M3 Ultra’s 80-Core GPU Sets New Performance Benchmark

According to early M3 Ultra benchmark results, Apple’s latest powerhouse featuring an unprecedented 80-core GPU surpasses its predecessors and sets a new standard in the company’s growing chip lineup.

In a recent Geekbench 6 Metal test, the M3 Ultra-equipped Mac Studio achieved a score of 259,668. This marks a 16% improvement over the M2 Ultra, which scored 222,582 with its 76-core GPU (via MacRumors).

When compared to the M4 Max chip, the M3 Ultra’s performance is even more pronounced. The M4 Max, with a 40-core GPU, has an average Metal score of 187,460. This positions the M3 Ultra as offering up to 38% faster graphics performance.

The M3 Ultra is built on a 3-nanometer process, a first for Apple’s desktop and notebook chips, manufactured by TSMC. This advancement allows for greater transistor density, enhancing performance and energy efficiency. The chip’s CPU configuration includes up to 32 cores, with 24 performance cores and 8 efficiency cores.

One of the standout features of the M3 Ultra’s GPU is the inclusion of Dynamic Caching technology. This innovation allocates memory in real-time, ensuring optimal usage by assigning only the necessary amount for each task. This approach not only optimizes memory utilization but also enhances overall performance.

The new Mac Studio is among the first devices to incorporate the M3 Ultra chip. Available for pre-order on Apple’s online store, it is set to launch in stores on March 12 starting at $2,699 in Canada and $2,399 for education.

The new Mac Studio maintains its compact design while offering a range of connectivity options, including multiple USB-C and USB-A ports, Ethernet, and audio jacks.

Notably, the M3 Ultra model includes Thunderbolt 5 support across all six ports, ensuring high-speed data transfer and versatile connectivity for professional workflows.