In the recent Cinebench 2024 GPU test, Apple's M3 Ultra has made headlines by scoring an impressive ~20,000 points, as reported by The Verge. This remarkable score positions the M3 Ultra a significant 25% ahead of the AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX, which achieved approximately ~16,000 points in the same benchmark. Such a performance leap raises intriguing questions about the capabilities of Apple's latest GPU technology.
The M3 Ultra's performance is particularly noteworthy as it competes closely with the Nvidia RTX 4070 Ti in the Cinebench 2024 GPU test. This competition highlights the advancements made in GPU technology, where Apple's M3 Ultra is demonstrating its prowess in rendering and computational tasks. However, it's essential to note that a few benchmark runs do not fully represent real-world performance, especially when considering the various APIs involved in different applications.
While the benchmark results are impressive, it is crucial to recognize that the M3 Ultra may excel in specific workloads due to its dedicated engines. For instance, in tasks that leverage its architecture, the M3 Ultra is likely to outperform its competitors. Conversely, in areas such as 3D rendering, it may struggle to keep pace with high-end RTX cards, which are traditionally known for their superior performance in graphics-intensive applications.
When it comes to efficiency and VRAM, the M3 Ultra undoubtedly stands out. No other consumer GPU currently on the market offers anything close to half a terabyte of fast VRAM. This aspect of the M3 Ultra is particularly advantageous for users who require extensive memory bandwidth for demanding tasks, setting it apart from its x86 counterparts.
As time progresses, we anticipate a surge in real-life performance comparisons between the M3 Ultra and its x86 competitors. These evaluations will provide potential buyers with a clearer understanding of how the M3 Ultra performs in everyday scenarios. For those considering an upgrade or purchasing a new GPU, keeping an eye on these developments will be essential to making an informed decision.
