Apple’s cutting-edge technological advancements in the realm of high-speed processors have brought us to arrange a highly awaited face-off between the Apple M2 Ultra vs Apple M2 Pro. This in-depth comparison explores the intricate details of their specifications and technological advancements, providing us with valuable insights into the actual capabilities of these processors.
Key Takeaways
- With a high-count 24-core CPU, the M2 Ultra is excellent for complex multitasking and power-consuming workloads.
- The M2 Ultra’s GPU, equipped with an impressive 76 cores, significantly surpasses the M2 Pro by a remarkable 57-core margin, providing unparalleled graphics processing prowess for demanding tasks like video rendering, code compilation, and photo editing.
- To put everything in perspective, M2 Pro stands out as more than just a mediocre choice for an average user. It easily surpassed every Intel or AMD-based processor that hit the stores at about the same time while providing a pocket-friendly price point.
- The M2 Ultra beats the M2 Pro in most of the benchmark scores, stating a 0.15% lead on average in single-core and 44.8% lead on average in multi-core benchmark scores.
Apple M2 Ultra Vs Apple M2 Pro: Comparison Table
| Key Specifications | Apple M2 Pro | Apple M2 Ultra |
| Vendor | Apple | Apple |
| Release Date | January 17, 2023 | May 5, 2023 |
| Device Type | Laptop | Laptop |
| Instruction Set | ARMv8 | ARMv8 |
| Integrated GPU | Apple M2 Pro GPU (19-Core) | Apple M2 Max GPU (76-Core) |
| Performance Cores | 8 | 16 |
| Performance Threads | 8 | 16 |
| Base Clock (Performance) | 3.5 GHz | 3.5 GHz |
| Base Clock (Efficiency) | 2.4 GHz | 2.4 GHz |
| Total Cores | 12 | 24 |
| Total Threads | 12 | 24 |
| L1 Cache | 192K (per core) | 192K (per core) |
| L2 Cache | 32MB (shared) | 64MB (shared) |
| Transistors | 40 billion | 134 billion |
| Fabrication Process | 5nm | 5nm |
| TDP (PL1) | 30W | 60W |
| Socket | Apple M-Socket | Apple M-Socket |
| GPU Base Clock | 450 MHz | TBD |
| GPU Boost Clock | 1398 MHz | TBD |
| Cuda Cores | 2432 | TBD |
| Display Capabilities | 7680×4320 – 60 Hz | TBD |
| Memory Support | Up to 32GB LPDDR5-6400 | Up to 192GB LPDDR5-6400 |
| ECC Support | No | No |
| Max. Memory Bandwidth | 200 GB/s | 800 GB/s |
| PCI Express Version | 4.0 | – |
Architectural Differences
- Process Node: Embracing innovative technology, both the M2 Pro and M2 Ultra incorporate the advanced 5nm fabrication process, showcasing Apple’s unwavering commitment to technological advancement and achieving peak performance.
- Bus Width: Interestingly, the Apple M2 Ultra features an unexpectedly narrow 128-bit bus width, while the Apple M2 Pro stands out with its broader 352-bit bus. This divergence in bus width for the M2 Ultra might appear contradictory to Apple’s proclaimed commitment to pushing boundaries with this particular variant.
- Unified Memory: Catering to power-consuming and resource-intensive workflows, the M2 Ultra takes the lead with up to 192GB LPDDR5-6400, beating the M2 Pro’s considerably low support of up to 32GB LPDDR5-6400, still providing sufficient resources for a smooth workflow in less-intensive tasks.
- TDP: Highlighting its engineering prowess, the M2 Pro underscores its thermal efficiency by operating with a reduced TDP of 30W. Conversely, the M2 Ultra commands a higher TDP of 60W, catering to those users who favor sheer performance.
- Clock Speeds: Stepping up the user experience to a higher level, both the Apple M2 Pro and M2 Ultra impress with similar processing speeds, sporting an awesome base clock of 2.4 GHz and a supercharged boost clock of 3.5 GHz.
