Scored using Processors Methodology v3.0
Processors Methodology v3.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Processors Methodology v3.0: the technical score from the specifications is the base, and independent expert and video reviews (up to ±0.5 points), owner opinions (up to ±0.3) and best-of lists (up to +0.3) move it up or down.
Explore Processors Methodology v3.0

Apple M3 Pro 12-core CPU 18-core GPU review: 74 specs compared

Avg. price:~£2,180PassMark multi-core score:23938N. of physical cores:12CPU boost clock speed:4.06 GHzCPU socket:N/ATDP (Thermal design power):30 W

Apple M3 Pro 12-core CPU 18-core GPU Review: Compare 74 technical specifications and 8 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Processors category and whether it is worth buying.

7.5/10

Overall score

Score
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
Our main score for this model, 1–10. It combines specs, expert reviews, best-of lists and owners.
How we count it
Parts: Technical score 40%, Reviews score 25%, List score 25%, Sentiment score 10%
Marks: Each part gets a mark out of 10. For reviews, lists and owners, a typical model in this category gets about 8 and the best one gets 10.
No data yet: A part with no data shows "?". It counts as the mark of a weaker model in this category (4 in 5 models with data score higher). This way, models with reviews, lists and owners usually come out ahead.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

40%

7.4

Technical score

25%

7.7

Reviews score

25%

?

List scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.5, the mark of a weaker model in this category

10%

?

Sentiment scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.0, the mark of a weaker model in this category

â–²Better than 78% of processors
5.5

Value for money

Value for money
5.5/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

7.5

Overall score

30%

1.0

Price

â–¼Worse than 99%
7.4

Technical score

Technical score
7.4/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 40% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

60%

7.6

Performance

18%

7.6

Architecture

10%

7.0

Memory & PCIe

7%

6.5

Power & Thermal

4%

6.4

Platform

1%

8.0

Integrated graphics

â–²Better than 76%
7.7

Reviews score

Reviews score
7.7/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.2 for now.
Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10

80%

7.4

Average grade

20%

8.5

Popularity

Grades by review (8)
8 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
â–²Better than 55%
?

List score

List score
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
How we count it
Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 25% of the overall score.
Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
Lists with this model (0)
Not in any best-of list yet, so this part counts as 7.5. Models in a list get 8 to 10.
Not in any best-of list yet
  • No image
No image
Where to buy
    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.

What reviewers say about the Apple M3 Pro 12-core CPU 18-core GPU

Based on 0 · 10

Reviewers like the display, but editing, gaming and battery life split opinion, and many see little gain over the previous generation.
Praised
Mixed views
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what
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Technical Specifications of processor Apple M3 Pro 12-core CPU 18-core GPU

Technical score
Technical score
7.4/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 40% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

60%

7.6

Performance

18%

7.6

Architecture

10%

7.0

Memory & PCIe

7%

6.5

Power & Thermal

4%

6.4

Platform

1%

8.0

Integrated graphics

7.4
Reviews score
7.7
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
5.5/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

