Apple M3 Ultra
- Boost/Base Clock:
- 4.05 GHz / 2.75 GHz
- Core/Thread Count:
- 32 Core / 32 Thread (24 Performance + 8 Efficiency)
- Cache:
- 72MB L2 + 8MB L1
- TDP:
- 80 Watts
- CPU Process Node:
- 3 Nanometers
- CPU Series:
- Apple Silicon, Third Generation
- Form Factor:
- Desktop
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Manufacturer: Apple Last updated: 2026-10-10
Apple M3 Ultra Review
Launched in 2025, the Apple M3 Ultra is a 32-core System-on-Chip (24 performance cores plus 8 efficiency cores) built on TSMC's first-generation 3nm process within an 80 Watt TDP, found in the top-spec Mac Studio.
The M3 Ultra fuses two M3 Max dies via UltraFusion, doubling the M3 Max's already-larger 16-core CPU to 32 cores. Apple notably skipped an M3 Ultra alongside the initial M3 Max launch and shipped it roughly a generation later, pairing genuinely current CPU cores with the memory-bandwidth scale buyers expect from the Ultra tier.
A Delayed but Substantial Ultra
Where prior Ultra chips launched close behind their Max sibling, the M3 Ultra arrived later, giving Apple time to validate UltraFusion at the M3 Max's larger 16-core-per-die scale before doubling it to 32 cores total.
The Largest CPU Core Count in a Mac
At 32 cores, the M3 Ultra held the highest CPU core count of any Mac to date, aimed squarely at the most demanding local AI, video, and 3D workloads.
Benchmarks
Geekbench 6 multi-core scores around 28,000 make the M3 Ultra genuinely competitive with high-end workstation CPUs on heavily threaded professional workloads.
Measured results
Cinebench scores
| Cinebench 2024, Multi-Core Median of 2 independently published results. | 3,000 |
Our verdict
Reviewed by Burooj Alam. Rated by us, not by users.
Best for
- Mac Studio buyers running the most demanding local AI, video, or 3D workloads that can use 32 CPU cores.
Not for
- Anyone needing a portable chip, this is desktop-only silicon.
- Typical everyday or light creative use, where the cost premium isn't justified.
Specifications
What these specs meanIdentity
| Brand | Apple |
|---|---|
| Product Line | Apple Silicon |
| Model Number | M3 Ultra |
| Release Year | 2025 |
Segment and platform
| Market Segment | Desktop |
|---|---|
| Microarchitecture | Apple Silicon, Third Generation |
| Socket | Soldered |
| Socket Status | End of Life |
| Process Node | 3 nm |
Core configuration
| Total Cores | 32 |
|---|---|
| Performance Cores | 24 |
| Efficiency Cores | 8 |
| Total Threads | 32 |
| SMT Enabled | No |
Clock speeds
| P-Core Base Clock | 2.75 GHz |
|---|---|
| P-Core Boost Clock | 4.05 GHz |
| E-Core Boost Clock | 2.75 GHz |
Cache
| L2 Cache | 72 MB |
|---|
Power and thermal
| Base Power | 80 W |
|---|
Memory
| Memory Type | On-Package LPDDR5X |
|---|---|
| Max Memory Capacity | 512 GB |
| ECC Support | No |
Graphics and AI
| Integrated Graphics | Yes |
|---|---|
| Copilot Plus Certified | No |
Commercial
| Retail Availability | Soldered Only |
|---|
| Form Factor | Desktop |
|---|---|
| TDP | 80 W |
FAQs
What are the key specifications of the Apple M3 Ultra?
The Apple M3 Ultra has 32 cores and 32 threads, a 2.75 GHz base and 4.05 GHz boost clock and a 80 W TDP. Socket: Soldered.
Who is the Apple M3 Ultra best suited to?
Best suited to: Mac Studio buyers running the most demanding local AI, video, or 3D workloads that can use 32 CPU cores.
What are the drawbacks of the Apple M3 Ultra?
Not the best fit for: Anyone needing a portable chip, this is desktop-only silicon; Typical everyday or light creative use, where the cost premium isn't justified.