M1 Pro 8 Cores Vs 10 cores: (4 Big Differences)

As an Apple product enthusiast and a tech geek, I’ve been excited to try the latest MacBook Pro with M1 Pro chips and compare it with my friend’s 10-core MacBook Pro.

However, after a few days of usage, I noticed some speed differences between the M1 Pro 8 cores and 10 cores due to the number of cores in both devices. So, I’ve decided to share these differences with you.

At the end of this comparison guide, you’ll be able to learn about M1 Pro 8 Cores vs 10 cores. So without wasting time, let’s jump into it.

M1 Pro 8 Cores Vs 10 Cores: 4 Major Differences

After using both variants of the M1 Pro MacBook, I’ve concluded the major differences between the 8-core and 10-core models. Below are those differences:

1. CPU

The CPU was a major difference I noticed between the 8-core and 10-core variants of the M1 Pro. 

The 10-core variant features eight high-performance cores and two high-efficiency cores, whereas the 8-core variant has six high-performance cores and two high-efficiency cores. 

I agree with Apple’s claim that the M1 Pro’s 10-core CPU is 70 percent faster than the 8-core CPU of the M1 Pro. 

Compared to my 8-core M1 Pro laptop, the 10-core CPU offers 1.7x more CPU performance at the same power level while using 70 percent less power. 

During my daily work, I noticed a smoother multitasking experience and faster rendering times on the 10-core variant of the M1 Pro.

2. GPU

Another significant difference I noticed between these two variants of M1 Pro was in their GPU. 

The 8-core variant of M1 Pro features a 14-core GPU, while the 10-core variant comes with a 16-core GPU which is just amazing. 

Due to this difference in GPU, I concluded that the 16-core GPU is 2x faster than the 14-core GPU, making it more efficient in processing photos and videos, rendering 3D graphics, and accelerating machine learning tasks. 

I noticed this difference, particularly while working and multitasking, where I frequently used resource-intensive applications that required extensive GPU processing.

 Overall, I concluded that the 16-core GPU variant would be smoother and faster during my day-to-day work.

3. Battery Life

After using both variants for a long time, I also find out a slight difference in battery performance between the 8-core and 10-core models. 

Apple also claims this battery difference and says there’s a 4% battery difference in both variants of M1 Pro. 

I noticed that my 8-core M1 Pro last 4% longer than the 10-core. This battery difference is due to the 2-extra cores on the 10-core variant, which consumes more power.

4. Price

Last but not least, there is a significant difference in the price of the new M1 Pro MacBook variants. 

The 10-core M1 Pro is priced $200 higher than the 8-core variant. This price difference is due to the additional CPU and GPU cores in the 10-core variant. 

However, it’s worth noting that apart from these differences, both machines share the same physical dimensions, weight, and cooling system.

Hopefully, you will be familiar with M1 Pro 8 Cores Vs 10 cores. 

I have run some Geekbench tests on both variants of M1 Pro, and I’d like to share the scores with you.

M1 Pro 10 Cores Vs 8 Cores: GeekBenck CPU Scores

To compare both variants more accurately and precisely, I did some standard benchmarks; the first is the GeekBench 5. I noticed that this CPU benchmark shows a large difference in results.

I got 9,933 Multi-core scores for the base model M1 Pro and then 12,386 on the 10-core variant. Regarding the single-cores score, I found the same results for both variants: 1770.

This exactness in the single-core is because it is the exact same type of CPU core on either machine.

M1 Pro 8 Cores Vs 10 Cores: GeekBench Metal Benchmarks

After a CPU Benchmark, I perform a GPU benchmark between the two devices. The results were quite similar, but there’s a slight difference between the scores.

The GPU score on the 8-core M1 Pro was 37774; on the other side, it was 38979.

M1 Pro 10 Cores Vs 8 Cores: Lightroom Export Performance CPU Benchmarks

After that, I thought of running some heavy-tasking applications to check the performance of both devices.

After performing CPU and GPU benchmarks, I conducted a Lightroom CC export test between the 8-core and 10-core M1 Pro variants. 

I imported some high-resolution photos and saw no difference in flipping them. However, I noticed a significant difference when I exported images after minor color corrections. 

The 10-core M1 Pro exported images 8 seconds faster than the 8-core M1 Pro. This indicates that the 10-core M1 Pro is much faster in Lightroom exporting. 

So, if you are a professional working on heavy projects in Lightroom, I highly recommend going for the M1 Pro 10-core variant.

M1 Pro 8 Core Vs 10 Core: Blender Benchmark

So now it’s time to check the performance of both machines with some 3D applications. First of all, let’s start with Blender.

I started with Blender, and to my surprise, both machines finished rendering simultaneously. So, if you’re interested in working with 3D applications, you can confidently choose either of these Mac machines.

M1 Pro 10 Cores Vs 8 Cores: Video Editing Benchmark

Regarding video editing, I can confidently say that both variants perform exceptionally well. I tested the scenes and timelines on both devices and found that they played back smoothly without any issues. 

Additionally, the FPS counter on both variants was consistently green, indicating no dropped frames. There was also no noticeable difference in performance during the scrubbing process.

Even when adding effects and color grading in the video editing process, I noticed no major difference between the two variants. 

But overall, I believe that the 10-core and 8-core variants are excellent choices for video editing, seamless playback, and top-notch performance. You won’t make any difference between these two while editing.

M1 Pro 10 Cores Vs 8 Cores: Rendering Benchmark

Now let’s move towards the rendering benchmark, so there’s also zero difference between both machines. They both finished the render at the same time. 

Therefore, if you are a professional video editor, you can choose either variant from MacBook Pro 8-cores and 10-cores, since both have the same performance during the project and at rendering time.

M1 Pro 8 Cores Vs 10 Cores: Gaming Benchmark

When it comes to gaming benchmarks, there’s also no difference I see at all between both variants. Both machines give the same FPS and high performance with no log. 

You can choose any of the M1 Pro variants if you are looking at them from a gaming perspective because both have the same performance in gaming.

M1 Pro 8 Core Vs 10 Core Battery Life

In terms of battery life, there’s a slight battery performance difference between the 10-core and 8-core M1 Pro.

 According to Apple, there’s about a 4% battery difference in both variants. This is due to the two extra cores in the 10-cores CPU.

When To Buy The M1 Pro 10-Cores?

I recommend you spend an extra $200 on the 10-core variant only if you’re doing a lot of CPU-intensive stuff like a lot of Lightroom, cycles render on Blender and Premiere Pro, etc.

 In short, go with the 10-core M1 Pro when you’re stressing your CPU. In this case, you’ll definitely see a difference of about 15 to 20%.

When To Buy The M1 Pro 8-Core?

If you have a tight budget and don’t want to spend the extra $200, we recommend the 8-core M1 Pro. Although it can’t handle some intensive tasks very well, it can also handle most of your tasks better. 

There is only a slight difference, so there is no need to worry about heavy tasks.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Conclusion

The article concluded that the 8-core and 10-core M1 Pro differ in CPU, GPU, Battery life, and price.

So, I recommend you choose the 8-core variant if you have a tight budget and want to save money. But if you are involved in some heavy tasks and 3D applications, the 10-core variant will be best for you.

Hopefully, now you should know about the M1 Pro 8 Cores Vs 10 cores and all the related queries.

The above comparison and answers are based on my experience and personal testing. So, I’m sure you’ll benefit greatly from them.