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Apple M3 Pro 12 Core Cpu 18 Core Gpu Review | 78 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£2,180
  • Avg. price in US: ~$2,500
  • PassMark benchmark result: 23938
  • N. of physical cores: 12
  • CPU boost clock speed: 4.06 GHz

Apple M3 Pro 12 Core Cpu 18 Core Gpu review. Compare 78 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among processors and if it is worth buying.

6.7

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%

6.7

Technical Score

10.0%

?

User score

Good
6.7

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%

6.1

Performance

18.0%

8.4

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

7.0

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

6.4

Power & Thermal

4.0%

6.5

Platform

1.0%

8.3

Integrated Graphics

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

  • 7.6
    Gaming

    Score components:

    30.0%

    8.2

    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%

    5.1

    N. of physical cores

  • 6.3
    Video editing

    Score components:

    45.0%

    6.9

    Geekbench 6 multi-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    5.1

    N. of physical cores

    20.0%

    4.0

    CPU threads

    15.0%

    9.0

    L3 cache

  • No image
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Best prices in UK

    N/A~ £2,180

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 with a 12-core CPU and 18-core GPU is built on a cutting-edge 3-nanometer process and features 37 billion transistors. Its CPU architecture is balanced with 6 performance and 6 efficiency cores, while the 18-core GPU introduces advanced capabilities like Dynamic Caching, hardware-accelerated ray tracing, and mesh shading for high-end graphics workflows. Key pros include significant efficiency gains, a 16-core Neural Engine for AI tasks, and a specialized Media Engine with AV1 decode support. However, notable cons include a reduction in memory bandwidth to 150GB/s compared to the 200GB/s found in its predecessor, and a shift in core composition that may lead to only modest performance gains in specific multi-threaded tasks.

Technical Specifications of processor Apple M3 Pro 12 Core Cpu 18 Core Gpu

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

6.7
Apple M3 Pro 12 Core Cpu 18 Core Gpu has a technical score of 6.66 points, which is higher than that of 77.3% 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 12 Core Cpu 18 Core Gpu 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%

6.7

Overall score

40.0%

1.0

Price

5.0
Apple M3 Pro 12 Core Cpu 18 Core Gpu has a quality-to-price ratio of 5 points, which is lower than 96.5% 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 12 Core Cpu 18 Core Gpu 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.
laptop
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

N/A
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 12 Core Cpu 18 Core Gpu 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+

12
Apple M3 Pro 12 Core Cpu 18 Core Gpu has 12 CPU cores, which is more than 81.5% of processors and equal to 5.5% of processors.
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+

12
Apple M3 Pro 12 Core Cpu 18 Core Gpu offers 12 CPU threads, which is more than 55.1% of processors and equal to 14.1% of processors.
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 12 Core Cpu 18 Core Gpu 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 12 Core Cpu 18 Core Gpu 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 12 Core Cpu 18 Core Gpu 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 12 Core Cpu 18 Core Gpu 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 12 Core Cpu 18 Core Gpu 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 12 Core Cpu 18 Core Gpu 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

768 KB
Apple M3 Pro 12 Core Cpu 18 Core Gpu has an L1 cache of 768 KB which is larger than that of 78.2% of processors and equal to that of 3.4% 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

?
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 12 Core Cpu 18 Core Gpu 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 12 Core Cpu 18 Core Gpu 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 12 Core Cpu 18 Core Gpu 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 12 Core Cpu 18 Core Gpu 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

Apple 18-core GPU
Apple M3 Pro 12 Core Cpu 18 Core Gpu uses the Apple 18-core GPU integrated GPU, which is more advanced than that in 99.4% of processors.
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

AV1 (HW decode)
Apple M3 Pro 12 Core Cpu 18 Core Gpu supports AV1 (HW decode) media codecs, which is narrower support than 63.1% of processors and equal to 10.8% 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

