The benchmark, spotted in the Geekbench 6 database on March 6, 2025, reveals the M3 Ultra’s capabilities in the new Mac Studio. Apple announced the chip with bold claims: up to a 32-core CPU, an 80-core GPU, and support for a massive 512GB of unified memory. The company positioned it as up to 1.5 times faster than the M2 Ultra in CPU performance and twice as swift in graphics tasks. But the initial numbers tell a more nuanced story.
Benchmark Breakdown: M3 Ultra vs. M4 Max
According to the Geekbench 6 result, the M3 Ultra notched a single-core score of around 2,900 and a multi-core score of roughly 24,000. For context, the M4 Max—already available in high-end MacBook Pros since late 2024—hits approximately 3,200 in single-core tests and 22,000 in multi-core, based on earlier benchmarks reported by outlets like MacRumors and TechCrunch. That puts the M3 Ultra ahead by about 9% in multi-core performance, leveraging its higher core count (32 vs. the M4 Max’s 16), but trailing by roughly 10% in single-core speed.
Why the close contest? The M4 Max benefits from newer core architecture, introduced with the M4 series last year, which boosts efficiency and single-threaded tasks—like app launches or light editing. The M3 Ultra, while a beast for multi-threaded workloads such as video rendering or 3D modeling, builds on the M3 family’s older design. Think of it as a sprinter (M4 Max) versus a marathon runner (M3 Ultra)—each excels in its own race.
What It Means for Users
For creative pros eyeing the Mac Studio, the M3 Ultra’s edge shines in heavy lifting. Its 24 performance cores and eight efficiency cores, paired with an 80-core GPU, make it a juggernaut for tasks like 8K video exports or complex simulations. Apple’s claim of a 2x graphics boost over the M2 Ultra’s 72-core GPU, as noted in their March 5 press release, suggests it could rival high-end desktop GPUs in apps like Blender. Meanwhile, the M4 Max, capped at a 40-core GPU, prioritizes portability and power efficiency in laptops.
Yet, the slim multi-core lead over the M4 Max—available in a MacBook Pro starting at $2,799—might give buyers pause. The Mac Studio with M3 Ultra starts closer to $3,999, according to Bloomberg’s coverage of the launch. For users who don’t max out multi-core workloads, the M4 Max could deliver near-comparable performance at a lower cost and in a sleeker package.
A Step Forward, Not a Leap
Apple’s silicon journey has been defined by relentless progress, but the M3 Ultra’s debut hints at a plateau in raw gains. Compared to the M2 Ultra’s multi-core score of around 18,500, the M3 Ultra’s 24,000 reflects a solid 30% jump—impressive, but shy of the 50% Apple’s “up to 1.5x faster” claim might imply for peak scenarios. The M4 Max, with its 25% leap over the M2 Ultra last year, shows how quickly Apple’s newer chips are closing gaps.
The takeaway? The M3 Ultra is a titan for pros who need every ounce of power, especially in GPU-driven workflows. But for everyday tech users or those on a budget, the M4 Max’s efficiency and versatility might steal the spotlight. As more benchmarks roll in, we’ll see if the M3 Ultra can stretch its legs—or if Apple’s next move, perhaps an M4 Ultra, will redefine the top tier.
