3 Pro offers 1 threads per core, which is fewer than 69.7% of processors and equal to 30.3% of processors.
CPU boost clock speed
What it is: The highest clock speed the processor can reach under boost conditions.
When it matters: When you care about peak speed in short bursts.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >4.7 GHz

4.06 GHz
Apple M3 Pro reaches a boost clock of 4.06 GHz which is lower than that of 59.2% of processors and equal to that of 0.3% of processors.
CPU base clock speed
What it is: The processor's normal all-core starting frequency before boost behavior raises clocks temporarily.
When it matters: When you care about steadier performance in longer workloads rather than short burst speed alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

6 x 4.06 GHz & 6 x 2.75 GHz
Apple M3 Pro has a base clock of 6x4.06 GHz & 6x2.75 GHz which is equal to that of 100% of processors.
Show more
Semiconductor size
What it is: The manufacturing process node used to produce the processor, usually expressed in nanometers.
When it matters: When efficiency, heat, and the relative modernity of the chip-making process matter to your comparison.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <10 nm

3 nm
Apple M3 Pro uses a 3 nm process node, which is more advanced than that of 96% of processors and equal to that of 4% of processors.
Foundry
What it is: The semiconductor manufacturer that physically fabricates the processor chip.
When it matters: When process source, manufacturing generation, or foundry differences matter to your comparison more than day-to-day performance alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

TSMC 3 nm
Apple M3 Pro is built on the TSMC 3 nm foundry process, which is more advanced than that of 96.2% of processors and equal to that of 3.8% of processors.
L3 cache
What it is: The total amount of L3 cache available on the processor.
When it matters: When you want better performance in cache-sensitive workloads and games.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=16 MB

?
L2 cache
What it is: The total amount of L2 cache available across the processor.
When it matters: When you want to compare CPU design efficiency and how much fast intermediate cache the cores have available.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=6 MB

20 MB
Apple M3 Pro has an L2 cache of 20 MB which is larger than that of 93.2% of processors and equal to that of 1.1% of processors.
L1 cache
What it is: The total amount of L1 cache built into the processor, which sits closest to the cores.
When it matters: When you are comparing low-level CPU design details rather than the broader performance picture buyers usually notice first.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=512 KB

3,072 KB
Apple M3 Pro has an L1 cache of 3072 KB which is larger than that of 98.4% of processors and equal to that of 0.1% of processors.
Show more
DDR memory version
What it is: The RAM generation the processor is designed to support, such as DDR4 or DDR5.
When it matters: When you need the CPU to match the kind of memory platform you want to buy or reuse.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: DDR5

LPDDR5
Apple M3 Pro supports DDR LPDDR5, which is newer than that of 88.9% of processors and equal to that of 1% of processors.
Maximum memory speed
What it is: The highest official memory speed supported by the processor.
When it matters: When you choose RAM and want to know the supported speed ceiling.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=4800 MHz

6,400 MHz
Apple M3 Pro supports memory speeds up to 6400 MHz, which is higher than that of 83.9% of processors and equal to 8.1% of processors.
Max memory speed (JEDEC)
What it is: The highest official RAM speed the processor supports under standard JEDEC settings, before any memory overclocking profiles are applied.
When it matters: When officially supported stock RAM speed matters more than XMP, EXPO, or manual memory tuning.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5600 MHz

LPDDR5-6400 MHz
Apple M3 Pro supports JEDEC memory speeds up to LPDDR5-6400 MHz, which is higher than that of 85.6% of processors and equal to 2.8% of processors.
Max memory speed (XMP / EXPO)
What it is: The highest memory speed supported through XMP or EXPO profiles.
When it matters: When you want faster RAM through memory profiles.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5200 MHz

N/A
Maximum memory capacity
What it is: The largest total amount of memory officially supported by the processor.
When it matters: When you plan a system with very large RAM capacity.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=128 GB

36 GB
Apple M3 Pro supports up to 36 GB of memory, which is less than 71.7% of processors and equal to 0.2% of processors.
Show more
Integrated graphics
What it is: Includes built-in graphics, so the system can output video without a separate graphics card.
When it matters: When you want the PC to work without a dedicated GPU, or you are building an office, media, compact, or troubleshooting-friendly system.

Importance: HIGH

yes
Apple M3 Pro includes integrated graphics. 87.6% of processors include integrated graphics.
Integrated GPU model
What it is: The model name of the integrated graphics processor, if present.
When it matters: When you plan to use the CPU's built-in graphics.