30 W
Apple M3 Pro 12 Core Cpu 18 Core Gpu has a TDP of 30 W which is lower than that of 66.8% of processors and equal to that of 0.3% 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

?
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 12 Core Cpu 18 Core Gpu does not support configurable TDP. 52.9% of processors support configurable TDP.
Show more

Apple M3 Pro 12 Core Cpu 18 Core Gpu vs the average processor

  • 2.11x higher single-core score
    Apple M3 Pro 12 Core Cpu 18 Core Gpu 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 12 Core Cpu 18 Core Gpu 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
  • 70.5% better single-core performance
    Apple M3 Pro 12 Core Cpu 18 Core Gpu has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (4,233 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 12 Core Cpu 18 Core Gpu has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (4,233 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.4,233 vs 2,483
  • 3.18x higher multi-core score
    Apple M3 Pro 12 Core Cpu 18 Core Gpu 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 12 Core Cpu 18 Core Gpu 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 12 Core Cpu 18 Core Gpu 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 12 Core Cpu 18 Core Gpu 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
  • 6 more CPU cores
    Apple M3 Pro 12 Core Cpu 18 Core Gpu has more CPU cores than the average processor (12 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU 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+

    Apple M3 Pro 12 Core Cpu 18 Core Gpu has more CPU cores than the average processor (12 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.12 vs 6
  • 75% smaller process node
    Apple M3 Pro 12 Core Cpu 18 Core Gpu 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 12 Core Cpu 18 Core Gpu 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 12 Core Cpu 18 Core Gpu 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 12 Core Cpu 18 Core Gpu 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
  • 2.27x higher PassMark score
    Apple M3 Pro 12 Core Cpu 18 Core Gpu has a higher PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (23,938 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.
    What it is: A benchmark score that gives a broad idea of overall processor performance.
    When it matters: When you want a quick overall performance comparison.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >19000

    Apple M3 Pro 12 Core Cpu 18 Core Gpu has a higher PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (23,938 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.23,938 vs 10,532.5
  • Includes crypto acceleration
    Apple M3 Pro 12 Core Cpu 18 Core Gpu includes crypto acceleration, the average processor does not.
  • Supports HMP
    Apple M3 Pro 12 Core Cpu 18 Core Gpu supports HMP, the average processor does not.
  • 3 year/s newer release date
    Apple M3 Pro 12 Core Cpu 18 Core Gpu has a newer release date than the average processor (2,023 vs 2,020).
  • 2.11x higher single-core score
    Apple M3 Pro 12 Core Cpu 18 Core Gpu 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.
  • 70.5% better single-core performance
    Apple M3 Pro 12 Core Cpu 18 Core Gpu has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (4,233 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.
  • 3.18x higher multi-core score
    Apple M3 Pro 12 Core Cpu 18 Core Gpu 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.
  • 6 more CPU cores
    Apple M3 Pro 12 Core Cpu 18 Core Gpu has more CPU cores than the average processor (12 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
  • 2.27x higher PassMark score
    Apple M3 Pro 12 Core Cpu 18 Core Gpu has a higher PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (23,938 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.
  • 48.4% better multi-core performance
    Apple M3 Pro 12 Core Cpu 18 Core Gpu 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.
  • 89.4% faster classroom rendering
    Apple M3 Pro 12 Core Cpu 18 Core Gpu has a lower Blender Classroom render time than the average processor (1,499.2 vs 791.745). The average processor needs 791.745 for the Blender Classroom test.
  • 4 more CPU threads
    Apple M3 Pro 12 Core Cpu 18 Core Gpu has more CPU threads than the average processor (12 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
  • 4 wider front-end design
    Apple M3 Pro 12 Core Cpu 18 Core Gpu has a higher front-end width than the average processor (8 vs 4). The average processor uses front-end width of 4.
  • 8x larger L2 cache
    Apple M3 Pro 12 Core Cpu 18 Core Gpu 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 12 Core Cpu 18 Core Gpu 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 12 Core Cpu 18 Core Gpu uses a big.LITTLE design, the average processor does not.
  • More advanced foundry
    Apple M3 Pro 12 Core Cpu 18 Core Gpu uses a more advanced foundry process than the average processor (TSMC 3 nm vs Intel 14 nm).
  • 7.47x more transistors
    Apple M3 Pro 12 Core Cpu 18 Core Gpu has more transistors than the average processor (37 billion vs 4.95 billion). The average processor has 4.95 billion transistors.
  • 2x larger L1 cache
    Apple M3 Pro 12 Core Cpu 18 Core Gpu has a higher L1 cache than the average processor (768 KB vs 384 KB). The average processor has L1 cache of 384 KB.
  • 3.28x higher memory bandwidth
    Apple M3 Pro 12 Core Cpu 18 Core Gpu 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 12 Core Cpu 18 Core Gpu 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 PCIe version
    Apple M3 Pro 12 Core Cpu 18 Core Gpu supports a newer PCIe version than the average processor (4 vs 3.0).
  • 33.3% lower TDP
    Apple M3 Pro 12 Core Cpu 18 Core Gpu has a lower TDP than the average processor (30 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.

