M5 Ultra and M6 Chip Benchmark Results Reveal Graphics Performance

Live updates

1. 1d ago

   Apple M5 Ultra and M6 Chip Details Emerge

   Apple released the M5 Ultra desktop processor in August 2026, featuring 36 cores and 36 threads built using a 3 nm manufacturing process. Alongside this desktop chip, Apple announced the M6 chip fabricated on a 2nm process with 12 cores and 12 threads. Apple reports that the 14-inch M6 MacBook Pro delivers up to 30 percent faster graphics and up to 25 percent faster on-device artificial intelligence workloads compared to its M5 predecessor.

   Why it matters

   The introduction of the 2nm M6 chip follows Apple's previous M5 processor release, which focused heavily on advancements in artificial intelligence performance. Benchmarks and technical specifications from platforms such as CpuTronic and ComputerBase highlight the architectural differences between these generations. Users and analysts continue to track performance comparisons between the M5 and M6 MacBook Pro configurations.

   What is confirmed

   • The M5 Ultra 36 Cores is an Apple-manufactured desktop processor released in August 2026.
   • The M5 Ultra processor features 36 cores and 36 threads, manufactured using a 3 nm fabrication process.
   • The M6 processor is manufactured using a 2nm fabrication process with 12 cores and 12 threads.
   • According to Apple, the 14-inch M6 MacBook Pro delivers up to 30 percent faster graphics and up to 25 percent faster on-device AI workloads than its M5 predecessor.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Detailed graphics benchmark results for the M5 Ultra desktop processor remain limited outside of its core and thread specifications.

   What to watch next

   • Independent benchmark results comparing the M5 Ultra 36-core desktop processor against competing hardware
   • Further performance testing and reviews of the 14-inch M6 MacBook Pro under sustained graphics workloads
   Sources used for this update (12)

   1. www.cargurus.com — Used BMW M5 for Sale Nationwide - CarGurus
   2. www.apple.com — Apple unleashes M5, the next big leap in AI performance for ...
   3. www.caranddriver.com — 2026 BMW M5 Review, Pricing, and Specs - Car and Driver
   4. tech.yahoo.com — 5 Classic SNES Games That Are Unplayable Today - Yahoo Tech
   5. cputronic.com — Apple M5 Ultra 36 Cores: 세부 사양 및 벤치마크 등급 - CpuTronic
   6. www.theaa.com — Traffic news for m5| Live reports from AA Roadwatch | AA
   7. en.wikipedia.org — BMW M5 - Wikipedia
   8. en.wikipedia.org — M5 motorway - Wikipedia
   9. www.m5traffic.co.uk — M5 Roadworks | Current & Planned Roadworks on the M5
   10. www.tech2geek.net — M6 vs. M5 MacBook Pro: Specs, Performance, and US Prices ...
   11. www.igeeksblog.com — M6 vs M5 MacBook Pro: Same price, 2nm chip, no OLED. Should ...
   12. www.businesstoday.in — M6 vs M5 MacBook Pro: What changes in Apple’s 14 inch laptop ...
   confidence 90%
2. 6d ago

   Apple Unveils M6 MacBook Pro and iMac With Performance Gains

   Apple announced the new M6 MacBook Pro and iMac models, featuring the 2nm M6 chip designed for speed and modern wireless capabilities. According to Apple, the 14-inch M6 MacBook Pro delivers up to 30 percent faster graphics and up to 25 percent faster on-device AI workloads than its M5 predecessor. The M6 processor, manufactured using a 2nm fabrication process, was released in August 2026 with 12 cores and 12 threads. Benchmarks and specs from ComputerBase and other platforms highlight significant performance improvements for the new hardware.

   Why it matters

   The rollout follows a broader transition of Apple desktop and laptop computers into 2nm silicon. Software developers closely tracked these hardware capabilities leading up to the October event. While M5 Ultra and Max variants retain advantages in heavy multi-threaded workloads, the M6 architecture targets single-core dominance and efficiency.

