Apple M1 Ultra 20 Core vs Apple M1 Pro 8 Core
Verdict
Our overall take, at a glance
Key takeaways
- Apple M1 Ultra 20 Core leads Apple M1 Pro 8 Core overall by 9 points (58 vs 49 out of 100).
- Apple M1 Ultra 20 Core stands out on Core Specifications Cores: 20, Core Specifications Threads: 20, Core Specifications Base Frequency: 3.1 GHz.
Apple M1 Ultra 20 Core leads overall
Apple M1 Ultra 20 Core
58
Apple M1 Pro 8 Core
49
Why it stands out
- Core Specifications Cores: 20
- Core Specifications Threads: 20
- Core Specifications Base Frequency: 3.1 GHz
In-depth analysisAI
AI-generated from the cited sources — may be incomplete or inaccurate; verify important details before deciding · generated Jun 2026.
Apple M1 Ultra 20 Core
The Apple M1 Ultra is an extremely powerful System-on-a-Chip designed for high-end, professional workstations. It combines two independently connected M1 Max units via the 'UltraFusion' interconnect to significantly increase computational throughput. This processor is suited for users who require maximum performance for intensive creative and scientific workloads.
Best for Professional video editingBest for 3D Rendering/VFXBest for Computational modeling
Pros
- High core count structure, featuring a total of 20 CPU cores and dedicated high-bandwidth interconnectivity (Source 1)
- Significant memory capacity options are available, supporting up to 128 GB of LPDDR5 RAM (Source 1)
- Achieves exceptional performance by combining two M1 Max units, effectively doubling peak capabilities (Source 1)
Cons
- The high resource requirements make it unsuitable for most general-purpose computing tasks
- It is a discontinued processor, limiting modern upgrade paths and support options (Source 1)
Apple M1 Pro 8 Core
The Apple M1 Pro is an advanced, power-efficient system-on-a-chip designed for professional computing tasks. It incorporates a blended CPU architecture featuring both high-performance and energy-efficient cores. This processor is built for users who require substantial processing capability without excessive power draw.
Best for video productionBest for software developmentBest for complex content creation
Pros
- Offers significant performance gains over previous architectures due to its hybrid core design (M1 Pro) in the Apple silicon family.
- The chip integrates graphics, processing, and memory controllers onto a single die, improving system-level efficiency.
- High-bandwidth LPDDR5 memory is utilized for substantial memory speed, supporting intensive workloads.
Cons
- Compared to the highest-tier M1 Max variants, users select fewer total cores on the base models.
- Its discontinuation signals that newer, more powerful professional silicon upgrades are available from Apple’s lineup.
Value for Money
Which is the better deal for the price
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Apple M1 Ultra 20 Core
Apple M1 Pro 8 Core
Performance
Higher benchmark score = faster
Apple M1 Ultra 20 Core26,695
Apple M1 Pro 8 Core17,198
Benchmark score — a measured indicator of raw performance, not a guarantee of real-world speed.
Detailed Specifications
The full spec sheet, side by side