Total
Platform
Performance
Cache & Architecture
Memory & PCIe
Power & Thermal
  • No multithreading support
    Apple M3 Pro 12 Core Cpu 18 Core Gpu does not support multithreading, the average processor does.
  • 5.6% lower boost clock
    Apple M3 Pro 12 Core Cpu 18 Core Gpu 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 12 Core Cpu 18 Core Gpu has fewer threads per core than the average processor (1 vs 2). The average processor offers 2 threads per core.
  • 20.2% larger die size
    Apple M3 Pro 12 Core Cpu 18 Core Gpu has a higher die size than the average processor (214 mm² vs 178 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 178 mm².
  • 43.8% less memory capacity
    Apple M3 Pro 12 Core Cpu 18 Core Gpu has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average processor (36 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.
  • Narrower media codec support
    Apple M3 Pro 12 Core Cpu 18 Core Gpu supports fewer media codecs than the average processor (AV1 (HW decode) vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode)).
  • No configurable TDP
    Apple M3 Pro 12 Core Cpu 18 Core Gpu does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
  • No multithreading support
    Apple M3 Pro 12 Core Cpu 18 Core Gpu 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 12 Core Cpu 18 Core Gpu does not support multithreading, the average processor does.
  • No configurable TDP
    Apple M3 Pro 12 Core Cpu 18 Core Gpu 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 12 Core Cpu 18 Core Gpu does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
  • 8.72x more expensive
    Apple M3 Pro 12 Core Cpu 18 Core Gpu is more expensive than the average processor (£2,180 vs £250).
    Apple M3 Pro 12 Core Cpu 18 Core Gpu is more expensive than the average processor (£2,180 vs £250).£2,180 vs £250
  • Narrower media codec support
    Apple M3 Pro 12 Core Cpu 18 Core Gpu supports fewer media codecs than the average processor (AV1 (HW decode) vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode)).
    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

    Apple M3 Pro 12 Core Cpu 18 Core Gpu supports fewer media codecs than the average processor (AV1 (HW decode) vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode)).AV1 (HW decode) vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode)
  • 28.3% worse value for money
    Apple M3 Pro 12 Core Cpu 18 Core Gpu has worse value for money than the average processor (4.96 vs 6.367).
    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.
    Apple M3 Pro 12 Core Cpu 18 Core Gpu has worse value for money than the average processor (4.96 vs 6.367).4.96 vs 6.37
  • 20.2% larger die size
    Apple M3 Pro 12 Core Cpu 18 Core Gpu has a higher die size than the average processor (214 mm² vs 178 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 178 mm².
    What it is: The physical area of the processor die, usually measured in square millimeters.
    When it matters: When you are comparing chip scale, packaging density, or broader design differences rather than direct user-visible performance.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: <150 mm²