   What is confirmed

   • Apple announced the M6 MacBook Pro and iMac ahead of its event.
   • The M6 14-inch MacBook Pro delivers up to 30 percent faster graphics and up to 25 percent faster on-device AI workloads than the M5 model, according to Apple.
   • The M6 12 Cores is a laptop processor manufactured by Apple using the 2nm fabrication process with 12 cores and 12 threads.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Apple is set to announce a new OLED MacBook Pro with a touchscreen during its largest week of announcements in 2026.

   What to watch next

   • Comprehensive third-party benchmark testing on the newly announced M6 iMac and MacBook Pro models.
   • Details on availability and pricing for the newly announced M6 devices.
   Sources used for this update (8)

   1. tech.yahoo.com — Apple event LIVE: MacBook Pro M6 and iMac M6 just announced ahead of 'Pro and Tell'
   2. cputronic.com — Apple M6 12 Cores: Detailed Specifications and Benchmark Ratings - CpuTronic
   3. gadgetsnow.indiatimes.com — Which Intel Chip Matches Apple's M5? Here’s What the ...
   4. www.digitaltrends.com — M6 vs. M5 MacBook Pro (14-inch): Should M5 owners even bother?
   5. www.theapplepost.com — M6 MacBook Pro is up to 30% faster for graphics and 25% ...
   6. www.idownloadblog.com — New 2026 MacBook Pro (M6) vs. 2025 MacBook Pro (M5)
   7. softwarebay.de — Apple M6 SoC: Benchmark Results Compared - softwarebay.de
   8. successknocks.com — MacBook Pro M6 vs M5 comparison - Success Knocks
   confidence 95%
3. 9d ago

   Apple M6 Mac mini Outperforms M5 Chips in Single-Core Tasks

   Apple silicon developments show the M6 chip driving an $899 Mac mini that surpasses every M5 processor in single-core performance. This first 2nm chip from Apple dominates benchmarks governing agent loops, editors, and office work, though multi-threaded workloads shift the advantage back to M5 Pro, Max, and Ultra variants. Meanwhile, Apple updated its desktop lineup into a 2nm story over the preceding two months. Software developers are closely monitoring these hardware capabilities ahead of an upcoming Apple event scheduled for October 28, 2026.

   Why it matters

   The transition to 2nm architecture marks a shift in desktop performance metrics for Apple silicon. While single-core tasks benefit from the new M6 design, heavier multi-core workloads continue to rely on the high core counts of previous-generation hardware. This hardware evolution sets the stage for upcoming product showcases and developer optimizations.

   What is confirmed

   • The $899 M6 Mac mini beats every M5 on one core.
   • Apple spent the last two months turning its desktop lineup into a 2 nm story.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Intel pushed Core Ultra Series 3 toward more than 200 during the year.

   What to watch next

   • The Apple event scheduled for October 28, 2026.
   • Further developer analysis of multi-core workload scaling on M6 hardware.
   Sources used for this update (3)

   1. help.naver.com — Futures Flat As Oil Rebounds After Trump's "Energy Ceasefire" Unravels, Memory Stocks Slide | ZeroHedge
   2. shattered.io — Apple Silicon vs Intel in October 2026: Where Each Platform Stands
   3. adityainamdar.substack.com — The $899 M6 Mac mini Beats Every M5 on One Core. The Multi ...
   confidence 90%
4. 12d ago

   Apple M5 Ultra Chip Details Emerge Ahead of Event

   Apple M5 Ultra benchmark results show performance nearing the Nvidia RTX 4080 in OpenCL testing, supported by a 36-core CPU, 80-core GPU, and 512GB of unified memory. The M5 Ultra delivers memory bandwidth up to 1.2 TB/s, while memory bandwidth for the M5 Pro reaches 307 GB/s. Meanwhile, Geekbench 7 Metal benchmarks for the Apple M6 processor score 93,217, reflecting a 34 percent increase over the previous M5 generation. Software developers are analyzing these hardware capabilities ahead of an upcoming Apple event scheduled for October 28, 2026.

