Recently, Apple unveiled its third-generation Silicon processors, introducing three models simultaneously: M3, M3 Pro, and M3 Max. The prior generation, M2, M2 Pro, M2 Max, and M2 Ultra, still powers many mainstream Mac computers. Notably, despite the prowess of the M2 Ultra, the M3 Max has rapidly caught up in terms of performance and power.
This revelation was made possible by early testing, even though the M3 processors have not yet hit the market. Benchmark tests, a reliable standard for measuring performance, played a key role in uncovering this development.
M3 Max = M2 Ultra
The Geekbench analysis program, a renowned and trustworthy tool, shed light on this computing milestone. Here are the noteworthy figures:
M3 Max Single-Core: 2,980 points M3 Max Multi-Core: 20,800 points M2 Ultra Single-Core: 2,800 points M2 Ultra Multi-Core: 21,000 points
On average, the M3 Max surpasses the performance of the M2 Ultra by 180 points, while the M2 Ultra falls behind by 200 points. This is a significant achievement for the new generation processors.
Potential Implications for Mac Pro
However, this development raises questions, particularly for Mac Studio and Mac Pro users equipped with M2 Ultra processors. The Mac Pro, despite being twice as expensive as the MacBook Pro, now offers nearly identical performance. This prompts speculation about whether Apple has created a challenge for Mac Pro users.
Impressive Processor Power
Apple proudly highlighted the capabilities of the third generation of Apple Silicon during its presentation, emphasizing that the M3 Max is 50% faster than the M2 Max. This remarkable leap in performance has been achieved in less than a year.
In the broader context, the M3 family is 15% faster than the M2 family and up to 30% faster than the M1 family, surpassing all previous iterations.
However, real-world performance across a range of demanding tasks remains to be seen. Questions loom about the potential performance of future M3 Ultra processors and their comparative advantage over the M2 Ultra. What kind of power will be unleashed in upcoming Mac models, particularly the Mac Studio and Mac Pro equipped with M3 Max or M3 Ultra processors?
Currently, the new MacBook Pros are the only devices featuring M3 Max processors, but the performance outlook for Macs equipped with these powerful processors is highly anticipated. Apple’s relentless pursuit of innovation promises exciting prospects for the future of Mac computing.