CPU Comparison
Apple M3 Pro vs Intel Core 7 240H
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Apple M3 Pro is a 3 nm ARM-based system-on-chip with an 11- or 12-core CPU and 14- or 18-core integrated GPU, designed for professional MacBook Pro workflows that demand strong single-threaded performance, hardware-accelerated ray tracing, and high efficiency rather than maximum multi-core throughput.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Excellent single-core and good multi-core performance for typical pro apps, with snappy responsiveness and very good efficiency.
10 cores and 16 threads handle multi-threaded workloads efficiently, though it trails behind higher core-count HX series chips.
Gaming
Strong 1080p and capable 1440p gaming with good efficiency; GPU core and bandwidth cuts versus M2 Pro mean some titles may not scale as well at higher resolutions.
When paired with a dedicated GPU, the 5.2 GHz boost clock ensures minimal CPU bottlenecks in most modern titles.
Virtualization
Capable for light VMs, but memory bandwidth and core count are lower than M2 Pro/M3 Max, which can matter for heavy multi-VM workloads.
Adequate for running a few light virtual machines, but limited by 45W base power and 10 cores compared to desktop replacements.
Efficiency
Among the most efficient Pro-class SoCs Apple has shipped; does more CPU work per watt than earlier Pro chips.
The 10nm process and 115W PL2 limit mean it requires significant cooling, reducing battery life under load.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- 16-core Neural Engine up to ~18 TOPS
- Good for on-device inference and Core ML workloads
- Not designed for training large models; GPU-focused workloads may favor M3 Max
- Lacks dedicated NPU hardware found in Core Ultra chips.
- Relies on CPU instructions for AI workloads.
- Suitable for basic background blur or noise cancellation, not heavy local LLM inference.
Content Creation
Gaming
- Hardware ray tracing improves lighting and reflections in supported titles
- Strong 1080p and 1440p performance with Metal-optimized games
- Some GPU benchmarks show regressions vs M2 Pro due to fewer cores and lower bandwidth
- High 5.2 GHz boost clock benefits CPU-limited games.
- Hybrid architecture requires Windows 11 Thread Director for optimal scheduling.
- Sufficient for high-refresh-rate 1080p gaming with a mid-range dGPU.
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Strong single-core performance and responsive day-to-day feel
- Excellent efficiency and battery life under pro workloads
- Hardware-accelerated ray tracing and mesh shading on Mac for the first time
- Unified memory architecture simplifies development and memory management
- Very quiet and cool operation in typical MacBook Pro configs
Cons
- 25% lower memory bandwidth than M1/M2 Pro (150 vs 200 GB/s)
- Some M3 Pro variants have fewer GPU cores than equivalent M2 Pro models
- Modest multi-core CPU gains over M2 Pro in many benchmarks
- No user-upgradable RAM or internal PCIe slots; fully soldered SoC
- Platform is now discontinued in favor of M4 Pro
Pros
- High 5.2 GHz maximum boost clock
- Strong single-core performance for gaming
- Versatile memory support (DDR4 to LPDDR5)
- Capable Iris Xe 64EU iGPU
- PCIe 5.0 support for fast storage
Cons
- No integrated NPU for AI tasks
- 10nm process is less efficient than newer competitors
- 115W PL2 power draw requires substantial laptop cooling
- Locked multiplier restricts manual CPU overclocking
Competitors & Alternatives
Apple M3 Pro
- Intel Core Ultra 7 155HRival
Pro mobile / x86
- AMD Ryzen 7 7840HSRival
Pro mobile / x86
- AMD Ryzen 7 7840URival
Thin-and-light mobile / x86
- Compare head-to-headApple M2 ProRival
Pro mobile / Apple silicon
- Compare head-to-headApple M3Rival
Mainstream mobile / Apple silicon
- Apple M2 Pro MacBook ProAlt
Better GPU core count and memory bandwidth if you don’t need ray tracing or the latest efficiency.
- Apple M3 MacBook ProAlt
Cheaper entry point if you don’t need the extra CPU/GPU headroom of the Pro chip.
- Intel Core Ultra 7 155H laptopAlt
Better if you need x86 Windows compatibility or more PCIe lanes for external GPUs.
- AMD Ryzen 7 7840HS mini PCAlt
More flexible if you want a small-form-factor Windows/Linux box with strong iGPU performance.
- Apple M3 Max MacBook ProAlt
Worth considering if you need significantly more GPU performance, memory bandwidth, or up to 128 GB unified memory.
Intel Core 7 240H
- AMD Ryzen 7 8845HSRival
Mobile Premium
- AMD Ryzen 9 7940HSRival
Mobile Performance
- Compare head-to-headApple M3 ProRival
Mobile Creator
- AMD Ryzen 7 7840HSRival
Mobile Gaming
- Qualcomm Snapdragon X EliteRival
Mobile Efficiency
- Intel Core Ultra 7 155HAlt
Offers better efficiency and a dedicated NPU for AI tasks.
- Intel Core 7 240HXAlt
If available, offers more cores and higher power limits for heavier workloads.
- Alt
Better overall efficiency for non-gaming, ARM-based workflows.
Compare head-to-head - Intel Core 5 220HAlt
A lower-cost option if extreme single-core speed is not strictly necessary.
Our Verdict on Each
M3 Pro is an excellent, efficient chip for most pro workloads, especially if you’re upgrading from Intel or M1, but the step sideways in GPU cores and memory bandwidth versus M2 Pro makes the upgrade from M2 Pro less compelling for some users.
Best for: Upgrading from Intel or M1 MacBook Pro to a modern, efficient Pro laptop for coding, creative work, and general pro use.
Read the full reviewA capable 10-core mobile chip that balances multi-threaded productivity with high single-core speeds for gaming, though it faces fierce competition from AMD's Ryzen 8000 series and Intel's own Core Ultra lineup.
Best for: The Intel Core 7 240H is highly recommended for users purchasing a premium thin-and-light or mid-range gaming laptop in 2025 who prioritize raw CPU frequency and legacy software compatibility. Its 5.2 GHz boost clock makes it particularly well-suited for high-refresh-rate 1080p gaming when paired with a dedicated mid-range GPU like an RTX 4060. It is also an excellent choice for students and content creators who need snappy performance in Adobe Creative Cloud applications. However, you should avoid this chip if your workflow relies heavily on local AI generation, as it lacks a dedicated NPU. Additionally, if maximum battery life is your primary concern, the newer Core Ultra chips built on the Intel 4 process will serve you much better.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Apple M3 Pro or Intel Core 7 240H?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Apple M3 Pro comes out ahead with a score of 8.2/10. That said, the best choice depends on your workload — check the spec and performance breakdown above for gaming, productivity and efficiency differences.
Which is faster for gaming, Apple M3 Pro or Intel Core 7 240H?
For gaming, the Intel Core 7 240H leads with a gaming performance score of 85/100 among Apple M3 Pro and Intel Core 7 240H.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core 7 240H has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core 7 240H (45 W).
Do Apple M3 Pro and Intel Core 7 240H use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Apple M3 Pro: On-package (BGA), Intel Core 7 240H: BGA 1744), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Apple M3 Pro has the most cores. Core counts: Apple M3 Pro (12 cores), Intel Core 7 240H (10 cores).
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Apple M3 Pro posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Apple M3 Pro (14,500). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.