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🧠 Comparison · CPU comparison

Apple M3 vs Apple M4: specs comparison

Apple M3 came out in 2023 (Apple Silicon, TSMC 3 nm), Apple M4 in 2024 (Apple Silicon, TSMC 3 nm). Cores and threads: 8/8 on Apple M3 vs 10/10 on Apple M4. Memory: unified LPDDR5, up to 24 GB on Apple M3, unified LPDDR5X, up to 32 GB on Apple M4. 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 M3
8 cores · Mac · 2023
Spec sheet →
Apple M4
10 cores · Mac · 2024
Spec sheet →
Device typeMacMac
Release year20232024
ArchitectureApple SiliconApple Silicon
Cores8 (4P + 4E)10 (4P + 6E)
Threads810
Process nodeTSMC 3 nmTSMC 3 nm
SocketSoC (soldered)SoC (soldered)
Memoryunified LPDDR5, up to 24 GBunified LPDDR5X, up to 32 GB
Integrated graphicsApple GPU, 8–10 coresApple GPU, 8–10 cores

How to use it

  1. Compare cores and threads — they matter most for video editing, 3D and multitasking.
  2. For gaming, clock speed and L3 cache matter more — especially on AMD X3D chips.
  3. Check the socket and supported memory: will the CPU fit your board.
  4. To add a third processor, press “Change models or add a third”.

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Where the data comes from

Specs follow the official vendor spec sheets: Apple M3, Apple M4.

FAQ

Which is better — Apple M3 or Apple M4?
It depends on what you do. By the specs: Apple M4 has more cores and threads; Apple M4 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 M3 and Apple M4 have?
Apple M3: 8 (4P + 4E) cores, 8 threads. Apple M4: 10 (4P + 6E) cores, 10 threads.
Do Apple M3 and Apple M4 fit the same motherboard?
No: Apple M3 / Apple M4 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 M3 or Apple M4?
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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