Apple M3 Ultra (32-core CPU / 80-core GPU)

Name: Apple M3 Ultra (32-core CPU / 80-core GPU)
Brand: Apple
SKU: 5541

Manufacturer: Apple

The Apple M3 Ultra (32-core CPU / 80-core GPU) is a desktop CPU that combines impressive processing capabilities with modern architecture. It features a 24x 3.7 GHz CPU speed and supports integrated graphics, providing solid performance for demanding tasks.

With 32 threads and a total of 32MB of L2 cache, the M3 Ultra operates with a 3 nm semiconductor size and supports a maximum memory bandwidth of 819 GB/s. It also runs on PCIe 4.0 and supports up to 512GB of DDR5 memory, though it does not support ECC memory.

Pros

Supports up to 8 displays through integrated graphics, offering flexibility for multi-monitor setups.
Equipped with a large maximum memory bandwidth of 819 GB/s, ensuring fast data transfer for demanding tasks.
Supports DDR5 memory, providing high-speed memory performance for better overall system responsiveness.

Cons

Does not support multithreading, which could limit performance in tasks that benefit from multiple threads.
Does not support ECC memory, which may be a limitation for error-sensitive applications or workloads requiring high reliability.

Who is this for?

The Apple M3 Ultra is well-suited for users requiring high memory bandwidth and multi-display capabilities. With a maximum memory bandwidth of 819 GB/s and support for up to 8 displays, it is ideal for professionals working with large datasets, video editing, or complex computational tasks. Its integrated graphics support makes it a good choice for desktop environments where visual output across multiple monitors is essential.

Who is this NOT for?

This CPU may not be suitable for users who rely on multithreading or need error-correcting memory for mission-critical applications. It does not support multithreading and lacks ECC memory, which limits its reliability and performance in scenarios demanding high reliability or parallel processing, such as large-scale scientific computations or enterprise-level server applications.

General info:

Type	Desktop
Has integrated graphics	✓
release date	March 2025
Thermal Design Power (TDP)	80W
semiconductor size	3 nm
PCI Express (PCIe) version	4
Supports 64-bit	✓

The Apple M3 Ultra is a desktop CPU featuring a 3 nm semiconductor size for enhanced efficiency. It offers integrated graphics support and operates with a thermal design power (TDP) of 80W. The CPU also supports PCI Express 4.0 and is fully compatible with 64-bit systems, ensuring broad compatibility and performance in various setups.

Performance:

CPU speed	24 x 3.7 & 8 x 3.4 GHz
CPU threads	32 threads
L2 cache	32 MB
Uses big.LITTLE technology	✓
Uses HMP	✓

The Apple M3 Ultra delivers impressive processing power with a CPU speed of 24 x 3.7 GHz for the primary cores and 8 x 3.4 GHz for the additional cores. It utilizes big.LITTLE technology to optimize performance, and with 32 threads and 32 MB of L2 cache, it efficiently handles multitasking. Additionally, it supports HMP, enhancing the overall processing efficiency.

Benchmarks:

Geekbench 6 result (multi)	27749
Geekbench 6 result (single)	3221

The Apple M3 Ultra delivers strong performance scores with a Geekbench 6 result of 27749 in multi-core and 3221 in single-core. These results reflect the processor's capability to handle both multi-threaded and single-threaded tasks efficiently.

Integrated graphics:

supported displays	8

The Apple M3 Ultra supports up to 8 displays through its integrated graphics, offering ample multi-display setup capability for various use cases.

Memory:

maximum memory bandwidth	819 GB/s
DDR memory version	5
maximum memory amount	512GB
Supports ECC memory	✕

The Apple M3 Ultra supports a maximum memory bandwidth of 819 GB/s and is equipped with DDR5 memory, offering fast data transfer rates. It can handle up to 512GB of memory, though it does not support ECC memory.

Features:

uses multithreading	✕
Has TrustZone	✓
Has NX bit	✓

The Apple M3 Ultra includes several important security and architectural features, such as TrustZone for secure execution environments and the NX bit for enhanced protection against certain types of malicious software. However, it does not support multithreading.

Final Verdict

The Apple M3 Ultra is a powerful desktop CPU designed for users who require high memory bandwidth and multi-display setups. With its 819 GB/s memory bandwidth and support for up to 8 displays, it excels in visual-heavy tasks and large data processing. While it lacks multithreading support and ECC memory, it remains a solid choice for professionals working with demanding, single-threaded applications or multi-monitor environments. Overall, the Apple M3 Ultra is a well-suited option for those prioritizing memory performance and display capabilities in their workflows.