M3 Ultra Matches M4 Max In CPU Benchmark Performance

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Apple Unveils New Mac Studio Models

This week, Apple introduced its latest version of the Mac Studio, featuring two powerful chip options: the M3 Ultra and the M4 Max. While Apple claims that the M3 Ultra can perform up to twice as fast as the M4 Max for some tasks, benchmark tests suggest that the difference in CPU performance is not as significant as advertised.

How Fast is the M3 Ultra Compared to the M4 Max?

A recent test using Geekbench 6 evaluated the new Mac Studio equipped with the M3 Ultra chip, which is touted as Apple’s most potent chip to date. The M3 Ultra has a robust 32-core CPU and achieved a score of 3221 on single-core and 27749 on multi-core tests. These figures are impressive, but they are not dramatically higher than the performance scores from the M4 Max chip.

Comparing the Scores

For context, the high-end M4 Max chip, which comes with a 16-core CPU, scored 3921 in single-core performance and 25650 in multi-core tests. Surprisingly, this shows that the M4 Max offers faster CPU cores, even though the M3 Ultra leads in multi-core performance by a small margin of just 8%.

This discrepancy in performance can be attributed to a couple of factors:

The M3 series chips are built on the first generation of 3-nanometer technology from TSMC, which has lower efficiency compared to the second generation technology used in the M4 and A18 chips.
The results focus exclusively on CPU performance, and the M4 Max is limited to a GPU with up to 40 cores. In contrast, the M3 Ultra can be paired with a powerful 80-core GPU, likely improving performance for graphics-heavy tasks.

Understanding GPU Performance

Another important aspect to consider is memory bandwidth. The M3 Ultra offers higher memory bandwidth at 800GB/s compared to the M4 Max’s 500GB/s. This makes the M3 Ultra a better choice for users who engage in graphics-intensive processes, such as video editing or gaming

While benchmarks do indicate that the M3 Ultra is a capable chip, other factors must be considered before making a purchasing decision. For tasks that do not require significant graphical computing power, the M4 Max Mac Studio, with a starting price of $1,999, is a suitable option that yields CPU performance quite similar to the pricier M3 Ultra Mac Studio, starting at $3,999.

Why Did Apple Choose the M3 Ultra Name?

Apple’s choice to launch the M3 Ultra chip instead of an M4 Ultra variant has raised some eyebrows. Some experts suggest that Apple might reserve the Ultra designation for the next generation of the Mac Pro, aiming to create a clear distinction between the Mac Pro and Mac Studio.

The newly announced Mac Studio models are available for pre-order, with the official launch scheduled for March 12.

Additional Insights on the New Mac Studio

Performance Levels: Users have been pleased with the dual options, allowing them to choose a model that best suits their work needs and budget.
Future Implications: Potential buyers may want to keep an eye on the performance of both chips as more benchmarks become available.
Price Points: Given the pricing, the M4 Max offers a more affordable entry point while still delivering strong performance.

In summary, both the M3 Ultra and M4 Max models are appealing in their own right. The M3 Ultra, with its higher GPU capabilities and greater memory bandwidth, is perfect for professionals dealing with intensive tasks. Meanwhile, the M4 Max serves as a strong option for users whose work is less reliant on graphic performance.