M3 Ultra: 55% Less Power Consumption in HandBrake vs. Most Energy-Efficient x86 Desktop CPU; M4 Max Outperforms

Apple has unveiled its most advanced in-house chip, the M3 Ultra, now featured in the newly updated Mac Studio. As various media outlets and content creators have begun testing this workstation-class processor, one standout feature has emerged: its exceptional power efficiency. By using the ARM architecture as opposed to the traditional x86 architecture, Apple has achieved a significant reduction in power consumption, with the M3 Ultra drawing 55% less energy compared to the most efficient CPUs currently available.

Power Consumption Performance Benchmarking with HandBrake

During rigorous testing conducted by Ars Technica’s Andrew Cunningham, the M3 Ultra was put through a variety of performance metrics, particularly focusing on its power efficiency. One benchmark tool utilized was HandBrake, a popular open-source video transcoder that effectively stresses both CPU and GPU resources. Under these conditions, the M3 Ultra peaked at approximately 77.3 watts, a figure that slightly surpasses the M4 Max’s peak power draw of 50.2W.

When comparing the M3 Ultra to other high-end x86 desktop processors, its power utilization remains remarkably low. For instance, AMD’s Ryzen 9 7950X, with 16 cores and 32 threads, consumes 172.6W, while Intel’s Core Ultra 285K reaches 186.5W, and the Core i9-14900K can go as high as 233.6W. Data for these comparisons were gathered using HWInfo and powermetrics, both of which are reliable monitoring tools, although slightly erroneous readings can occur without precise measurement tools, such as multimeters connected to power outlets.

Even if some discrepancies exist in the reported power figures, they do not diminish the M3 Ultra’s superiority in efficiency and performance. In terms of processing power, the M3 Ultra showcases considerable advancements, delivering 29% improved performance over the M2 Ultra in Geekbench 6. However, when pitted against the M4 Max, the M3 Ultra only displayed a modest advantage of 7%.For consumers who prioritize energy efficiency and are willing to invest in premium technology, the M3 Ultra-equipped Mac Studio emerges as a compelling choice.

News Source: Ars Technica

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