Also Read: Apple M2 Ultra Vs Apple M2 Max
Performance Benchmarks
To better comprehend the prowess of M2 Ultra and M2 Pro chips, we conduct different performance benchmark tests. The testing criteria is: how well these two chips perform at single-core and multi-core processing, giving us a true estimate of their real-world performance in crucial tasks.
Let’s analyze how these chips pile up against each other and witness their capabilities in benchmark assessments.
Cinebench R23 (Single-Core)
- The M2 Ultra managed to inch ahead of the M2 Pro in the Cinebench R23 Single-Core test, securing a modest 2.4% performance advantage by achieving a score of 1695, while the M2 Pro scored 1655.
Cinebench R23 (Multi-Core)
- Apple M2 Ultra overpowered Apple M2 Pro regarding multi-core threading. Cinebench R23 awarded the Apple M2 Ultra a score of 28570, which was 47% more than that given to the Apple M2 Pro (15248).
Geekbench 5 (Single-Core)
- Geekbench 5 also chose the Apple M2 Ultra as its winner, placing it over the Apple M2 Pro. It suggested that the former outperformed the latter and was better than it at single-core processing (Almost 3% faster).
Geekbench 5 (Multi-Core)
- The M2 Ultra exhibited an extraordinary performance surge, boasting a staggering 41.5% advantage in the Geekbench 5 Multi-Core test, achieving a score of 20986 compared to the M2 Pro’s score of 12271.
Also See: Apple M2 Pro Vs Apple M2
PassMark CPU (Single-Core)
- Astonishingly, according to PassMark CPU, Apple M2 Pro performed slightly better than Apple M2 Ultra at single-core processing (2.6% better)
PassMark CPU (Multi-Core)
- PassMark CPU also concluded that Apple M2 Ultra proved to completely overshadow Apple M2 Pro when it came to multi-core processing (more than up to 40%)
Apple M2 Pro Vs Apple M2 Ultra: Which One Suits Your Needs Best?
- The M2 Ultra stands out with a significantly higher transistor count, proudly boasting an impressive 134 billion transistors, while the M2 Pro lags far behind in this aspect. The substantial number of transistors significantly enhances the chip’s performance when compared to its opponent.
- Moreover, The M2 Ultra boasts a spectacular 76-core GPU, outshining the M2 Pro’s GPU core count by 57 cores. This results in unmatched graphics processing capabilities, particularly when it comes to tasks like video rendering, photo editing, image upscaling, and code compilation.
- As a result of these significant technological advancements, the M2 Ultra clearly outperforms the M2 Pro in the majority of benchmark scores. Nonetheless, it remains the users’ responsibility to evaluate their requirements, considering that the latter option offers an appealing price reduction compared to the exclusive variant.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Apple M2 Ultra proves to be a more fitting choice for professional workloads, thanks to its exceptional performance in benchmarks and a greater core count.
There is no doubt that the Apple M2 Ultra overpowers the Apple M2 Pro. The key difference is the memory bandwidth of the Apple M2 Ultra, which is almost four times more than the Apple M2 Pro. The transistor count is also worth considering.
The M2 Ultra provides top-notch performance but does come with a steeper price tag. Hence, it’s crucial to take into account your budget and individual requirements when deciding.
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[Comparisons Expert]
Abdemanaf is a skilled creative writer who has been honing his craft since 2011. While initially working in different fields, he found a passion for technology and has been exploring the tech world since early 2015. Over the years, he has developed an in-depth knowledge of the latest tech trends and product offerings by various companies.
Abdemanaf’s writing reflects his analytical mindset and ability to think critically. He has a knack for breaking down complex technical information into easily digestible pieces, making his articles engaging and accessible to readers from all backgrounds. In February 2022, he joined Tech4Gamers as a blog and product comparison writer, where he has been able to hone his skills further.
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