M1 8-Core GPU
Apple
G3D Mark
5,000
Performance Spectrum - GPU
About G3D Mark
G3D Mark is a standard benchmark that measures graphics performance in real-world gaming scenarios. It simplifies comparing cards from different brands, where higher scores directly correlate with better fps and smoother gaming experiences.
Overview
The M1 8-Core GPU is manufactured by Apple. It was released in November 10 2020. The core clock speed is 1278 MHz. It has 8 shading units. The thermal design power (TDP) is 30W. Manufactured using 5 nm process technology. G3D Mark benchmark score: 5,000 points.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (G3D Mark) 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 8-Core GPU across popular games. Tested paired with Ryzen 7 7800X3D to isolate GPU performance.

Path of Exile 2

Counter-Strike 2

League of Legends

Valorant
Technical Analysis
Detailed breakdown of M1 8-Core GPU specifications and capabilities.
Graphics Performance
The M1 8-Core GPU scores 5,000 in the G3D Mark benchmark (the standard measure of rasterization GPU performance), placing it in the Budget tier as a Aging generation graphics card. It packs 8 shader units (the primary compute units for rendering pixels).
| Specification | M1 8-Core GPU |
|---|---|
| G3D MarkPassMark 3D graphics benchmark score | 5,000 |
| Manufacturing ProcessFabrication node — smaller = more efficient | 5 nm |
| Shader UnitsCore compute units for rendering/compute | 8 |
| Base ClockGuaranteed minimum GPU frequency | 1278 MHz |
| PCIe InterfaceCPU↔GPU data link generation | IGP |
| Performance RankPosition in global GPU performance ranking | #428 |
Video Memory (VRAM)
The M1 8-Core GPU is equipped with 2 GB of Shared video memory connected via a Unified memory bus, delivering 68 GB/s of bandwidth.
| Specification | M1 8-Core GPU |
|---|---|
| VRAM SizeVideo memory capacity — more = better for high-res textures | 2 GB |
| VRAM TypeMemory technology generation | Shared |
| Memory BusWidth of data path — wider = more bandwidth | Unified |
| BandwidthMaximum data throughput between GPU and VRAM | 68 GB/s |
Advanced Features & APIs
Graphics API support: DirectX N/A, OpenGL 4.1 (Rosetta 2)— latest API versions enable the most advanced rendering features like ray tracing and mesh shaders.
| Specification | M1 8-Core GPU |
|---|---|
| OpenGLLegacy graphics API | 4.1 (Rosetta 2) |
Display & Media
Display outputs: 1x HDMI, 1x DisplayPort — supports up to 2 simultaneous displays. Hardware encoder: Apple M1 Video Encoder, decoder: Apple M1 Video Decoder— dedicated hardware for video encoding/decoding accelerates streaming, recording, and video playback. Supported codecs: H.264,HEVC,ProRes,ProRes RAW.
| Specification | M1 8-Core GPU |
|---|---|
| HDMI PortsNumber of HDMI display connectors | 1x |
| DisplayPort PortsNumber of DisplayPort display connectors | 1x |
| Max DisplaysMaximum simultaneously connected monitors | 2 |
| Hardware EncoderVideo encoding engine version | Apple M1 Video Encoder |
| Hardware DecoderVideo decoding engine version | Apple M1 Video Decoder |
| CodecsSupported video compression formats | H.264,HEVC,ProRes,ProRes RAW |
Power & Dimensions
The M1 8-Core GPU draws 30W under load (TDP) — a 350W PSU minimum is recommended. Power connector: PCIe-powered. Physical size: , occupying 0 expansion slots— verify your case has clearance before purchasing.
| Specification | M1 8-Core GPU |
|---|---|
| TDPPower consumption under load | 30W |
| Recommended PSUMinimum power supply wattage | 350W |
| Power ConnectorRequired PCIe power cable type | PCIe-powered |
| Slot WidthExpansion slots occupied | 0-slot |
Similar Performance
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Our Recommendation for M1 8-Core GPU
Suggested pairings based on performance balance
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Recommended (Balanced) (12)











High-End (Max Performance) (12)











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