Apple M3 Pro
- Boost/Base Clock:
- 4.05 GHz / 2.75 GHz
- Core/Thread Count:
- 12 Core / 12 Thread (6 Performance + 6 Efficiency)
- Cache:
- 18MB L2 + 4MB L1
- TDP:
- 30 Watts
- CPU Process Node:
- 3 Nanometers
- CPU Series:
- Apple Silicon
- Form Factor:
- Laptop
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Manufacturer: Apple Last updated:
Apple M3 Pro Review
Launched in late 2023, the Apple M3 Pro is a 12-core System-on-Chip (6 performance cores plus 6 efficiency cores) built on TSMC's first-generation 3nm process within a 30 Watt TDP, found in the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro.
Apple rebalanced the M3 Pro's core mix toward more efficiency cores compared to the M2 Pro's 8+4 layout, trading some peak multi-core throughput for better sustained efficiency, a genuine departure from the prior two generations' pattern of adding performance cores. It pairs with either the 14-core or 18-core GPU configuration covered separately in this catalog's graphics-cards listings.
A Different Core Balance
Where the M1 Pro and M2 Pro both used an 8-performance/2-or-4-efficiency layout, the M3 Pro shifts to 6 performance plus 6 efficiency cores, prioritizing battery life and sustained thermals over outright peak throughput.
Two GPU Configurations, One CPU
Both the 14-core and 18-core GPU variants of the M3 Pro ship with this same CPU configuration.
Benchmarks
Geekbench 6 multi-core scores around 14,500 are competitive with the M2 Pro's roughly similar figure despite fewer performance cores, thanks to the M3 generation's per-core architectural gains and higher clocks.
Specifications
Identity
| Brand | Apple |
|---|---|
| Product Line | Apple Silicon |
| Product Line | Other |
| Model Number | M3 Pro |
| Release Year | 2023 |
Segment and platform
| Market Segment | Laptop |
|---|---|
| Microarchitecture | Apple Silicon, Third Generation |
| Socket | Soldered |
| Socket Status | End of Life |
| Process Node | 3 nm |
| Process Node | 3 nm |
Core configuration
| Total Cores | 12 |
|---|---|
| Performance Cores | 6 |
| Efficiency Cores | 6 |
| Total Threads | 12 |
| SMT Enabled | No |
Clock speeds
| P-Core Boost Clock | 4.05 GHz |
|---|---|
| E-Core Boost Clock | 2.75 GHz |
Cache
| L2 Cache | 18 MB |
|---|
Power and thermal
| Base Power | 30 W |
|---|
Memory
| Memory Type | On-Package LPDDR5X |
|---|---|
| Max Memory Capacity | 36 GB |
| ECC Support | No |
Graphics and AI
| Integrated Graphics | Yes |
|---|---|
| Copilot Plus Certified | No |
Commercial
| Retail Availability | Soldered Only |
|---|
| Form Factor | Laptop |
|---|---|
| Core/Thread Count | 12 Core / 12 Thread (6 Performance + 6 Efficiency) |
| TDP | 30 W |
| Cache | 18MB L2 + 4MB L1 |
| Boost/Base Clock | 4.05 GHz / 2.75 GHz |
Expert Review
Reviewed by Burooj Alam. Rated by us, not by users.
Best for
- 14-inch/16-inch MacBook Pro buyers who need sustained multi-core performance for professional creative or development work, in either the 14-core or 18-core GPU configuration.
Not for
- Buyers who don't need more than base-M3-level performance.
- Buyers needing the largest available GPU and memory bandwidth — the M3 Max goes further.
FAQs
What are the key specifications of the Apple M3 Pro?
The Apple M3 Pro is a processor from Apple. Key specs: Boost/Base Clock 4.05 GHz / 2.75 GHz, Core/Thread Count 12 Core / 12 Thread (6 Performance + 6 Efficiency), Cache 18MB L2 + 4MB L1, TDP 30 Watts, CPU Process Node 3 Nanometers.
Who is the Apple M3 Pro best suited to?
It suits 14-inch/16-inch macbook pro buyers who need sustained multi-core performance for professional creative or development work, in either the 14-core or 18-core gpu configuration..
What are the drawbacks of the Apple M3 Pro?
It is a poor fit for buyers who don't need more than base-m3-level performance., buyers needing the largest available gpu and memory bandwidth — the m3 max goes further..