Highlights
- M3 chip boasts up to 20% improved performance over M2.
- Standard M3 features 8-core CPU and a potent 10-core GPU.
- M3-equipped laptop likely a 14-inch MacBook Pro.
- Old Intel m3 pales in comparison with just 700 single-core score.
Apple’s much-touted M3 chip, unveiled during their “Scary Fast” event, has undergone the Geekbench litmus test, and the results are nothing short of impressive.
With a surge in both single-core and multi-core performance, Apple’s claims of an enhancement over its predecessors seem to be right on the money.
Benchmarks Breakdown
Diving deep into the metrics, courtesy of 9to5Mac, the M3 chip records benchmark scores of approximately 3,000 for single-core and an astounding 11,700 for multi-core performance.
This marks a significant leap from the M2 chip’s scores, which settled around 2,600 for single-core and 9,700 for multi-core performance.
When stacked against the earlier M1 chip, which had scores of around 8,315 in multi-core, the M3’s performance growth is evident.
Notably, the M2 chip itself had showcased a 17% improvement from the M1.
The M3, meanwhile, stands tall with a 20% uplift in performance compared to the M2.
MacBook Pro or iMac?
While the exact device running the M3 chip during these tests remains shrouded in ambiguity, indicators suggest that it’s likely a laptop.
The benchmark results sport a “Mac15,3” identifier, a tag that seasoned tech journalist Mark Gurman from Bloomberg associated with a laptop bearing a 14-inch MacBook Pro’s display resolution.
A Closer Look at M3
Apart from its roaring speed, the standard M3 chip boasts an 8-core CPU and can support a GPU with up to 10 cores.
Apple engineers have endowed it with features fit for modern-day gaming, including hardware-accelerated ray tracing and mesh shading capabilities, setting the stage for ultra-realistic gaming experiences.
The chip also integrates a robust 16-core Neural Engine, designed explicitly for AI-intensive tasks.
Memory is no constraint either, with support for a whopping 24GB of unified memory.
Comparing Apples with Apples
Benchmarks not only gauge a product’s potential but also validate official claims.
In Apple’s case, the Geekbench database showcased the base model M3 MacBook Pro scoring approximately 3,000 in single-core tests and about 11,000 in multi-core.
When juxtaposed with the M2 MacBook Air and M1 iMac, it becomes evident that the M3 leads by about 20 percent and 30 percent, respectively.
It’s essential to view these numbers with a pinch of salt.
Although benchmarking offers a lens to examine a device’s capabilities, real-world performance can sometimes paint a different picture.
FAQs
How does the M3 chip’s performance compare to its predecessors?
Apple’s new M3 chip showcases around 20% better performance than the M2 chip, making it one of the fastest chips in Apple’s lineup to date.
Is the M3 chip tailored for gaming?
Absolutely. The M3 chip is equipped with advanced features such as hardware-accelerated ray tracing and mesh shading, ensuring a heightened gaming experience.
Which device was tested with the M3 chip in these benchmarks?
While not explicitly stated, indicators point towards a laptop, potentially the 14-inch MacBook Pro, given the “Mac15,3” identifier in the test results.
How does the new M3 compare to the Intel m3 used in 2016?
The advancements are evident. While the Intel m3 scored about 700 in single-core tests, Apple’s new M3 has skyrocketed to scores around 3,000, showcasing significant technological growth.
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