   Why it matters

   Apple and Intel use distinct strategies for processor design, making direct benchmark and gaming performance comparisons important for users evaluating trade-offs. The newly detailed specifications outline the hardware foundation meant for artificial intelligence workstations. Observers are evaluating how these processor tiers scale across memory bandwidth and core configurations.

   What is confirmed

   • The Apple M5 Ultra ships with a 36-core CPU, 80-core GPU, and 512GB unified memory.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The M5 Ultra approaches the performance level of the Nvidia RTX 4080 in OpenCL testing.
   • Apple M6 processor graphics benchmarks register a score of 93,217 in Geekbench 7 Metal.

   What to watch next

   • The upcoming Apple event on October 28, 2026
   • Further software developer analysis of emerging hardware capabilities
   Sources used for this update (2)

   1. shattered.io — Apple M5 Ultra: 36-Core Chip, 1.2TB/s Bandwidth [2026]
   2. tech.yahoo.com — Are Apple's M Series Chips More Powerful Than Intel CPUs?
   confidence 80%
5. 15d ago

   Apple M6 and M5 Ultra Graphics Benchmarks Surface

   Apple M6 processor graphics benchmarks register a score of 93,217 in Geekbench 7 Metal, marking a 34 percent increase compared to the previous M5 generation. Concurrently, benchmark results indicate that the M5 Ultra chip approaches the performance level of the Nvidia RTX 4080 in OpenCL testing. These findings emerge alongside memory bandwidth specifications ranging from 307 GB/s for the M5 Pro up to 1.2 TB/s for the M5 Ultra, while an upcoming Apple event on October 28, 2026, draws focus from software developers analyzing these emerging hardware capabilities.

   Why it matters

   Graphics performance benchmarks help developers and power users evaluate Apple silicon for demanding professional applications and gaming. The performance gap between processor tiers establishes how efficiently heavy workloads scale across different desktop configurations. These hardware metrics provide critical context ahead of scheduled product reveals and platform updates.

   What is confirmed

   • The Apple M6 scores 93,217 in Geekbench 7 Metal.
   • The M6 graphics performance represents a 34 percent increase over the M5.
   • The M5 Ultra nears the RTX 4080 in OpenCL benchmarks.

   Still unconfirmed

   • An Apple event on October 28, 2026, will feature discussions relevant to coders regarding the Nvidia RTX Spark and Apple M5 Pro and Max.

   What to watch next

   • Announcements and disclosures from the Apple event scheduled for October 28, 2026.
   • Further independent lab tests verifying the M6 Geekbench 7 Metal performance scores.
   • Official developer documentation detailing the impact of the M5 and M6 GPU architectures.
   Sources used for this update (2)

   1. shattered.io — Apple M6 GPU Benchmark Nears RTX 4080 [2026] - shattered.io
   2. www.nahraf.tech — Nvidia RTX Spark vs Apple M5 Pro: 2026 GPU Showdown
   confidence 90%
6. 18d ago

   M5 and M6 Chip Benchmarks Detail Graphics and Memory Performance

   Recent benchmark results and lab tests detail the graphics performance and memory capabilities of Apple's M5 and M6 processor lineups. The Mac Studio with the M5 Max chip reaches 60 frames per second at native 4K resolution in games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Baldur's Gate 3, according to benchmarks from Macworld, DNS Club, and GenK. Meanwhile, lab analysis from October 7, 2026, reveals smaller performance gains from the M5 Pro to the M5 Max compared to the generational jump seen with the M4. Separate specifications for the M5 series indicate a memory bandwidth of 307 GB/s for the M5 Pro, 460 to 614 GB/s for the M5 Max, and 1.2 TB/s for the M5 Ultra.

