M3 Ultra vs M4 Max: Surprising Benchmark Results Show Minimal CPU Performance Gains
New Mac Studio models feature M3 Ultra and M4 Max chips, with benchmark tests revealing minimal CPU performance differences despite Apple's claims.
By Blip Tech
2 min read
M3 Ultra vs. M4 Max in CPU Performance
Apple recently unveiled a new generation of the Mac Studio, offering two chip options: the M3 Ultra and the M4 Max. Despite Apple's claim that the M3 Ultra is up to twice as fast as the M4 Max in certain tasks, benchmark tests reveal a more nuanced picture.
Benchmark Results:
- M3 Ultra (32-core CPU):
- Single-core: 3221
- Multi-core: 27749
- M4 Max (16-core CPU):
- Single-core: 3921
- Multi-core: 25650
While the M3 Ultra has a slight edge in multi-core performance (8% higher), the M4 Max boasts faster single-core performance. This indicates that the M4 Max may be more efficient for tasks that require quicker per-core processing.
Key Considerations:
- Architecture: The M3 series is based on TSMC's first-generation 3nm architecture, which is less efficient than the second-generation used in the M4 and A18 chips. This likely explains the lower single-core performance of the M3 Ultra.
- GPU and Memory Bandwidth: The M3 Ultra offers a significant advantage in GPU cores (up to 80 vs. 40) and memory bandwidth (800GB/s vs. 500GB/s), making it a better choice for graphics-intensive tasks.
For Users:
- CPU Performance: Customers looking for a fast computer without heavy reliance on the GPU can opt for the M4 Max Mac Studio, which starts at $1,999 and offers similar CPU performance to the more expensive M3 Ultra ($3,999).
- Differentiation: It's speculated that Apple reserved the M4 Ultra variant for a future Mac Pro to further distinguish it from the Mac Studio.
The new Mac Studio is now available for pre-order and will launch on March 12.