Importance: MEDIUM

?
Integrated GPU execution units
What it is: The number of execution units available in the integrated graphics part of the processor.
When it matters: When you plan to rely on built-in graphics and want a better sense of its light gaming, display, or media capability.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=24

?
Integrated GPU base frequency
What it is: The base operating frequency of the integrated GPU.
When it matters: When integrated graphics performance matters to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=350 MHz

?
Integrated media encoders/decoders
What it is: The hardware media formats the processor can encode or decode directly.
When it matters: When you stream, edit video, or rely on hardware media acceleration.

Importance: LOW

H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode), ProRes (HW decode/encode), ProRes RAW (HW decode/encode)
Apple M3 Pro supports H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode), ProRes (HW decode/encode), ProRes RAW (HW decode/encode) media codecs, which is broader support than 99.9% of processors and equal to 0.1% of processors.
Show more
TDP (Thermal design power)
What it is: The rated thermal design power, which gives a general idea of cooling and power needs.
When it matters: When you choose a cooler or build in a tighter case.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <30 W

27 W
Apple M3 Pro has a TDP of 27 W which is lower than that of 74.5% of processors.
Base power (PL1)
What it is: The sustained power target used for longer CPU loads.
When it matters: When you choose cooling and power delivery for sustained workloads.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <30 W

27 W
Apple M3 Pro has a base power of 27 W which is lower than that of 74.1% of processors.
Boost power (PL2)
What it is: The short-term boost power limit the processor may draw under heavier turbo loads.
When it matters: When you size cooling and power delivery for peak turbo behavior.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <50 W

?
Tau (power duration limit)
What it is: The time limit the CPU can stay at higher boost power before dropping toward sustained power.
When it matters: When you want to understand turbo behavior under longer loads.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=28 s

N/A
Configurable TDP
What it is: Allows the processor to run in alternate power modes instead of being fixed to one default TDP target.
When it matters: When you want more control over heat, noise, and power draw in compact systems, quieter builds, or thermally limited machines.

Importance: LOW

no
Apple M3 Pro does not support configurable TDP. 52.9% of processors support configurable TDP.
Show more

Apple M3 Pro vs the average processor

  • 91.6% better single-core performance
    Apple M3 Pro has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (4,758 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.
    What it is: A benchmark score that reflects single-core CPU performance.
    When it matters: When you care about responsiveness in lighter or older software.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >3200

    Apple M3 Pro has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (4,758 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.4,758 vs 2,483
  • 2.11x higher single-core score
    Apple M3 Pro has a higher Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (3,105 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
    What it is: A Geekbench 6 score that reflects single-core CPU performance in mixed modern workloads.
    When it matters: When you care about snappy everyday performance in lighter apps, browsing, office work, or tasks that do not scale well across many cores.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >2000

    Apple M3 Pro has a higher Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (3,105 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.3,105 vs 1,471
  • 3.18x higher multi-core score
    Apple M3 Pro has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (15,252 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
    What it is: A Geekbench 6 score that reflects multi-core CPU performance in mixed modern workloads.
    When it matters: When you want a quick picture of multi-core speed in everyday mixed workloads, multitasking, and broadly optimized software.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >8500

    Apple M3 Pro has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (15,252 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.15,252 vs 4,793
  • 8x larger L2 cache
    Apple M3 Pro has a higher L2 cache than the average processor (20 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.
    What it is: The total amount of L2 cache available across the processor.
    When it matters: When you want to compare CPU design efficiency and how much fast intermediate cache the cores have available.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=6 MB

    Apple M3 Pro has a higher L2 cache than the average processor (20 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.20 MB vs 2.5 MB
  • 75% smaller process node
    Apple M3 Pro has a lower process node than the average processor (3 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
    What it is: The manufacturing process node used to produce the processor, usually expressed in nanometers.
    When it matters: When efficiency, heat, and the relative modernity of the chip-making process matter to your comparison.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: <10 nm

    Apple M3 Pro has a lower process node than the average processor (3 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.3 nm vs 12 nm
  • 3.28x higher memory bandwidth
    Apple M3 Pro has a higher memory bandwidth than the average processor (150 GB/s vs 45.8 GB/s). The average processor offers memory bandwidth of 45.8 GB/s.
    What it is: The maximum theoretical memory bandwidth the processor can support.
    When it matters: When memory-heavy workloads matter to you.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >75 GB/s

