CPU·Mid-Range
M3 Pro 12-Core
Apple
PassMark
24,170
30 October 2023 (2 years ago)
Performance Spectrum - CPU
M3 Pro 12-Core
12 / 12
24,170
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 M3 Pro 12-Core is manufactured by Apple. It was released in 30 October 2023 (2 years ago). It features 12 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 2.748 GHz, with boost up to 4.06 GHz. Built on 3 nm process technology. Socket: none. Memory support: LPDDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 24,170 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.
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 M3 Pro 12-Core across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.
Apex Legends
1080p
low300 FPS
medium300 FPS
high287 FPS
ultra261 FPS
1440p
low300 FPS
medium277 FPS
high259 FPS
ultra233 FPS
4k
low208 FPS
medium190 FPS
high184 FPS
ultra161 FPS
Counter-Strike 2
1080p
low399 FPS
medium339 FPS
high293 FPS
ultra256 FPS
1440p
low352 FPS
medium309 FPS
high270 FPS
ultra230 FPS
4k
low255 FPS
medium229 FPS
high210 FPS
ultra184 FPS
Elden Ring
1080p
low60 FPS
medium60 FPS
high60 FPS
ultra60 FPS
1440p
low60 FPS
medium60 FPS
high60 FPS
ultra60 FPS
4k
low60 FPS
medium60 FPS
high60 FPS
ultra60 FPS
Euro Truck Simulator 2
1080p
low230 FPS
medium209 FPS
high189 FPS
ultra167 FPS
1440p
low214 FPS
medium195 FPS
high175 FPS
ultra160 FPS
4k
low172 FPS
medium154 FPS
high139 FPS
ultra119 FPS
Final Fantasy XIV
1080p
low291 FPS
medium249 FPS
high194 FPS
ultra166 FPS
1440p
low244 FPS
medium225 FPS
high177 FPS
ultra146 FPS
4k
low130 FPS
medium120 FPS
high102 FPS
ultra78 FPS
Honkai: Star Rail
1080p
low60 FPS
medium60 FPS
high60 FPS
ultra60 FPS
1440p
low60 FPS
medium60 FPS
high60 FPS
ultra60 FPS
4k
low60 FPS
medium60 FPS
high56 FPS
ultra44 FPS
League of Legends
1080p
low604 FPS
medium604 FPS
high604 FPS
ultra593 FPS
1440p
low604 FPS
medium515 FPS
high458 FPS
ultra400 FPS
4k
low452 FPS
medium356 FPS
high310 FPS
ultra248 FPS
Monster Hunter Wilds
1080p
low87 FPS
medium77 FPS
high61 FPS
ultra49 FPS
1440p
low61 FPS
medium53 FPS
high45 FPS
ultra36 FPS
4k
low28 FPS
medium25 FPS
high19 FPS
ultra14 FPS
Overwatch 2
1080p
low520 FPS
medium459 FPS
high433 FPS
ultra343 FPS
1440p
low417 FPS
medium380 FPS
high348 FPS
ultra280 FPS
4k
low178 FPS
medium163 FPS
high150 FPS
ultra128 FPS
Path of Exile 2
1080p
low182 FPS
medium146 FPS
high119 FPS
ultra94 FPS
1440p
low146 FPS
medium115 FPS
high92 FPS
ultra72 FPS
4k
low67 FPS
medium56 FPS
high45 FPS
ultra35 FPS
Technical Analysis
Detailed breakdown of M3 Pro 12-Core specifications and capabilities.
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Processing Power
The M3 Pro 12-Core is a 12-core / 12-thread processor, manufactured on a 3 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 4.06 GHz from a base frequency of 2.748 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 24,170, placing it in the Mid-Range performance tier as a Recent generation product.
| Specification | M3 Pro 12-Core |
|---|---|
| Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units | 12C / 12T |
| Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost | 4.06 GHz |
| Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency | 2.748 GHz |
| Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient | 3 nm |
| Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities | 37000 Million |
| 64-bit Support | Yes |
| PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score | 24,170 |
ðŸ§
Memory & Platform
The M3 Pro 12-Core fits into the none socket and supports PCIe 4.0. It supports LPDDR5 memory.
| Specification | M3 Pro 12-Core |
|---|---|
| TypeDesktop or Laptop processor | Laptop |
| SeriesProduct family | Apple M3 |
| SocketMotherboard socket required | none |
| PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth | PCIe 4.0 |
| RAM TypeSupported memory standard | LPDDR5 |
💰
Value Analysis
Performance ranking position: #607 out of all indexed processors.