   Why it matters

   Evaluating the performance scaling across Apple silicon generations helps developers and power users understand hardware limitations in compact desktops and professional laptops. The contrast between incremental GPU core scaling on the M5 and the architectural shift to a 2nm process on the M6 highlights Apple's diverging strategies for high-end graphics workstations and energy-efficient small form-factor devices. These benchmarks provide crucial metrics for assessing local large language model speeds and rendering capabilities ahead of upcoming hardware launches.

   What is confirmed

   • The Mac Studio M5 Max hits 60 fps at native 4K in Cyberpunk 2077 and Baldur Gate 3, per new benchmarks from Macworld, DNS Club and GenK.
   • A lab analysis published Oct. 7, 2026, found smaller M5 Pro-to-Max gains than M4 in three graphics tests, with workload-specific results and a small sample.
   • Apple M5 memory bandwidth specs reach 307 GB/s for the M5 Pro, 460 to 614 GB/s for the M5 Max, and 1.2 TB/s for the M5 Ultra.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Apple is planning an October 27 release date and three new upgrades for the M6 MacBook Pro.
   • The M6 chip features a 12-core CPU and a 2nm process.

   What to watch next

   • Official performance validation of the M6 MacBook Pro following its anticipated launch later in October 2026.
   • Independent thermal and benchmark testing of the M6 Mac mini to verify the reported 2nm process capabilities.
   Sources used for this update (19)

   1. www.pcmag.com — The Latest Technology Product Reviews, News, Tips, and Deals
   2. www.pcmag.com — We Found the 155 Best Live Prime Day Tech Deals From Apple, Dell, HP, Samsung, Sony, and More
   3. www.pcmag.com — 153 Expert-Vetted Prime Day Tech Deals Still Live on Day Two
   4. www.cnet.com — CNET Lab Exclusive: Beyond More Cores, Higher Scores in the MacBook Pro
   5. www.creativebloq.com — Apple Mac Studio M5 Max review: the very best just got even better | Creative Bloq
   6. tech.yahoo.com — Last Chance to Save: 157 Expert-Vetted Prime Day Tech Deals Still on Sale
   7. shattered.io — Apple M6 vs M5 Chip: Full Spec Comparison [2026]
   8. shattered.io — Apple M5 Max Mac Studio Hits 60 FPS in 4K Gaming [2026]
   9. www.neoteo.com — MacBook Pro M5 GPU scaling in three lab tests | NeoTeo
   10. ufozoo.com — Apple CPU & Mac Chip Benchmarks 2026: M1-M6 & A-Series
   11. www.youtube.com — Apple's M5 Ultra Architecture is INSANE - YouTube
   12. www.macworld.com — M6 MacBook Pro: October 27 release date, specs, price rumors
   confidence 90%
7. 30d ago

   M5 Ultra Benchmarks Exceed Projections as M6 Shifts to 2nm Architecture

   The M5 Ultra chip has set new performance records with CPU and GPU scores that surpass Apple's own projections and outperform the M3 Ultra. Meanwhile, technical analysis of the M6 chip indicates a shift to a TSMC 2nm process designed to enhance memory bandwidth for local AI inference. These developments position the M5 Ultra as a high-end graphics competitor and the M6 as an AI-centric processor for compact hardware like the Mac Mini.

   Why it matters

   Apple is iterating its silicon to compete with high-end GPUs and the growing demand for on-device AI. The transition to a 2nm process represents a significant shrink in transistor size to improve efficiency and power.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The M6 chip uses a TSMC 2nm process.
   • The M6 chip features architecture changes to memory bandwidth for local AI inference.
   • M5 Ultra benchmarks show CPU and GPU scores that exceed Apple's projections.
   • M5 Ultra performance gains are significant over the M3 Ultra.

