CPU·Entry

M1 Pro 8-Core

Apple

PassMark

17,218

18 October 2021 (4 years ago)

28 MB + 16 MB

Performance Spectrum - CPU

M1 Pro 8-Core

8 / 8

17,218

0.0%

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 8-Core is manufactured by Apple. It was released in 18 October 2021 (4 years ago). It features 8 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.06 GHz, with boost up to 3.22 GHz. L3 cache: 16 MB. L2 cache: 28 MB. Built on 5 nm process technology. Socket: none. Thermal design power (TDP): 28 MB + 16 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.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.•
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for M1 Pro 8-Core across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of M1 Pro 8-Core specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The M1 Pro 8-Core is a 8-core / 8-thread processor, manufactured on a 5 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 3.22 GHz from a base frequency of 2.06 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 16 MB of L3 cache, plus 28 MB of L2 cache and 2.3 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 8-Core
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	8C / 8T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	3.22 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	2.06 GHz
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	5 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores	16 MB
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data	28 MB
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	2.3 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 8-Core fits into the none socket and supports PCIe 4.0 with 0 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports LPDDR5 memory at speeds up to LPDDR5-6400 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 32 GB across 4 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). Integrated graphics: Apple M1 Pro GPU (14-core) — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.

Specification	M1 Pro 8-Core
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
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion	0
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	LPDDR5
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency	LPDDR5-6400
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory	32 GB
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel	4
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruption	No
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processor	Apple M1 Pro GPU (14-core)

🔧

Advanced Features

The M1 Pro 8-Core is primarily designed for Mobile. Virtualization: Virtualization — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads).

Specification	M1 Pro 8-Core
Primary Use CaseIntended workload category	Mobile
OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased	🔒 Locked
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads	❌ Not Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology	Virtualization

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The M1 Pro 8-Core has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 28 MB + 16 MB — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed.

Specification	M1 Pro 8-Core
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	28 MB + 16 MB

💰

Value Analysis

Performance ranking position: #917 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	M1 Pro 8-Core
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$299
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#917
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

Type	Laptop
Series	Apple M-Series
Designer	Apple
Launch Price	$299
Release Date	18 October 2021 (4 years ago)
Performance Ranking Position	917

Technical Specifications

10 specs

Cores	8
Threads	8
L1 Cache	2.3 MB
L2 Cache	28 MB
L3 Cache	16 MB
Max Frequency	3.22 GHz
64-Bit Support	+
Base Frequency	2.06 GHz
Transistor Count	33700 Million
Process Technology	5 nm