    Apple M3 Pro has a higher memory bandwidth than the average processor (150 GB/s vs 45.8 GB/s). The average processor offers memory bandwidth of 45.8 GB/s.150 GB/s vs 45.8 GB/s
  • 2.18x higher memory speed
    Apple M3 Pro has a higher maximum memory speed than the average processor (6,400 MHz vs 2,933 MHz). The average processor supports memory speed of 2,933 MHz.
    What it is: The highest official memory speed supported by the processor.
    When it matters: When you choose RAM and want to know the supported speed ceiling.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >=4800 MHz

    Apple M3 Pro has a higher maximum memory speed than the average processor (6,400 MHz vs 2,933 MHz). The average processor supports memory speed of 2,933 MHz.6400 MHz vs 2933 MHz
  • Newer DDR support
    Apple M3 Pro supports a newer DDR generation than the average processor (LPDDR5 vs DDR4).
    What it is: The RAM generation the processor is designed to support, such as DDR4 or DDR5.
    When it matters: When you need the CPU to match the kind of memory platform you want to buy or reuse.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: DDR5

    Apple M3 Pro supports a newer DDR generation than the average processor (LPDDR5 vs DDR4).LPDDR5 vs DDR4
  • Includes crypto acceleration
    Apple M3 Pro includes crypto acceleration, the average processor does not.
  • Supports HMP
    Apple M3 Pro supports HMP, the average processor does not.
  • 3 year/s newer release date
    Apple M3 Pro has a newer release date than the average processor (2,023 vs 2,020).
  • 91.6% better single-core performance
    Apple M3 Pro has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (4,758 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.
  • 2.11x higher single-core score
    Apple M3 Pro has a higher Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (3,105 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
  • 3.18x higher multi-core score
    Apple M3 Pro has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (15,252 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
  • 48.4% better multi-core performance
    Apple M3 Pro has a higher multi-core performance than the average processor (4,130 vs 2,783). The average processor scores 2,783 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.
  • 12 higher clock multiplier
    Apple M3 Pro has a higher clock multiplier than the average processor (40 vs 28). The average processor has a clock multiplier of 28.
  • 8x larger L2 cache
    Apple M3 Pro has a higher L2 cache than the average processor (20 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.
  • 75% smaller process node
    Apple M3 Pro has a lower process node than the average processor (3 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
  • Uses big.LITTLE design
    Apple M3 Pro uses a big.LITTLE design, the average processor does not.
  • More advanced foundry
    Apple M3 Pro uses a more advanced foundry process than the average processor (TSMC 3 nm vs Intel 14 nm).
  • 8x larger L1 cache
    Apple M3 Pro has a higher L1 cache than the average processor (3,072 KB vs 384 KB). The average processor has L1 cache of 384 KB.
  • 7.47x more transistors
    Apple M3 Pro has more transistors than the average processor (37 billion vs 4.95 billion). The average processor has 4.95 billion transistors.
  • 3.28x higher memory bandwidth
    Apple M3 Pro has a higher memory bandwidth than the average processor (150 GB/s vs 45.8 GB/s). The average processor offers memory bandwidth of 45.8 GB/s.
  • 2.18x higher memory speed
    Apple M3 Pro has a higher maximum memory speed than the average processor (6,400 MHz vs 2,933 MHz). The average processor supports memory speed of 2,933 MHz.
  • Newer DDR support
    Apple M3 Pro supports a newer DDR generation than the average processor (LPDDR5 vs DDR4).
  • Newer PCIe version
    Apple M3 Pro supports a newer PCIe version than the average processor (4 vs 3.0).
  • 40% lower base power
    Apple M3 Pro has a lower base power draw than the average processor (27 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
  • 40% lower TDP
    Apple M3 Pro has a lower TDP than the average processor (27 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.

Total
Platform
Performance
Cache & Architecture
Memory & PCIe
Power & Thermal
  • Narrower instruction support
    Apple M3 Pro supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (NEON, CRC32, AES, SHA1, SHA2, DotProd, FP16, I8MM, AMX, SME vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA).
    includes Apple Matrix extensions
  • No multithreading support
    Apple M3 Pro does not support multithreading, the average processor does.
  • 5.6% lower boost clock
    Apple M3 Pro has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (4.1 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.
  • 1 fewer threads per core
    Apple M3 Pro has fewer threads per core than the average processor (1 vs 2). The average processor offers 2 threads per core.
  • 41.7% less L3 per core
    Apple M3 Pro has less L3 cache per core than the average processor (1 MB/core vs 1.714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
  • 43.8% less memory capacity
    Apple M3 Pro has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average processor (36 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.
  • No configurable TDP
    Apple M3 Pro does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
  • 41.7% less L3 per core
    Apple M3 Pro has less L3 cache per core than the average processor (1 MB/core vs 1.714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
    What it is: The amount of L3 cache effectively available per CPU core.
    When it matters: When you are comparing how much shared cache each core can draw on in deeper technical analysis.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=2 MB/core