    Apple M3 Pro 12 Core Cpu 18 Core Gpu has a higher die size than the average processor (214 mm² vs 178 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 178 mm².214 mm² vs 178 mm²
  • 5.6% lower boost clock
    Apple M3 Pro 12 Core Cpu 18 Core Gpu 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 12 Core Cpu 18 Core Gpu 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 12 Core Cpu 18 Core Gpu 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 12 Core Cpu 18 Core Gpu has fewer threads per core than the average processor (1 vs 2). The average processor offers 2 threads per core.1 vs 2
Total
Overall
Performance
Cache & Architecture
Memory & PCIe
Integrated Graphics
Power & Thermal

Graphic comparison of Apple M3 Pro 12 Core Cpu 18 Core Gpu and other processors

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Third-party reviews

What customers like about Apple M3 Pro 12 Core Cpu 18 Core Gpu?

  • Excellent power efficiency providing all-day battery life even under moderate workloads
  • Significant performance jump in rendering tasks (Cinebench) compared to M2 Pro
  • Hardware-accelerated ray tracing and mesh shading improve 3D graphics performance
  • Fast SSD speeds (6.2-6.8 GBps) reduce loading times and system lag
  • Superior multi-core performance (roughly 44% faster than base M3) suitable for coding and video editing
  • Consistent performance on battery power compared to being plugged in
  • Supports up to two external high-resolution displays

What customers dislike about Apple M3 Pro 12 Core Cpu 18 Core Gpu?

  • Reduced memory bandwidth (150 GB/s) compared to the previous M1 Pro/Max (200 GB/s)
  • Smaller performance gains over M2 Pro in non-rendering tasks (only ~5% in some CPU benchmarks)
  • Fewer performance cores (6P+6E) compared to the M2 Pro (8P+4E) in some configurations
  • Expensive entry price and high cost for RAM/storage upgrades
  • Gaming remains limited by macOS software availability despite improved GPU hardware
  • RAM and storage are not user-replaceable or upgradeable after purchase
  • Some users report 'ghosting' on the Mini-LED display during fast-moving gaming scenes

Expert reviews

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

The Apple M3 chip family, built on a 3nm process, introduces hardware-accelerated ray tracing and dynamic caching, offering significant graphics gains over the M2 series for Mac gaming [PCMag analysis]. The base M3 shows notable improvements, while the M3 Max functions as a high-end, powerful workstation, although the M3 Pro displayed inconsistent performance results [PCMag test...Read more

L
laptopmedia.com
10/06/2024
Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M3 Pro / Max) review - LaptopMedia

The LaptopMedia review of the 16-inch MacBook Pro (M3 Pro/Max) highlights an exceptional all-aluminum build, a 16.2-inch Mini LED Liquid Retina XDR display, and impressive battery life reaching 20 hours. Performance is marked by stable, high clock speeds and a near-silent cooling system, although the screen uses pulse-width modulation (PWM) for brightness, which may affect sensitive...Read more

C
cpubenchmark.net
30/03/2026
Apple M3 Pro 12 Core - CPU Benchmarks

The Apple M3 Pro (12-core) is a high-end 3nm, 12-core (6P/6E) ARM-based laptop processor, ranked 128th among laptop CPUs and featuring 37 billion transistors. It boasts exceptional single-threaded performance approaching 5,000 points, superior battery efficiency, and enhanced 3D capabilities via hardware-accelerated ray tracing and mesh shading. While offering improved IPC over the...Read more

N
notebookcheck.com
06/11/2023
Apple M3 Pro 18-Core GPU Graphics Card - Benchmarks and Specifications

The Apple M3 Pro 18-Core GPU, built on a 3nm process with 2,304 shaders, introduces advanced features like hardware-accelerated ray tracing and dynamic caching to enhance performance. It offers a strong balance for creative professionals, supporting up to 36 GB of unified memory with a 150 GB/s bandwidth. Performance-wise, it provides a 66% uplift over base M3 models in tests,...Read more