| Specification | M3 Pro 12-Core |
|---|---|
| Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch | $299 |
| Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking | #607 |
| Release DateLaunch date | 30 October 2023 (2 years ago) |
| Release Year | 2023 |
| 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 M3 |
| Designer | Apple |
| Launch Price | $299 |
| Release Date | 30 October 2023 (2 years ago) |
| Performance Ranking Position | 607 |
Technical Specifications
7 specs
Technical Specifications
7 specs
| Cores | 12 |
| Threads | 12 |
| Max Frequency | 4.06 GHz |
| 64-Bit Support | + |
| Base Frequency | 2.748 GHz |
| Transistor Count | 37000 Million |
| Process Technology | 3 nm |
Compatibility
3 specs
Compatibility
3 specs
| Socket | none |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0 |
| Integrated Graphics | Apple M3 Pro 18-Core GPU |
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)
Core i9-9990XEPassmark: 30,162
14 Cores28 ThrdMax: 5.1 GHz2019
Core i7-12700Passmark: 30,055
12 Cores20 ThrdMax: 4.9 GHz2022
Core i9-9960XPassmark: 29,927
16 Cores32 ThrdMax: 4.5 GHz2018
Core Ultra 5 235HPassmark: 29,820
14 Cores14 ThrdMax: 5 GHz2025
Core i9-13905HPassmark: 29,807
14 Cores20 ThrdMax: 5.4 GHz2023
Core i9-7980XEPassmark: 29,634
18 Cores36 ThrdMax: 4.4 GHz2017
Core i9-12900TPassmark: 29,601
16 Cores24 ThrdMax: 4.9 GHz2022
Core Ultra 9 185HPassmark: 29,360
16 Cores22 ThrdMax: 5.1 GHz2023
AMD (8)
Ryzen AI 9 365Passmark: 30,187
10 Cores20 ThrdMax: 5 GHz2024
Ryzen 5 9600XPassmark: 30,003
6 Cores12 ThrdMax: 5.4 GHz2024
Ryzen 9 7940HSPassmark: 29,986
8 Cores16 ThrdMax: 5.2 GHz2023
Ryzen 9 270Passmark: 29,602
8 Cores16 ThrdMax: 5.2 GHz2025
Ryzen 9 8945HSPassmark: 29,584
8 Cores16 ThrdMax: 5.2 GHz2023
Ryzen 9 7940HPassmark: 29,151
8 Cores16 ThrdMax: 5.2 GHz2023
Ryzen 7 7840HSPassmark: 28,538
8 Cores16 ThrdMax: 5.1 GHz2023
Ryzen 7 8845HSPassmark: 28,470
8 Cores16 ThrdMax: 5.1 GHz2023
Our Recommendation for M3 Pro 12-Core
Suggested pairings based on performance balance
Minimum (Avoid Bottleneck) (12)
RadeonT RX 6850M XTG3D Mark: 13,992
12 GBCore: 2321 MHz2022
Radeon RX Vega 64G3D Mark: 13,949
8 GBCore: 1247 MHz2017
Radeon RX 6600MG3D Mark: 13,922
8 GBCore: 2068 MHz2021
Intel Arc Pro B60G3D Mark: 13,807
8 GBCore: 2000 MHz2025
Radeon RX 6600 LEG3D Mark: 13,758
8 GBCore: 1626 MHz2023
RTX A2000 12GBG3D Mark: 13,721
8 GBCore: 562 MHz2021
GeForce GTX 980 TiG3D Mark: 13,711
6 GBCore: 1000 MHz2015
Quadro GP100G3D Mark: 13,710
16 GBCore: 1304 MHz2016
Titan X PascalG3D Mark: 13,660
8 GBCore: 1417 MHz2016
A10GG3D Mark: 13,598
24 GBCore: 1320 MHz2021
Radeon RX 6700MG3D Mark: 13,525
10 GBCore: 1489 MHz2021
GeForce RTX 2080 Super with Max-Q DesignG3D Mark: 13,513
8 GBCore: 735 MHz2020
Recommended (Balanced) (12)
GeForce RTX 2080 TiG3D Mark: 21,513
11 GBCore: 1350 MHz2018
RTX A5500G3D Mark: 21,108
24 GBCore: 1080 MHz2022
RTX A4500G3D Mark: 21,094
2 GBCore: 1050 MHz2021