    Apple M3 Pro has less L3 cache per core than the average processor (1 MB/core vs 1.714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.1 MB/core vs 1.714 MB/core
  • No multithreading support
    Apple M3 Pro does not support multithreading, the average processor does.
    What it is: Lets each physical core run more than one thread at the same time, such as with Hyper-Threading or SMT.
    When it matters: When multitasking, rendering, compiling, virtualization, or other thread-heavy work benefits from more total processing threads.

    Importance: HIGH

    Apple M3 Pro does not support multithreading, the average processor does.
  • No configurable TDP
    Apple M3 Pro does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
    What it is: Allows the processor to run in alternate power modes instead of being fixed to one default TDP target.
    When it matters: When you want more control over heat, noise, and power draw in compact systems, quieter builds, or thermally limited machines.

    Importance: LOW

    Apple M3 Pro does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
  • 6.44x more expensive
    Apple M3 Pro is more expensive than the average processor (£1,610 vs £250).
    Apple M3 Pro is more expensive than the average processor (£1,610 vs £250).£1,610 vs £250
  • 5.6% lower boost clock
    Apple M3 Pro has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (4.1 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.
    What it is: The highest clock speed the processor can reach under boost conditions.
    When it matters: When you care about peak speed in short bursts.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >4.7 GHz

    Apple M3 Pro has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (4.1 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.4.06 GHz vs 4.3 GHz
  • 1 fewer threads per core
    Apple M3 Pro has fewer threads per core than the average processor (1 vs 2). The average processor offers 2 threads per core.
    What it is: The number of threads each physical core can handle at once.
    When it matters: When you want to understand how much thread-level parallelism each core can provide in multitasking or heavily threaded work.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: 2

    Apple M3 Pro has fewer threads per core than the average processor (1 vs 2). The average processor offers 2 threads per core.1 vs 2
  • Narrower instruction support
    Apple M3 Pro supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (NEON, CRC32, AES, SHA1, SHA2, DotProd, FP16, I8MM, AMX, SME vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA).
    includes Apple Matrix extensions
    What it is: The supported CPU instruction sets and extensions.
    When it matters: When you run software that depends on specific CPU instructions.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Apple M3 Pro supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (NEON, CRC32, AES, SHA1, SHA2, DotProd, FP16, I8MM, AMX, SME vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA).NEON, CRC32, AES, SHA1, SHA2, DotProd, FP16, I8MM, AMX, SME vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA
  • 43.8% less memory capacity
    Apple M3 Pro has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average processor (36 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.
    What it is: The largest total amount of memory officially supported by the processor.
    When it matters: When you plan a system with very large RAM capacity.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >=128 GB

    Apple M3 Pro has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average processor (36 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.36 GB vs 64 GB
Total
Overall
Platform
Performance
Cache & Architecture
Memory & PCIe
Power & Thermal

Graphic comparison of Apple M3 Pro and other processors

Attribute category
Attribute
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Third-party reviews

What customers like about Apple M3 Pro?

  • Exceptional power efficiency providing nearly all-day battery life (up to 18-20+ hours)
  • Significant performance leap for users upgrading from Intel-based Macs or older M1 models
  • Thermal management is highly efficient; fans rarely kick on even under moderate workloads
  • Improved graphics features including hardware-accelerated ray tracing and mesh shading for gaming and rendering
  • Responsive performance for creative tasks like photo and video editing without noticeable lagging
  • Support for more external displays (up to two) compared to the base M3 chip

What customers dislike about Apple M3 Pro?