(Translated)Show original
G
galaxus.at
20/11/2023
M3 MacBook Pro Review: The Understated High-Performer

The Galaxus review of the M3 MacBook Pro characterizes the device as an efficiency master rather than a raw performance leap over the M2 Pro, highlighting 3-nanometer architecture that drastically reduces energy consumption. Key pros include an "absurd" battery life—reaching up to 25 hours on the 14-inch model—along with a 20% brighter Liquid Retina XDR display and a...Read more

(Translated)Show original
H
heise.de
14/11/2023
Late to the Party: Apple's MacBook Pro with M3 Pro Review

Heise online characterizes the MacBook Pro with M3 Pro as a solid, incremental "latecomer" featuring improved single-core performance, excellent energy efficiency, and a new, fingerprint-resistant Space Black finish. The device maintains top-tier performance with its Liquid Retina XDR display, which boasts increased SDR brightness for better outdoor visibility. Key advantages...Read more

(Translated)Show original
L
laptopmedia.com
10/06/2024
Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M3 Pro / Max) | LaptopMedia France

The Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M3 Pro/Max) features a premium, durable all-aluminum chassis with a compact design for its size. Key advantages include a remarkably silent cooling system that keeps the chassis comfortable under load, alongside an exceptionally accurate, high-refresh-rate 16.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display. Conversely, sharp front edges on the base can cause user...Read more

(Translated)Show original
L
leclaireur.fnac.com
23/03/2026
Apple MacBook Pro M3 Pro 16 Lab Test: Overwhelming Power

Le Labo Fnac defines the Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch with the M3 Pro chip as a top-tier performer, highlighting its 12-core processor and 18-core GPU for demanding creative tasks and gaming. While offering "stratospheric" battery life lasting nearly 22 hours, the device faces minor issues with performance allocation in heavy web applications. The MiniLED display is praised for...Read more

(Translated)Show original
N
notebookcheck.biz
29/11/2023
Apple M3 Pro 18-Core GPU - Specs and Benchmarks

The Apple M3 Pro with an 18-core GPU moves to a 3nm process, offeringhardware-accelerated ray tracing, mesh shading, and Dynamic Caching to optimize memory. While providing increased 18GB base memory and superior efficiency for longer battery life, the chip features a reduced 150 GB/s memory bandwidth compared to the M2 Pro. Performance gains are incremental, with the chip facing...Read more

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N
notebookcheck.biz
15/12/2023
Apple M3 Pro and M3 Max Review - Notebookcheck

Notebookcheck’s review of the 3nm Apple M3 Pro and M3 Max chips highlights a strategic divergence, positioning the M3 Max as a high-performance workstation replacement with increased cores, while the M3 Pro offers a more conservative, efficiency-focused update with reduced memory bandwidth. Key pros include the M3 Max's superior GPU performance featuring hardware-accelerated ray...Read more

(Translated)Show original
M
macitynet.it
18/01/2024
MacBook Pro 14 M3 Pro review: The portable workstation is here

The Macitynet review highlights the 14-inch MacBook Pro with M3 Pro as an ideal balance of power, featuring an upgraded Liquid Retina XDR display (up to 1600 nits peak) and a durable Space Black finish. The M3 Pro chip emphasizes GPU efficiency with hardware-accelerated ray tracing, providing strong performance alongside exceptional battery life that can last up to 30 hours in...Read more

(Translated)Show original
T
tweakers.net
08/11/2023
Apple MacBook Pro M3 Max - Is Apple outrunning itself?

The Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch with M3 Max offers a significant performance leap, boasting up to 50% faster CPU speeds and 80% faster GPU rendering compared to the M2 Max, effectively challenging desktop performance. The device features a premium design with a new, smudge-resistant Space Black finish and a high-brightness 120Hz Liquid Retina XDR display, alongside a versatile port...Read more

(Translated)Show original

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