70%

7.5

Overall score

30%

1.0

Price

5.5
Processor type
mobile
This processor belongs to the mobile processor class, which is more advanced than that of 6.9% of processors and equal to that of 47.7% of processors.
laptop
CPU socket
N/A
Chipset
N/A
CPU architecture
ARM64
This processor uses the ARM64 architecture, which is less advanced than that of 98.2% of processors and equal to that of 1.8% of processors.
Apple silicon
Instruction sets
NEON, AES, SHA1, SHA2, SHA3, SM3, SM4, DotProd, BF16, AMX, SME
This processor supports NEON, AES, SHA1, SHA2, SHA3, SM3, SM4, DotProd, BF16, AMX, SME instruction sets, which is broader support than 67.3% of processors.
includes Apple Matrix extensions
Show more
What reviewers say
N. of physical cores
12
This processor has 12 CPU cores, which is more than 79.9% of processors and equal to 5.7% of processors.
CPU threads
12
This processor offers 12 CPU threads, which is more than 53% of processors and equal to 14.2% of processors.
CPU boost clock speed
4.06 GHz
This processor reaches a boost clock of 4.06 GHz which is lower than that of 61.5% of processors and equal to that of 0.2% of processors.
CPU base clock speed
6x 4.06 GHz & 6x 2.75 GHz
This processor has a base clock of 6x4.06 GHz & 6x2.75 GHz which is higher than that of 92% of processors and equal to that of 0.1% of processors.
PassMark multi-core score
23,938
This processor scores 23,938 in PassMark, which is higher than 78% of processors.
Show more
What reviewers say
Semiconductor size
3 nm
This processor uses a 3 nm process node, which is more advanced than that of 94.6% of processors and equal to that of 4.6% of processors.
Foundry
TSMC 3 nm
This processor is built on the TSMC 3 nm foundry process, which is more advanced than that of 95.7% of processors and equal to that of 4.3% of processors.
L3 cache
?
L2 cache
20 MB
This processor has an L2 cache of 20 MB which is larger than that of 92.1% of processors and equal to that of 1.2% of processors.
L1 cache
768 KB
This processor has an L1 cache of 768 KB which is larger than that of 77.6% of processors and equal to that of 3.3% of processors.
Show more
DDR memory version
?
Maximum memory speed
6,400 MHz
This processor supports memory speeds up to 6,400 MHz, which is higher than that of 82.6% of processors and equal to 8% of processors.
Max memory speed (JEDEC)
LPDDR5-6400 MHz
This processor supports JEDEC memory speeds up to LPDDR5-6400 MHz, which is higher than that of 83.6% of processors and equal to 2.9% of processors.
Max memory speed (XMP / EXPO)
N/A
Maximum memory capacity
36 GB
This processor supports up to 36 GB of memory, which is less than 72.8% of processors and equal to 0.1% of processors.
Show more
Integrated graphics
yes
This processor includes integrated graphics. 14.7% of processors offer this.
Integrated GPU model
Apple 18-core GPU
This processor uses the Apple 18-core GPU integrated GPU, which is more advanced than that in 99.3% of processors.
Integrated GPU execution units
?
Integrated GPU base frequency
500 MHz
This processor has an integrated GPU clock of 500 MHz which is higher than that of 78.4% of processors and equal to that of 0.9% of processors.
Integrated media encoders/decoders
AV1 (HW decode)
This processor supports AV1 (HW decode) media codecs, which is narrower support than 61.3% of processors and equal to 10.3% of processors.
Show more
What reviewers say
TDP (Thermal design power)
30 W
This processor has a TDP of 30 W which is lower than that of 67.5% of processors and equal to that of 0.3% of processors.
Base power (PL1)
?
Boost power (PL2)
N/A
Tau (power duration limit)
N/A
Configurable TDP
no
This processor does not support configurable TDP. 53.7% of processors offer this.
Show more

Apple M3 Pro 12-core CPU 18-core GPU vs the average processor

246810TotalPlatformPerformanceArchitectureMemory & PCIeIntegrated graphicsPower & Thermal
  • 2.93x higher multi-core score
    This processor has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (15,252 vs 5,209). The average processor scores 5,209 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
    15,252 vs 5,209
  • 2.02x higher single-core score
    This processor has a higher Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (3,105 vs 1,535). The average processor scores 1,535 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
    3,105 vs 1,535
  • 65.5% better single-core performance
    This processor has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (4,233 vs 2,558). The average processor scores 2,558 in PassMark single-core.
    4,233 vs 2,558
  • 2.09x higher PassMark score
    This processor has a higher PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (23,938 vs 11,469). The average processor scores 11,469 in PassMark benchmark.
    23,938 vs 11,469
  • 6 more CPU cores
    This processor has more CPU cores than the average processor (12 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
    12 vs 6
  • 6.67x larger L2 cache
    This processor has a higher L2 cache than the average processor (20 MB vs 3 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 3 MB.
    20 MB vs 3 MB
  • Higher base clock
    This processor has a higher base clock than the average processor (6x4.06 GHz & 6x2.75 GHz vs 4x3.4 GHz).
    6x4.06 GHz & 6x2.75 GHz vs 4x3.4 GHz
  • 75% smaller process node
    This processor 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
  • 14.9% higher review score
    Reviews score
    7.7/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.2 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10