  • Diminished multi-core performance gains over the M2 Pro due to fewer performance cores (6 vs 8)
  • Reduced memory bandwidth (150 GB/s) compared to its predecessors (200 GB/s for M1/M2 Pro)
  • Lower GPU core count in some configurations compared to equivalent M2 Pro models
  • High cost of upgrading RAM and SSD storage during initial configuration
  • Lack of cutting-edge connectivity features like Wi-Fi 7
  • Potential compatibility issues with some generic third-party docking stations

Expert reviews

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pcmag.com
21/12/2023
Testing Apple M3 Graphics: Gaming on the Mac

PCMag's testing of the Apple M3 family reveals significant graphics gains driven by a 3-nanometer process, featuring hardware-accelerated ray tracing and mesh shading. While the top-tier M3 Max delivers workstation-grade performance, the M3 Pro showed inconsistent results, occasionally underperforming compared to its M2 predecessor. Despite improved hardware, real-world gaming...Read more

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galaxus.at
20/11/2023
MacBook Pro M3 on test: too modest a computer

In a review for Galaxus, Samuel Buchmann describes the MacBook Pro with M3 series chips as a high-quality yet modest update, highlighting the M3 Pro as an efficiency-focused chip rather than a raw performance powerhouse, while the M3 Max is deemed a superior professional upgrade. The M3 Pro offers exceptional battery life, with the 14-inch model lasting 25 hours in tests, alongside...Read more

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fstoppers.com
23/07/2024
Real World M3 Pro MacBook Pro 14” Review: Small Size, Big Power

The Fstoppers review identifies the 14-inch M3 Pro MacBook Pro as the ideal balance of performance and portability for creative professionals, highlighting its impressive efficiency and "plenty fast" processing capabilities. A key pro includes its ability to handle intensive on-location tethered shooting for over half a day on battery. While the return of MagSafe and the superior...Read more

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rtings.com
18/01/2024
Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M3, 2023) Laptop Review

The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M3, 2023) is a premium workstation featuring a standout 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display, a durable aluminum chassis, and excellent port selection including HDMI 2.1 and SDXC. Performance is driven by the M3 family chips, offering hardware-accelerated ray tracing and superb thermal management without throttling, complemented by industry-leading battery...Read more

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nithinbekal.com
23/05/2024
Review: Macbook Pro 14" (M3 Pro)

Nithin Bekal’s review of the 14-inch MacBook Pro with the M3 Pro chip highlights a 20–25% speed improvement for software development tasks compared to the M1 Pro, but describes the overall performance leap as decent rather than dramatic. A significant drawback identified is the reduced memory bandwidth, which drops from 200 GB/s on the M1 Pro to 150 GB/s on the M3 Pro, causing...Read more

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jamiebalfour.scot
22/03/2026
MacBook Pro 2023 14" M3 Pro review

Jamie Balfour’s review of the 14-inch MacBook Pro (M3 Pro) details a transition from an M1 model, driven by the need for a larger Liquid Retina XDR display, improved I/O, and superior compilation performance for software development. While the device boasts a robust design, a functional keyboard, and better repairability via modular components, the review criticizes Apple's pricing...Read more

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rtings.com
18/12/2023
Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M3, 2023) Laptop Review

The Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M3, 2023) is a premium workstation featuring a robust aluminum design, a 120Hz Liquid Retina XDR display, and excellent input devices. It delivers top-tier performance for creative tasks, boasting efficient thermals and an impressive battery life that exceeds 12 hours of video playback. While the display excels in brightness, RTINGS notes slow response...Read more

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pcmag.com
06/11/2023
Apple MacBook Pro 14-Inch (2023, M3 Pro) Review

The 2023 14-inch MacBook Pro with M3 Pro is described as a prosumer workstation that bridges the gap between the Air and M3 Max models, balancing high performance with premium portability. It is recognized for its exceptional performance in creative tasks and a new, anti-fingerprint Space Black finish. The machine shines with a superior Liquid Retina XDR display, excellent sound,...Read more

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macworld.com
15/11/2023
Those disappointing M3 benchmarks? You're reading them wrong

Macworld's analysis of M3 Pro and Max chips reveals a significant architectural split, where the M3 Pro shifts toward efficiency with a 6 core configuration, while the M3 Max functions as a high-performance "beast". The M3 Max delivers up to 43% better multi-core performance than its predecessor and features advanced GPU capabilities, such as ray tracing, marking it ideal for...Read more

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macwelt.de
05/01/2024
MacBook Pro M3 Pro 14-inch Review: Who Should Buy the Upgrade?", "MacBook Pro M3 Pro 14" Review: Is It Worth the Upgrade?

