Apple M3 Chip vs Apple M2 Chip: What’s The Difference?

We analyze the differences between the two most advanced Chip families. The M3 Chip vs the M2 Chip going through the M Pro and M Max versions. Let's start the comparison!

Chip M3 vs Chip M2: Processor differences

The Chip M2 and Chip M3 family are spread throughout the Apple Mac range. In addition, within the M2 Chip, there is also the M2 Pro, M2 Max, and M2 Ultra Chip. On the other hand, the new generation of processors includes the M3 Chip, M3 Pro, and M3 Max. Throughout this article, we will compare its components so that you can reach your conclusion about what processor you need in your new Mac.

M3 Chip vs M2 Chip: Differences in the graphics

We start the comparison of the M3 Chip vs M2 Chip with the initial model. The two chipsets differ in the power of the efficiency cores and the graphics section.

The M3 Chip contains 25 billion transistors . This is 5 billion more transistors than the M2 chip.
The efficiency cores of the M3 Chip are 15% faster vs the M2 Chip.
The power cores are 20% faster in the M3 Chip.

M3 Chipset vs M2 Chipset - Graphic Comparison

Characteristics	M3 chip	M2 chip
Total CPU cores	8 cores (4 power + 4 efficiency)	8 cores (4 power + 4 efficiency)
GPU graphics cores	Up to 10 cores	Up to 10 cores
Neural Engine Cores	16 cores	16 cores
Minimum RAM	8GB	8GB
Maximum RAM memory	24GB	24GB
RAM memory speed	100GB/s	100GB/s

M3 Chip vs M2 Chip: RAM memory differences

We climb to the next step in comparing the M3 Chip vs M2 Chip. In this case, we find significant advances in base and maximum RAM.

In addition, the new M3 Pro Chip graphics include Dynamic Caching technology. What is it? Well, it represents an innovation in the graphic sector. It is responsible for allocating GPU memory in real time so that it only uses the amount necessary for each task.

M3 Chipset vs M2 Chipset - RAM Comparison

Characteristics	M3 Pro chip	M2 Pro chip
Total CPU cores	Up to 12 cores (6 power + 6 efficiency)	Up to 12 cores (8 power + 4 efficiency)
GPU graphics cores	Up to 18 cores	Up to 19 cores
Neural Engine Cores	16 cores	16 cores
Minimum RAM	18GB	16GB
Maximum RAM memory	36GB	32GB
RAM memory speed	150GB/s	200GB/s

Also read: M2 vs M1 chip: What are the differences?

M3 Max Chip vs M2 Max Chip: Differences compared

If you are looking for the most significant power within the M3 Chip generation, you have come to the correct part of the article. We compare the M3 Max vs M2 Ultra Chip in the table below. What changes!

Characteristics	M3 Max chip	M2 Max chip
Total CPU cores	16 cores (12 power + 4 efficiency)	Up to 12 cores (8 power + 4 efficiency)
GPU graphics cores	Up to 40 cores	Up to 38 cores
Neural Engine Cores	16 cores	16 cores
Minimum RAM	36GB	32GB
Maximum RAM memory	128GB	64GB
RAM memory speed	300GB/s	400GB/s

Which Mac Model Has M3 Chip and M2 Chip?

Now that we have reviewed all the differences between Chip M3 vs Chip M2, we detail the Mac models available with each processor. This way you can see the models and prices that best suit what you are looking for.

You will find the M2 Chip in the MacBook Air 13 with M2 Chip , MacBook Air 15 with M2 Chip , MacBook PRO 13 M2 Chip while supplies last, in addition to the Mac mini.
The M2 Pro Chip is in the Mac mini. The M2 Pro Chip and M2 Max Chip in the remaining stock models of the MacBook Pro 14 with M3 Chip and MacBook Pro 16 with M3 Chip.
The M3 Chip is in the new iMac 24 Mac with M3 Chip, MacBook Pro 14 inch M3 and MacBook Pro 16 inch M3.

Now that you have some information about the M3 and M2 chips, we recommend checking out our Mac comparator to compare the differences across all Apple Macbooks.

If you're interested in learning more about the world of Apple, we'll keep you updated with all the news in our iSTYLE blogs.

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