In a stunning turn of events, Apple’s upcoming M3 Ultra chip has reportedly demolished AMD’s Ryzen 9 9950X and Intel’s Core Ultra 9 285K in the latest Cinebench 2024 benchmark tests, outperforming both competitors by as much as 30%. The results, leaked by industry insiders and corroborated by early testing footage, suggest Apple’s silicon division isn’t just keeping pace with the x86 giants—it’s leaving them in the dust.
The Benchmarks That Shook the Industry
According to data shared with Tech Insights, the M3 Ultra scored a staggering 4,872 points in Cinebench 2024’s multi-core CPU test. By comparison, AMD’s Ryzen 9 9950X managed 3,742 points, while Intel’s Core Ultra 9 285K trailed slightly behind at 3,689. This translates to a 29-31% performance gap in favor of Apple’s chip, a margin that’s virtually unheard of in this fiercely competitive segment.
What makes these numbers even more remarkable is the M3 Ultra’s power efficiency. Early reports indicate the chip consumed nearly 40% less power than both AMD and Intel’s offerings during testing, a feat attributed to Apple’s refined 3nm architecture and unified memory design.
Watch the leaked benchmark video here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J4qwuCXyAcU
Why the M3 Ultra is a Game-Changer
Industry analysts point to Apple’s vertical integration as a key advantage. Unlike AMD and Intel, which rely on third-party manufacturing, Apple designs its chips in lockstep with TSMC’s cutting-edge fabrication processes. The M3 Ultra is rumored to feature a 32-core CPU configuration (24 performance cores + 8 efficiency cores), alongside a 96-core GPU—a spec sheet that blurs the line between desktop and workstation-grade hardware.
“This isn’t just about raw performance,” says Lisa Nguyen, lead analyst at Silicon Pulse. “Apple’s tight control over its hardware-software ecosystem allows macOS to exploit every ounce of the M3 Ultra’s potential. For creative professionals, that efficiency translates to faster renders, smoother 8K editing, and longer battery life in laptops.”
AMD and Intel Respond
Neither AMD nor Intel has issued official statements, but insiders suggest both companies are scrambling to adjust roadmaps. AMD’s Ryzen 9950X, built on the Zen 5 architecture, was expected to dominate the multi-core market, while Intel’s Core Ultra 285K aimed to leverage its hybrid core design for a balance of gaming and productivity.
Critics argue, however, that direct comparisons aren’t entirely fair. Apple’s chips are tailored for specific workloads—like video editing and 3D rendering—where their unified memory architecture shines. Meanwhile, AMD and Intel retain advantages in gaming, legacy software compatibility, and upgradability.
Availability and Pricing
The M3 Ultra is expected to debut in Apple’s high-end Mac Studio and Mac Pro systems later this year. While pricing remains unconfirmed, rumors suggest configurations could start at $4,999—a premium, but one that content creators and professionals may find justified.
For those loyal to the x86 ecosystem, the Ryzen 9 9950X and Core Ultra 9 285K remain compelling options. Check out the latest pricing and pre-order details here: https://amzn.to/3Frx0ia
The Bottom Line
Apple’s M3 Ultra isn’t just a chip—it’s a statement. By leveraging its architectural moat, the company has created a processor that redefines expectations for efficiency and performance. While AMD and Intel still rule in gaming and flexibility, Apple’s latest silicon proves that the future of computing might not belong to x86 after all.
Stay tuned to Tech Insights for hands-on testing and full reviews later this quarter.