    80%

    7.4

    Average grade

    20%

    8.5

    Popularity

    Grades by review (8)
    8 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    7.7 vs 6.7
  • More extensive crypto acceleration
    This processor offers more extensive crypto acceleration than the average processor (AES, SHA, RSA/PKA vs AES, SHA).
    AES, SHA, RSA/PKA vs AES, SHA
  • Supports heterogeneous scheduling
    This processor uses heterogeneous multi-processing, while the average processor does not. 24.8% of processors use it.
  • 3 years newer release date
    This processor has a newer release date than the average processor (2023 vs 2020).
    October 2023
    2023 vs 2020
  • 2.93x higher multi-core score
    This processor has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (15,252 vs 5,209). The average processor scores 5,209 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
    15,252 vs 5,209
  • 2.02x higher single-core score
    This processor has a higher Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (3,105 vs 1,535). The average processor scores 1,535 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
    3,105 vs 1,535
  • 65.5% better single-core performance
    This processor has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (4,233 vs 2,558). The average processor scores 2,558 in PassMark single-core.
    4,233 vs 2,558
  • 2.09x higher PassMark score
    This processor has a higher PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (23,938 vs 11,469). The average processor scores 11,469 in PassMark benchmark.
    23,938 vs 11,469
  • 6 more CPU cores
    This processor has more CPU cores than the average processor (12 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
    12 vs 6
  • Higher base clock
    This processor has a higher base clock than the average processor (6x4.06 GHz & 6x2.75 GHz vs 4x3.4 GHz).
    6x4.06 GHz & 6x2.75 GHz vs 4x3.4 GHz
  • 47.3% better multi-core performance
    This processor has a higher multi-core performance than the average processor (4,130 vs 2,804.5). The average processor scores 2,804.5 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.
    4,130 vs 2,804.5
  • 4 more CPU threads
    This processor has more CPU threads than the average processor (12 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
    12 vs 8
  • 4 wider front-end design
    This processor has a higher front-end width than the average processor (8 vs 4). The average processor uses front-end width of 4.
    P-core 8, E-core 3
    8 vs 4
  • 6.67x larger L2 cache
    This processor has a higher L2 cache than the average processor (20 MB vs 3 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 3 MB.
    20 MB vs 3 MB
  • 75% smaller process node
    This processor 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
  • More advanced foundry
    This processor uses a more advanced foundry process than the average processor (TSMC 3 nm vs Intel 14 nm).
    TSMC 3 nm vs Intel 14 nm
  • Mixed big and small cores
    This processor uses a big.LITTLE design, while the average processor does not. 22.6% of processors use one.
    performance + efficiency cores
  • 7.47x more transistors
    This processor has more transistors than the average processor (37 billion vs 4.95 billion). The average processor has 4.95 billion transistors.
    37 billion vs 4.95 billion
  • 2x larger L1 cache
    This processor has a higher L1 cache than the average processor (768 KB vs 384 KB). The average processor has L1 cache of 384 KB.
    768 KB vs 384 KB
  • 3.2x higher memory bandwidth
    This processor has a higher memory bandwidth than the average processor (150 GB/s vs 46.9 GB/s). The average processor offers memory bandwidth of 46.9 GB/s.
    150 GB/s vs 46.9 GB/s
  • 2x higher memory speed
    This processor has a higher maximum memory speed than the average processor (6,400 MHz vs 3,200 MHz). The average processor supports memory speed of 3,200 MHz.
    6,400 MHz vs 3,200 MHz
  • Newer PCIe version
    This processor supports a newer PCIe version than the average processor (4 vs 3).
    4 vs 3
  • Higher JEDEC memory speed
    This processor has a higher JEDEC memory speed than the average processor (LPDDR5-6400 MHz vs DDR4-3200 MHz). The average processor supports JEDEC memory speed of DDR4-3200 MHz.
    LPDDR5-6,400 MHz vs DDR4-3,200 MHz
  • Better integrated GPU
    This processor uses a better integrated GPU than the average processor (Apple 18-core GPU vs Intel UHD Graphics 630).
    Apple 18-core GPU vs Intel UHD Graphics 630
  • 33.3% lower TDP
    This processor has a lower TDP than the average processor (30 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
    30 W vs 45 W
  • No configurable TDP
    This processor does not support configurable TDP, while the average processor does. 53.7% of processors support configurable TDP.
  • Weaker security extensions
    This processor provides less advanced security extensions than the average processor (Secure Enclave, PAC, KIP vs AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, TXT, OS Guard, Boot Guard, CET, MBEC, TME, TME-MK).
    Secure Enclave, PAC, KIP vs AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, TXT, OS Guard, Boot Guard, CET, MBEC, TME, TME-MK
  • No simultaneous multithreading
    This processor does not support simultaneous multithreading, while the average processor does. 73.8% of processors support it.
  • Less advanced architecture
    This processor uses a less advanced architecture than the average processor (ARM64 vs x86-64).
    Apple silicon
    ARM64 vs x86-64
  • 7.7% lower boost clock
    This processor has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (4.1 GHz vs 4.4 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.4 GHz.
    4.06 GHz vs 4.4 GHz
  • Narrower media codec support
    This processor 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), JPEG (HW decode/encode)).
    AV1 (HW decode) vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode), JPEG (HW decode/encode)
  • 8.72x more expensive
    Apple M3 Pro 12-core CPU 18-core GPU is more expensive than the average processor (£2,180 vs £250).
    £2,180 vs £250
  • 37.2% slower Blender rendering
    This processor has a higher Blender BMW27 render time than the average processor (249.9 vs 398). The average processor needs 398.015 for the Blender BMW27 test.
    249.85 vs 398.015
  • 8.72x more expensive
    Apple M3 Pro 12-core CPU 18-core GPU is more expensive than the average processor (£2,180 vs £250).
    £2,180 vs £250
  • 31.7% worse value for money
    Apple M3 Pro 12-core CPU 18-core GPU has worse value for money than the average processor (5.53 vs 7.3).
    5.53 vs 7.29
  • Weaker security extensions
    This processor provides less advanced security extensions than the average processor (Secure Enclave, PAC, KIP vs AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, TXT, OS Guard, Boot Guard, CET, MBEC, TME, TME-MK).
    Secure Enclave, PAC, KIP vs AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, TXT, OS Guard, Boot Guard, CET, MBEC, TME, TME-MK
  • Less advanced architecture
    This processor uses a less advanced architecture than the average processor (ARM64 vs x86-64).
    Apple silicon
    ARM64 vs x86-64
  • No simultaneous multithreading
    This processor does not support simultaneous multithreading, while the average processor does. 73.8% of processors support it.
  • 7.7% lower boost clock
    This processor has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (4.1 GHz vs 4.4 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.4 GHz.
    4.06 GHz vs 4.4 GHz
  • 37.2% slower Blender rendering
    This processor has a higher Blender BMW27 render time than the average processor (249.9 vs 398). The average processor needs 398.015 for the Blender BMW27 test.
    249.85 vs 398.015
  • 26.5% slower classroom rendering
    This processor has a higher Blender Classroom render time than the average processor (249.9 vs 340.1). The average processor needs 340.075 for the Blender Classroom test.
    249.85 vs 340.075
  • 20.9% larger die size
    This processor has a higher die size than the average processor (214 mm² vs 177 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 177 mm².
    214 mm² vs 177 mm²
  • 43.8% less memory capacity
    This processor 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
  • Narrower media codec support
    This processor 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), JPEG (HW decode/encode)).
    AV1 (HW decode) vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode), JPEG (HW decode/encode)
  • No configurable TDP
    This processor does not support configurable TDP, while the average processor does. 53.7% of processors support configurable TDP.

