Apple M3 vs Intel Core Ultra 7 255U

The Apple M3 (late 2023) and the Intel Core Ultra 7 255U (early 2024) are mobile 3 nm processors for different ecosystems.

The Apple M3 is Apple's proprietary chip for Macs, optimized for performance efficiency and deep integration. The Intel Core Ultra 7 255U (Meteor Lake U Refresh) is designed for thin Windows laptops, offering balanced performance and battery life. Both processors use a hybrid architecture.

The Apple M3 features performance and efficiency cores, 20 MB L2 cache, and 102 GB/s memory bandwidth. The Intel Core Ultra 7 255U offers P-cores, E-cores, and LP E-cores, 12 MB L2 cache, and 134 GB/s memory bandwidth. In performance tests, the Apple M3 shows a significant lead in single-core and multi-core performance over the Intel Core Ultra 7 255U.

For gaming scenarios, the integrated graphics unit of the Apple M3 (Apple M3 (10 Core)) is more powerful and enables better rendering in modern games. The Intel Iris Xe 4 Core Graphics 64 EUs (Meteor Lake) of the Intel Core Ultra 7 255U is suitable for casual gaming. The Apple M3 is known for industry-leading energy efficiency and excellent performance per watt.

The Intel Core Ultra 7 255U is also designed for low power consumption in ultraportable devices, with M3 efficiency usually being higher. A direct price comparison is difficult, as the Apple M3 is only built into Apple's premium devices. The Intel Core Ultra 7 255U is available in a wide range of Windows laptops, offering more choice in terms of price-performance ratios.

In summary, the Apple M3 offers superior performance and efficiency for users in the Apple ecosystem, especially for creative tasks. The Intel Core Ultra 7 255U is ideal for Windows users who prefer balanced performance and efficiency in a versatile device.