CPU Comparison
Apple M3 Pro vs Core Ultra 7 268V
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.
32GB of RAM ensures smooth performance even with dozens of tabs and apps open.
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.
Similar to other Arc 140V chips, great for light gaming.
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.
32GB RAM allows for more comfortable VM hosting than the 266V.
Efficiency
Among the most efficient Pro-class SoCs Apple has shipped; does more CPU work per watt than earlier Pro chips.
Maintains class-leading efficiency despite higher memory capacity.
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
- 48 TOPS NPU
- Total 118 TOPS platform performance
- Great for running local LLMs thanks to 32GB RAM
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
- Same Arc 140V graphics as the rest of the Ultra 7 V-series
- Suitable for 1080p low setting gaming
- Excellent for older or indie titles
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
- Integrated 32GB memory for heavy multitasking
- Class-leading power efficiency
- 48 TOPS NPU for Copilot+
- Arc 140V graphics offer great mobile performance
- 5.0 GHz boost clock
Cons
- Non-upgradeable memory
- Expensive laptops required
- Not meant for heavy 3D rendering
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.
Core Ultra 7 268V
- AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370Rival
Mobile
- Qualcomm Snapdragon X EliteRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headApple M3 ProRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core Ultra 9 288VRival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen AI 9 365Rival
Mobile
- Intel Core Ultra 7 266VAlt
If you only need 16GB of RAM and want to save money.
- Intel Core Ultra 7 258VAlt
A slightly slower but cheaper 32GB Lunar Lake option.
- Apple MacBook Pro M3Alt
For a premium alternative ecosystem.
- Snapdragon X EliteAlt
For a different ARM-based Windows experience.
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 reviewThe 268V is the ultimate Lunar Lake chip for power users needing 32GB of RAM in a highly efficient, portable form factor.
Best for: Since the Core Ultra 7 268V is a mobile processor, it is only available inside pre-built laptops. If you are a professional, developer, or power user who needs a highly portable laptop that can handle heavy multitasking, virtualization, or large datasets, a 268V laptop is an outstanding investment. The 32 GB of integrated memory ensures you have plenty of RAM for the lifespan of the device. It is the ideal choice if you want the longest possible battery life without sacrificing performance. However, remember that the RAM and CPU are non-upgradable, so you should buy a laptop with this chip only if you are certain 32 GB is sufficient for your long-term needs.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Apple M3 Pro or Core Ultra 7 268V?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Core Ultra 7 268V comes out ahead with a score of 9.2/10. 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 Core Ultra 7 268V?
For gaming, the Apple M3 Pro leads with a gaming performance score of 82/100 among Apple M3 Pro and Core Ultra 7 268V.
Which uses less power?
The Core Ultra 7 268V has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Core Ultra 7 268V (17 W).
Do Apple M3 Pro and Core Ultra 7 268V use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Apple M3 Pro: On-package (BGA), Core Ultra 7 268V: Intel BGA 2833), 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), Core Ultra 7 268V (8 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), Core Ultra 7 268V (0). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.