Chips of the Apple M3 Family: What’s the Difference Between M3, M3 Pro, and M3 Max?

In October, Apple made another revolution by introducing the new M3 series processors. It is built using a 3-nanometer architecture and incorporates progressive developments from previous years. It’s hard to believe, but the first Apple Silicon M1 system is already three years old! And in 2020, it caused quite a stir.

Now, imagine that the new generation is 50% more powerful than the M1. How was such an impressive increase achieved? Today, let’s delve into the differences between the Apple M3, M3 Pro, and M3 Max chips and how to choose the perfect system for yourself.

Apple M3 Series Processors: Specifications

The entire M-series is built on a 3nm process. It features both a central and a graphics processor, as well as a powerful 16-core integrated neural engine. The central processor cores have improved branch prediction for increased efficiency. Performance cores have a wider decoding mechanism, while efficiency cores have a deeper execution mechanism. Together, all of this significantly enhances overall performance and efficiency.

The neural “engine” is responsible for machine learning tasks, determining how quickly and efficiently a computer can solve complex problems. In comparison with previous generations, the new M3 chips accomplish this 60% faster.

Additionally, the new M3 processors feature an enhanced media engine. It provides hardware support for H.264, HEVC, ProRes, ProRes Raw, and AV1. In simpler terms, it enhances the experience of streaming video on platforms like Apple TV+, YouTube, Netflix.

When comparing M3 with the first generation of M1 processors, the new chip can deliver the same level of performance while consuming only a quarter of its power with twice the energy efficiency! Just imagine the potential it holds!

However, the manufacturer didn’t release three chip configurations without reason. Naturally, it’s not only about the users’ budgets but also about the specific requirements they have for their work. Therefore, let’s take a closer look at which chip is intended for which tasks.

M3 – Excellent Foundation for All

Firstly, a note: Apple has officially discontinued its 13-inch MacBook Pro with M2. The new MacBook Pro M3 will serve as its worthy replacement. What’s important to know about it?

Technical specifications of Apple M3:

• Up to 24GB of unified memory.
• 25 billion transistors.
• 8-core CPU (4 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores) – up to 35% faster than M1 chips and 20% faster than M2 chips.
• 10-core graphics processor with next-gen architecture, dynamic caching, mesh shading, and ray tracing – up to 65% faster than M1 chips and 20% faster than M2 chips.

In simple terms, M3 is an excellent base configuration for your Mac. The chip is perfect for office workers, graphic designers, and photographers. Programs like Photoshop, Figma, Canva, and others will run smoothly.

Moreover, with the MacBook Pro M3, you can connect an external display and enjoy playing graphically intensive games like Baldur’s Gate III or Myst. You’ll experience incredibly realistic lighting, shadows, and reflections. For seasoned gamers, we have prepared a more detailed review of the capabilities of the new chips.

If you previously had a MacBook Air M2, upgrading to MacBook Pro M3 will provide you with fans for better cooling and improved performance. If you are transitioning from even earlier models, the upgrade will seem more significant.

M3 Pro – The Golden Middle in the New Lineup

Now, this is a truly robust and high-performance powerhouse. If your work involves handling serious resource-intensive tasks, consider the MacBook Pro with M3 Pro.

Here, there are more central and graphics processor cores, and the possibility of expanding RAM is provided. Thanks to this, the new chip is perfect for those who require high performance, quality graphics, and quick and accurate responses to any commands. If you work with visual content or engage in gaming, don’t hesitate.

Technical specifications of Apple M3 Pro:

• Up to 36GB of unified memory.
• 37 billion transistors.
• 12-core processor (6 performance cores and 6 efficiency cores) – up to 30% faster than M1 Pro chips.
• 18-core graphics processor with next-gen architecture, dynamic caching, mesh shading, and ray tracing – up to 40% faster than M1 Pro chips and 10% faster than M2 Pro chips.

M3 Max – For Those Who Need Maximum

The name of the chip speaks for itself: the M3 Max chipset will allow you to get the most out of your new MacBook Pro. Apple has increased the number of transistors and elevated performance to a new level. You will be amazed by the speed – it is 80% higher than the first generation M1 Max chips. Thanks to this, you’ll be able to process videos quickly and smoothly. For working with artificial intelligence, support for up to 128GB of unified memory is provided.

M3 Max is the top-tier chip, appealing to professional videographers, programmers, and 3D designers. It’s undoubtedly a very promising purchase with a reserve for many years ahead.

Technical specifications of Apple M3 Max:

• Up to 128GB of unified memory.
• 92 billion transistors.
• 16-core CPU (12 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores) – up to 80% faster than M1 Max chips and 50% faster than M2 Max chips.
• 40-core graphics processor with next-gen architecture, dynamic caching, mesh shading, and ray tracing – up to 50% faster than M1 Max chips and 20% faster than M2 Max chips.

By the way, for the MacBook Pro 14, you can choose any of the three chips, while for the MacBook Pro 16, it’s either M3 Pro or M3 Max. The new Space Black color is only available for models with M3 Pro or M3 Max. It’s definitely worth considering the M3 chip family, and the specific choice will depend on your tasks and budget.

Good news: sales of the new models have already started at iSpace! The cost of MacBook Pro M3 starts from 849,900 AMD.

Buying a MacBook Pro M3 is easy: submit a request on the ispace.am website or visit one of the iSpace stores. We offer the option of installment payments.