   What to watch next

   • Official Apple release of M5 Ultra and M6 technical specifications
   • Actual retail pricing for M6-powered Mac Mini
   Sources used for this update (4)

   1. vucense.com — Apple M6 Chip Deep Dive: 2nm Architecture, OLED & Local AI
   2. www.sciencedaily.com — 4 in 5 toddler foods are ultra-processed
   3. www.pcmag.com — The 140 Best Prime Day Tech Deals From Apple, Dell, HP, Samsung, Sony, and More
   4. touchreviews.net — M5 Ultra benchmarks: new performance records
   confidence 70%
8. 34d ago

   Apple M5 Ultra and M6 Chip Benchmarks Show Graphics Performance

   Benchmark results for Apple's M5 Ultra and M6 chips reveal significant performance gains, particularly in graphics and AI capabilities. The M5 Ultra, priced from $1,499 to $2,299, targets professional graphics performance comparable to Nvidia's RTX 5080. The M6, focused on AI, powers the compact Mac Mini. Existing M4 users are evaluating if these upgrades justify hardware updates.

   Why it matters

   The M5 Ultra and M6 chips were released as part of Apple's 2026 Mac lineup, with the M5 Ultra Mac Studio and M6-powered Mac Mini launched on September 22. These chips aim to enhance graphics and AI performance, appealing to professional and compact desktop markets. The benchmarks aim to determine the value of upgrading from previous chip generations.

   What is confirmed

   • The M5 Ultra Mac Studio is 90% faster than the M3 Ultra.
   • The M5 Ultra targets professional graphics performance equivalent to the Nvidia RTX 5080.
   • The M6 chip focuses on AI capabilities for the compact desktop market.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The M5 Ultra and M6 chips have varying performance gains across CPU, GPU, AI, gaming, and power metrics.

   What to watch next

   • Further benchmarks comparing the M5 Ultra and M6 chips directly
   • Reviews of the M6 Mac Mini's performance in AI workloads
   • Comparisons of the M5 Ultra's graphics performance with Nvidia's RTX 5080
   Sources used for this update (9)

   1. appleinsider.com — M5 Max Mac Studio review: Price, performance, features
   2. www.pcmag.com — Apple Mac mini M6 vs. M5 Pro: Which Compact Mac Is Best for You?
   3. www.itechpost.com — Apple Mac Studio M5 Ultra Crushes Benchmarks With Impressive ...
   4. shattered.io — M5 Ultra Mac Studio Review: 90% Faster [2026] - shattered.io
   5. www.techradar.com — Apple Mac Studio M5 Ultra: What the reviews tell us | TechRadar
   6. www.tech2geek.net — Mac Studio M5 Review: More Powerful Than Ever, But at What ...
   7. macdailynews.com — Ars Technica reviews Apple’s M5 Ultra Mac Studio: ‘The ...
   8. www.production-expert.com — Mac mini vs Mac Studio 2026: Which Should Audio Pros Buy? | Audio Production: News, Tutorials & Reviews
   9. cputronic.com — Qualcomm Snapdragon X2 Elite X2E-90-100: Detailed Specifications and Benchmark Ratings - CpuTronic
   confidence 85%
9. 41d ago

   Geekerwan Tests M6 Chip Performance Against M4 and M5 Predecessors

   Geekerwan has conducted performance tests on the Apple M6 chip, comparing it to the M4 and M5 across CPU, GPU, AI, gaming, and power metrics. These tests follow the September 22 release of the M5 Ultra Mac Studio and the M6-powered Mac Mini. While the M5 Ultra targets professional graphics performance equivalent to the Nvidia RTX 5080, the M6 focuses on AI capabilities for the compact desktop market. Current testing aims to determine if the performance gains justify hardware upgrades for existing M4 users.

   Why it matters

   Apple recently refreshed its professional desktop line to integrate higher AI capabilities and GPU power. The shift to M5 and M6 architectures moves the company toward competing directly with high-end discrete GPUs for AI workloads.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The M5 Ultra Mac Studio may have a four-month waiting period for delivery.

