Apple M1 Ultra
- Boost/Base Clock:
- 3.2 GHz / 2.064 GHz
- Core/Thread Count:
- 20 Core / 20 Thread (16 Performance + 4 Efficiency)
- Cache:
- 48MB L2 + 8MB L1
- TDP:
- 60 Watts
- CPU Process Node:
- 5 Nanometers
- CPU Series:
- Apple Silicon
- Form Factor:
- Desktop
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Manufacturer: Apple Last updated:
Apple M1 Ultra Review
Launched in 2022, the Apple M1 Ultra is a 20-core System-on-Chip (16 performance cores plus 4 efficiency cores) built on a 5nm process within a 60 Watt TDP, found exclusively in the Mac Studio.
The M1 Ultra is built by fusing two complete M1 Max dies together over a custom high-bandwidth silicon interposer Apple calls UltraFusion, effectively doubling every M1 Max spec — CPU cores, GPU cores, and memory bandwidth alike. It was Apple's first desktop-only Apple Silicon chip and the first to demonstrate that the company's die-fusion approach could scale Apple Silicon beyond a single monolithic die.
Two Dies, One Chip
UltraFusion packaging joins two M1 Max dies with over 10,000 signal connections between them, letting the combined chip appear to macOS and software as a single 20-core CPU rather than two separate processors.
A Desktop-Only Proposition
Unlike the M1, M1 Pro, and M1 Max, the M1 Ultra never shipped in a laptop; the power and cooling requirements of two fused dies mean it only ever appeared in the desktop Mac Studio.
Benchmarks
Geekbench 5 multi-core scores around 24,000 reflect the doubled core count over the M1 Max, making the M1 Ultra genuinely competitive with high-end desktop workstation CPUs of its era on multi-threaded work.
Specifications
Identity
| Brand | Apple |
|---|---|
| Product Line | Apple Silicon |
| Product Line | Other |
| Model Number | M1 Ultra |
| Release Year | 2022 |
Segment and platform
| Market Segment | Desktop |
|---|---|
| Microarchitecture | Apple Silicon, First Generation |
| Socket Status | End of Life |
| Process Node | 5 nm |
| Process Node | 5 nm |
Core configuration
| Total Cores | 20 |
|---|---|
| Performance Cores | 16 |
| Efficiency Cores | 4 |
| Total Threads | 20 |
| SMT Enabled | No |
Clock speeds
| P-Core Base Clock | 2.064 GHz |
|---|---|
| P-Core Boost Clock | 3.2 GHz |
Cache
| L2 Cache | 48 MB |
|---|
Power and thermal
| Base Power | 60 W |
|---|
Memory
| Max Memory Speed | 6400 MT/s |
|---|---|
| Memory Channels | 16 |
| Max Memory Capacity | 128 GB |
| ECC Support | No |
Graphics and AI
| Integrated Graphics | Yes |
|---|
Commercial
| Retail Availability | Soldered Only |
|---|
| Form Factor | Desktop |
|---|---|
| Core/Thread Count | 20 Core / 20 Thread (16 Performance + 4 Efficiency) |
| TDP | 60 W |
| Cache | 48MB L2 + 8MB L1 |
| Boost/Base Clock | 3.2 GHz / 2.064 GHz |
Expert Review
Reviewed by Burooj Alam. Rated by us, not by users.
Best for
- Mac Studio buyers running the most demanding local video, 3D, or scientific computing workloads that can use 20 CPU cores.
Not for
- Anyone needing a portable chip — this is desktop-only silicon.
- Typical everyday or light creative use, where the cost premium over the M1 Max isn't justified.
FAQs
What are the key specifications of the Apple M1 Ultra?
The Apple M1 Ultra is a processor from Apple. Key specs: Boost/Base Clock 3.2 GHz / 2.064 GHz, Core/Thread Count 20 Core / 20 Thread (16 Performance + 4 Efficiency), Cache 48MB L2 + 8MB L1, TDP 60 Watts, CPU Process Node 5 Nanometers.
Who is the Apple M1 Ultra best suited to?
It suits mac studio buyers running the most demanding local video, 3d, or scientific computing workloads that can use 20 cpu cores..
What are the drawbacks of the Apple M1 Ultra?
It is a poor fit for anyone needing a portable chip — this is desktop-only silicon., typical everyday or light creative use, where the cost premium over the m1 max isn't justified..