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

7.0
SuperDuprTech
≈ estimated
14/03/2024
Gaming test · over 20 games, native and via Crossover
Verdict
Apple M3 Pro 12-core CPU 18-core GPU is fine for casual gaming on one machine, though it's not a dedicated gaming laptop.
9.0
SuperDuprTech
≈ estimated
21/02/2024
Benchmark tests · synthetic and real-world performance
Verdict
Apple M3 Pro 12-core CPU 18-core GPU shows impressive gains across the board, with especially fast Blender rendering.
7.0
SuperDuprTech
≈ estimated
16/02/2024
Hands-on test · gaming performance across 20+ games
Verdict
Apple M3 Pro 12-core CPU 18-core GPU in this MacBook Pro runs games with workarounds, but it is not a gaming machine you would recommend.
8.0
Mark Linsangan
≈ estimated
22/11/2023
Upgrade review · 16-inch model after two years
Verdict
Apple M3 Pro is a great upgrade for Intel Mac users, but owners of recent Apple silicon Macs should consider waiting.
6.0
ArtIsRight
≈ estimated
11/11/2023
Comparison · photo and video workflow tests
Verdict
Apple M3 Pro 12-core CPU 18-core GPU with upgraded memory is the winning combination, not the top configuration.
Hands-on video, no verdict

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 don't like 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

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.

Compare Apple M3 Pro 12-core CPU 18-core GPU with other processors

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Graphic comparison of Apple M3 Pro 12-core CPU 18-core GPU and other processors

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