   What to watch next

   • Release of specific benchmark scores from Geekerwan tests
   • Customer delivery timelines for the M5 Ultra Mac Studio
   Sources used for this update (2)

   1. zeerawireless.com — Mac mini M6 vs M5 vs M4: Real Performance Tests
   2. www.macworld.com — The M5 Ultra Mac Studio is so insane it’s worth waiting 4 months to get one
   confidence 70%
10. 43d ago

    Apple Launches M5 Ultra Mac Studio and M6 Mac Mini

    Apple released the Mac Studio featuring M5 Max and M5 Ultra chips on September 22, 2026. The M5 Ultra model matches the performance of Nvidia RTX 5080 graphics cards and provides comparable cost-effectiveness for AI workloads. Simultaneously, Apple refreshed the Mac Mini with the M6 chip, which prioritizes AI capabilities. These releases move Apple's hardware from leaked benchmarks into the consumer market, establishing a new performance baseline for its professional desktop line and AI-integrated compact computers.

    Why it matters

    Previous leaks suggested the M5 Ultra would outperform the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9995WX in multi-core tasks. Uncertainty existed regarding the M6 series, with some reports claiming the chip was not planned for production.

    What is confirmed

    • The Mac Studio launched on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, with M5 Max and M5 Ultra chips.
    • Apple refreshed the Mac Mini with the M6 chip.

    Still unconfirmed

    • The M5 Ultra's biggest upgrade is not the chip itself.

    What to watch next

    • Independent benchmark comparisons between the M5 Ultra and Nvidia RTX 5080
    • Performance reviews of the M6 chip AI capabilities
    Sources used for this update (3)

    1. www.macrumors.com — New Mac Studio's Biggest Upgrade Isn't the M5 Ultra Chip, Review Says
    2. www.wired.com — Review: Apple Mac Mini (M6)
    3. appleinsider.com — M5 Ultra Mac Studio's GPU, AI performance keeps up with desktop graphics cards
    confidence 90%
11. 45d ago

    Leaked Benchmarks Detail M5 Ultra and M6 Chip Performance

    Leaked Geekbench results show the M5 Ultra achieving significant GPU gains and outperforming the 96-core Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9995WX in multi-core scores by 11% with fewer than half the cores. While the M5 Ultra's GPU performance is compared to the Nvidia RTX 4080, reports on the M6 series are conflicting. A leaked M6 Pro benchmark has surfaced, though some sources suggest this result is fake and contradicts reports that Apple did not plan to produce the chip.

    Why it matters

    These leaks provide a glimpse into Apple's trajectory for high-end silicon and its ability to compete with workstation-grade CPUs. The discrepancy regarding the M6 Pro suggests internal shifts in Apple's product roadmap or the presence of fraudulent data.

    What is confirmed

    • The M5 Ultra obtained an 11% higher multi-core score than the 96-core Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9995WX in Geekbench 7.
    • The M5 Ultra achieved this multi-core lead using less than half the number of cores as the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9995WX.
    • A benchmark for an unannounced M6 Pro chip appeared on Geekbench.

    Still unconfirmed

    • Apple was not planning to make an M6 Pro chip.

    What to watch next

    • Release of M6 series performance data from corroborated sources.
    Sources used for this update (7)

    1. MacRumors — M5 Ultra and M6 Chip Benchmark Results Reveal Graphics Performance
    2. MacRumors — M6 Pro Chip Result on Geekbench is Likely Fake
    3. AppleInsider — M6 Pro benchmark surfaces despite claims of a short chip generation
    4. TechPowerUp — Apple M5 Ultra Scores Big GPU Gains in Leaked Geekbench Benchmark
    5. Wccftech — M5 Ultra Demolishes The 96-Core Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9995WX CPU In New Geekbench 7 Scores; Obtains 11% Higher Multi-Core Score With Less Than Half The Number Of Cores
    6. www.notebookcheck.net — This M6 Pro benchmark wasn't supposed to exist—here's what the numbers show
    7. www.ithinkdiff.com — M5 Ultra Competes with the RTX 4080, M6 with Nvidia’s Entry-Level Cards
    confidence 70%