GeForce RTX 5060G3D Mark: 20,836
8 GBCore: 2280 MHz2025
GeForce RTX 4070 MobileG3D Mark: 20,702
8 GBCore: 1395 MHz2023
Radeon RX 6750 XTG3D Mark: 20,686
12 GBCore: 2150 MHz2022
RTX 4000 SFF Ada GenerationG3D Mark: 20,669
2 GBCore: 720 MHz2023
Radeon RX 9060 XT 16 GBG3D Mark: 20,352
16 GBCore: 1700 MHz2025
GeForce RTX 3060 TiG3D Mark: 20,312
8 GBCore: 1410 MHz2020
RTX 5000 Ada Generation Embedded GPUG3D Mark: 20,312
16 GBCore: 1155 MHz2023
Radeon PRO W6800G3D Mark: 20,270
32 GBCore: 2075 MHz2021
Radeon RX 6750 GRE 12GBG3D Mark: 20,096
12 GBCore: 2321 MHz2023
High-End (Max Performance) (12)
Quadro RTX 4000 (móvel)G3D Mark: 29,964
8 GBCore: 1110 MHz2019
GeForce RTX 4070 SUPERG3D Mark: 29,958
12 GBCore: 1980 MHz2024
GeForce RTX 3090 TiG3D Mark: 29,395
24 GBCore: 1560 MHz2022
GeForce RTX 5090 Laptop GPUG3D Mark: 29,163
24 GBCore: 2017 MHz2025
Radeon RX 7900 XTG3D Mark: 28,996
20 GBCore: 1387 MHz2022
GeForce RTX 5070G3D Mark: 28,854
12 GBCore: 2325 MHz2025
Radeon AI PRO R9700G3D Mark: 28,589
32 GBCore: 1660 MHz2025
RTX 6000 Ada GenerationG3D Mark: 28,454
48 GBCore: 915 MHz2022
GeForce RTX 5090 MobileG3D Mark: 28,280
24 GBCore: 990 MHz2025
Radeon PRO W7900G3D Mark: 28,211
48 GBCore: 1855 MHz2023
Radeon RX 6950 XTG3D Mark: 28,076
16 GBCore: 1925 MHz2022
RTX 4500 Ada GenerationG3D Mark: 27,850
24 GBCore: 2070 MHz2023
Popular Comparisons
Compare M3 Pro 12-Core with other popular CPUs
M3 Pro 12-Core
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Compare M3 Pro 12-Core
See how this CPU stacks up against similar alternatives
Better Alternatives (8)
M3 Pro 12-Core
12 Cores12 ThrdMax: 4.06 GHz2023
VS
8 Cores16 ThrdMax: 5 GHz2025
M3 Pro 12-Core
12 Cores12 ThrdMax: 4.06 GHz2023
VS
18 Cores36 ThrdMax: 3.7 GHz2017
M3 Pro 12-Core
12 Cores12 ThrdMax: 4.06 GHz2023
VS
8 Cores16 ThrdMax: 4.6 GHz2024
M3 Pro 12-Core
12 Cores12 ThrdMax: 4.06 GHz2023
VS
8 Cores16 ThrdMax: 4.9 GHz2022
M3 Pro 12-Core
12 Cores12 ThrdMax: 4.06 GHz2023
VS
20 Cores40 ThrdMax: 3.6 GHz2019
M3 Pro 12-Core
12 Cores12 ThrdMax: 4.06 GHz2023
VS
22 Cores44 ThrdMax: 3.7 GHz2017
M3 Pro 12-Core
12 Cores12 ThrdMax: 4.06 GHz2023
VS
8 Cores16 ThrdMax: 4.6 GHz2022
M3 Pro 12-Core
12 Cores12 ThrdMax: 4.06 GHz2023
VS
8 Cores16 ThrdMax: 4.6 GHz2021
Similar or Lower Performance (8)
M3 Pro 12-Core
12 Cores12 ThrdMax: 4.06 GHz2023
VS
20 Cores40 ThrdMax: 3.3 GHz2016
M3 Pro 12-Core
12 Cores12 ThrdMax: 4.06 GHz2023
VS
14 Cores20 ThrdMax: 4.8 GHz2022
M3 Pro 12-Core
12 Cores12 ThrdMax: 4.06 GHz2023
VS
20 Cores40 ThrdMax: 3.7 GHz2017
M3 Pro 12-Core
12 Cores12 ThrdMax: 4.06 GHz2023
VS
14 Cores20 ThrdMax: 4.6 GHz2023
M3 Pro 12-Core
12 Cores12 ThrdMax: 4.06 GHz2023
VS
8 Cores16 ThrdMax: 5 GHz2025
M3 Pro 12-Core
12 Cores12 ThrdMax: 4.06 GHz2023
VS
14 Cores28 ThrdMax: 3.1 GHz2022
M3 Pro 12-Core
12 Cores12 ThrdMax: 4.06 GHz2023
VS
8 Cores16 ThrdMax: 4.6 GHz2021
M3 Pro 12-Core
12 Cores12 ThrdMax: 4.06 GHz2023
VS
8 Cores16 ThrdMax: 5.1 GHz2024
