M3 Pro (18 GB RAM, 512 GB Storage, $1,999) vs M3 (16 GB RAM, 512 Storage, $1,799)

[Adelphos33]

The M3 has better battery life and is $200 cheaper. The M3 Pro has 2 GB more RAM and can run multiple displays.

What is the better buy?

 

[dumastudetto]

If you want/need to run multiple monitors, I'd save the $200.

 

[Onimusha370]

The M3 has better battery life and is $200 cheaper. The M3 Pro has 2 GB more RAM and can run multiple displays.

What is the better buy?

Also has more CPU cores, loads more GPU cores, presumably double the memory bandwidth? No brainer to get the M3 Pro if you’re going up to 16gb of ram anyway imo

 

[zlt1228]

M3 Pro all the way. They are essentially completely different computers in the same chassis. The M3 Pro version has one more fan for cooling, 50% More cores so 50% more power. 3 channel memory vs 2 channel. For only 200 dollars it’s a steal in Apple terms. So disappointing they are still starting at 8GB. By Apple using 3*6GB to create 18 GB, you know they can do 12 GB, but won’t on the M3.

 

[Adelphos33]

M3 Pro ordered. It’s weird I think the M2 Air is awesome but the M2 Air may have been between two worlds…

 

[BeatCrazy]

Only 1 external display supported on the base M3 model. And apparently only over HDMI, not USB-C.

 

[Mcdevidr]

Also has more CPU cores, loads more GPU cores, presumably double the memory bandwidth? No brainer to get the M3 Pro if you’re going up to 16gb of ram anyway imo

Yea that’s basically what I did once I saw the price. If the base had 16gb ram I’d have gone with that.

 

[mike...]

Get a refurb M2 Pro, way better value

 

[MayaUser]

If you want/need to run multiple monitors, I'd save the $200.

maybe if he doesnt need to run multiple monitors he can save 200 bucks

 

[dumastudetto]

maybe if he doesnt need to run multiple monitors he can save 200 bucks

No if he doesn't need to run multiple monitors, I'd spend the extra 200 bucks.