M1 Pro
Apple
PassMark
17,218
Performance Spectrum - CPU
About PassMark
PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.
Overview
The M1 Pro is manufactured by Apple. It was released in 18 October 2021 (4 years ago). It features 10 cores and 10 threads. Base frequency is 2.064 GHz, with boost up to 3.22 GHz. L3 cache: 24 MB. L2 cache: 28 MB. Built on 5 nm process technology. Socket: none. Thermal design power (TDP): 28 MB + 24 MB. Memory support: LPDDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 17,218 points. Launch price was $299.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar
FPS Benchmarks
Predicted performance for M1 Pro across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.
Counter-Strike 2
Delta Force
Elden Ring
Final Fantasy XIV
Fortnite
Hogwarts Legacy
League of Legends
Monster Hunter Wilds
Palworld
Path of Exile 2
Technical Analysis
Detailed breakdown of M1 Pro specifications and capabilities.
Processing Power
The M1 Pro is a 10-core / 10-thread processor, manufactured on a 5 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 3.22 GHz from a base frequency of 2.064 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 24 MB of L3 cache, plus 28 MB of L2 cache and 2.9 MB of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 17,218, placing it in the Mid-Range performance tier as a Aging generation product.
| Specification | M1 Pro |
|---|---|
| Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units | 10C / 10T |
| Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost | 3.22 GHz |
| Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency | 2.064 GHz |
| Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient | 5 nm |
| L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores | 24 MB |
| L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data | 28 MB |
| L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache | 2.9 MB |
| Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities | 33700 Million |
| 64-bit Support | Yes |
| PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score | 17,218 |
Memory & Platform
The M1 Pro fits into the none socket and supports PCIe 4.0. It supports LPDDR5 memory.
| Specification | M1 Pro |
|---|---|
| TypeDesktop or Laptop processor | Laptop |
| SeriesProduct family | Apple M-Series |
| SocketMotherboard socket required | none |
| PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth | PCIe 4.0 |
| RAM TypeSupported memory standard | LPDDR5 |
Power & Cooling
The M1 Pro has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 28 MB + 24 MB — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed.
| Specification | M1 Pro |
|---|---|
| TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload | 28 MB + 24 MB |
Value Analysis
Performance ranking position: #916 out of all indexed processors.
| Specification | M1 Pro |
|---|---|
| Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch | $299 |
| Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking | #916 |
| Release DateLaunch date | 18 October 2021 (4 years ago) |
| Release Year | 2021 |
| DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD) | Apple |
Specifications Reference
Raw spec sheet for quick lookup. The analysis cards above explain what these fields mean in practice.
4 categories
General Information
6 specs
General Information
6 specs
| Type | Laptop |
| Series | Apple M-Series |
| Designer | Apple |
| Launch Price | $299 |
| Release Date | 18 October 2021 (4 years ago) |
| Performance Ranking Position | 916 |
Technical Specifications
10 specs
Technical Specifications
10 specs
| Cores | 10 |
| Threads | 10 |
| L1 Cache | 2.9 MB |
| L2 Cache | 28 MB |
| L3 Cache | 24 MB |
| Max Frequency | 3.22 GHz |
| 64-Bit Support | + |
| Base Frequency | 2.064 GHz |
| Transistor Count | 33700 Million |
| Process Technology | 5 nm |
Compatibility
3 specs
Compatibility
3 specs
| Socket | none |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0 |
| Power Consumption (TDP) | 28 MB + 24 MB |
Memory
1 spec
Memory
1 spec
| RAM Types | LPDDR5 |
Similar Performance
Processors with benchmark scores closest to the current hardware, grouped by manufacturer.
Intel (8)
AMD (8)
Our Recommendation for M1 Pro
Suggested pairings based on performance balance
Minimum (Avoid Bottleneck) (12)
Recommended (Balanced) (12)
High-End (Max Performance) (12)
Popular Comparisons
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