The MacBook Pro 14-inch with M3 Pro is identified as an ideal upgrade for users moving from Intel or M1 models, offering a compelling balance of performance, 18GB of unified memory, and impressive battery life. While boasting superior productivity power and a high-quality Liquid Retina XDR display with 120Hz ProMotion, the machine serves as a "prosumer" workstation rather than a...Read more

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macg.co
06/11/2023
MacBook Pro M3 Review: From Light to Heavy Duty

MacGeneration's review of the M3 MacBook Pro lineup praises the adoption of the 14-inch chassis across all models, highlighting the Liquid Retina XDR display, improved port selection, and the new "Space Black" finish as significant pros. While 3nm architecture offers impressive energy efficiency and performance gains, reviewers heavily criticized the base M3 model for including only...Read more

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notebookcheck.biz
12/09/2023
Apple MacBook Pro 14 2023 M3 Pro Review

The Notebookcheck review of the Apple MacBook Pro 14 (Late 2023) with M3 Pro identifies a balanced "sweet spot" for professionals, offering 11 or 12-core CPU performance that provides a 30–44% multi-core boost over the base M3. Key advantages include three Thunderbolt 4 ports and improved SDR brightness (up to 600 nits) on the Liquid Retina XDR display, though the M3 Pro represents...Read more

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leclaireur.fnac.com
27/01/2024
Apple MacBook Pro M3 Pro Lab Test: Computing Perfection

The Labo Fnac review characterizes the Apple MacBook Pro M3 Pro as near-perfect, highlighting its exceptional performance for creative tasks through the 12-core CPU/18-core GPU M3 Pro chip and 18GB of unified memory. It excels in demanding applications like 4K video editing, Photoshop, and Premiere, while maintaining a near-silent operation under load. The device boasts a Mini LED...Read more

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galaxus.it
20/11/2023
MacBook M3 Pro review: the best you can get

According to a Galaxus review, the MacBook Pro with the M3 Pro chip serves as an efficiency champion for professionals, delivering an impressive 25-hour battery life in video testing and offering superior performance-to-energy consumption, with performance gains up to 24% more efficient than the M2 Pro. However, the review identifies limitations, specifically the incremental...Read more

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macitynet.it
18/01/2024
MacBook Pro 14 M3 Pro review: The ultimate portable workstation

The Macitynet review identifies the 14-inch MacBook Pro with M3 Pro (11-core CPU/14-core GPU) as a powerful, refined "sweet spot" for professionals, featuring a new Space Black finish that reduces fingerprints. It boasts exceptional battery life, a brighter Liquid Retina XDR display, and comprehensive port selection, offering significant performance gains over older Intel models....Read more

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id.nl
03/01/2024
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M3, late 2023) Review: Between consumer and professional

The ID.nl review of the Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M3, late 2023) highlights its role as a premium, yet accessible, machine bridging consumer and professional needs, featuring superior Liquid Retina XDR display, excellent sound, and robust port selection. Performance is a significant upgrade from Intel models, driven by the base M3 chip and new hardware-accelerated ray tracing,...Read more

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icreatemagazine.nl
14/11/2023
MacBook Pro M3 review: an upgrade and a disappointment (including M3 Pro section)

The iCreate Magazine review finds the 14-inch MacBook Pro with the base M3 chip offers significant performance gains (15-20% faster than M2) and exceptional battery life up to 22 hours, housed in a premium design with a brighter Liquid Retina XDR display. However, the review labels it a "MacBook Air in a Pro jacket" due to restrictive 8GB base RAM, a downgraded single-fan cooling...Read more

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iculture.nl
28/11/2023
MacBook Pro M3 Max Review: The Chip That Impresses (Includes M3 Pro Comparison)

The iCulture review of the 2023 14-inch MacBook Pro with the M3 chip praises the transition to a modern design featuring a superior Liquid Retina XDR display, improved ports including MagSafe 3 and HDMI, and exceptional battery life, while noting it replaces the older 13-inch model. Performance is a key strength, with the M3 chip offering significant speed boosts and...Read more

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notebookcheck.nl
25/11/2023
Apple MacBook Pro 16 2023 M3 Pro Review: Efficiency Over Performance

The Apple MacBook Pro 16 (2023) with M3 Max offers significant performance gains for professionals, maintaining stable high-load speeds and near-silent operation, though it can reach high temperatures under maximum load. Its 16.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display shines with increased SDR brightness, 120Hz ProMotion, and superior color accuracy, despite PWM-related flicker concerns....Read more

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bright.nl
07/12/2023
First impression: MacBook Pro with M3 chip

The 2023 MacBook Pro, reviewed by Bright, introduces the 3-nanometer M3 chip family and a specialized Space Black finish that reduces fingerprints on the chassis. The updated lineup, featuring the 14-inch design as the new entry-level, offers significant performance upgrades alongside a brighter 600-nit Liquid Retina XDR display. Key pros include exceptional battery life (over 22...Read more

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