🧠 Comparison · CPU comparison
Apple M2 vs Apple M3: specs comparison
Apple M2 came out in 2022 (Apple Silicon, TSMC 5 nm), Apple M3 in 2023 (Apple Silicon, TSMC 3 nm). Same core and thread count: 8/8. Memory: unified LPDDR5, up to 24 GB on Apple M2, unified LPDDR5, up to 24 GB on Apple M3. Graphics: Apple GPU, 8–10 cores and Apple GPU, 8–10 cores.
In short. The table below is built from the official spec sheets. Green marks the best value in a row. This is not a benchmark: check tests in the games and apps you use.
| Spec | Apple M2 8 cores · Mac · 2022 Spec sheet → | Apple M3 8 cores · Mac · 2023 Spec sheet → |
|---|---|---|
| Device type | Mac | Mac |
| Release year | 2022 | 2023 |
| Architecture | Apple Silicon | Apple Silicon |
| Cores | 8 (4P + 4E) | 8 (4P + 4E) |
| Threads | 8 | 8 |
| Process node | TSMC 5 nm | TSMC 3 nm |
| Socket | SoC (soldered) | SoC (soldered) |
| Memory | unified LPDDR5, up to 24 GB | unified LPDDR5, up to 24 GB |
| Integrated graphics | Apple GPU, 8–10 cores | Apple GPU, 8–10 cores |
How to use it
- Compare cores and threads — they matter most for video editing, 3D and multitasking.
- For gaming, clock speed and L3 cache matter more — especially on AMD X3D chips.
- Check the socket and supported memory: will the CPU fit your board.
- To add a third processor, press “Change models or add a third”.
More CPU comparisons
- Apple M1 vs Apple M2 →
- Apple M3 vs Apple M4 →
- Apple M3 Pro vs Apple M4 Pro →
- Apple M4 Pro vs Apple M4 Max →
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Where the data comes from
Specs follow the official vendor spec sheets: Apple M2, Apple M3.
FAQ
Which is better — Apple M2 or Apple M3?
It depends on what you do. By the specs: Core and thread counts are equal; Apple M3 is newer. There are no benchmarks in the table — check tests in the games and apps you need.
How many cores and threads do Apple M2 and Apple M3 have?
Apple M2: 8 (4P + 4E) cores, 8 threads. Apple M3: 8 (4P + 4E) cores, 8 threads.
Do Apple M2 and Apple M3 fit the same motherboard?
No: Apple M2 / Apple M3 is soldered to the laptop or phone board and can’t be replaced on its own. You choose it together with the device.
Which processor is more power-efficient — Apple M2 or Apple M3?
Apple doesn’t publish TDP for this model, so there is no spec-sheet comparison. Real power draw depends on the device the chip is in.
Can I add a third processor?
Yes. Open the interactive comparison — the pair is already selected, you can add two more models and share the link.
Where do the specs come from?
From the official Intel, AMD, Apple, Qualcomm and MediaTek spec sheets — each model in the table header links to its vendor page. If a vendor doesn’t publish a figure, it isn’t in the table.
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