Apple introduces the M5 Ultra chip with a quad-die architecture and 1.2 TB/s memory bandwidth

Apple has announced the M5 Ultra, its most powerful chip to date, featuring a quad-die architecture that utilizes UltraFusion to connect two M5 Max chips. This design delivers a unified memory bandwidth of 1.2 TB/s. The M5 Ultra is available in two configurations: a base model with a 30-core CPU and 64-core GPU, and a high-end version with a 36-core CPU and 80-core GPU. The chip is built on TSMC’s 3nm N3P node. Compared to the M3 Ultra, the M5 Ultra offers up to 25% faster single-threaded performance and 30% faster multi-threaded performance. Graphics performance is improved by up to 40%, with a 4.5x increase in peak GPU compute for AI tasks. The new Mac Studio, powered by the M5 Ultra, starts at $5,499. The device also features the new N1 chip for Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6 connectivity, along with faster SSDs that reach speeds of approximately 14 GB/s. Pre-orders are currently open, with initial shipments scheduled for September 22.

Tech4K StaffVideo report

Apple has announced the M5 Ultra, its most powerful chip to date, featuring a quad-die architecture that utilizes UltraFusion to connect two M5 Max chips. This design delivers a unified memory bandwidth of 1.2 TB/s. The M5 Ultra is available in two configurations: a base model with a 30-core CPU and 64-core GPU, and a high-end version with a 36-core CPU and 80-core GPU. The chip is built on TSMC’s 3nm N3P node. Compared to the M3 Ultra, the M5 Ultra offers up to 25% faster single-threaded performance and 30% faster multi-threaded performance. Graphics performance is improved by up to 40%, with a 4.5x increase in peak GPU compute for AI tasks. The new Mac Studio, powered by the M5 Ultra, starts at $5,499. The device also features the new N1 chip for Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6 connectivity, along with faster SSDs that reach speeds of approximately 14 GB/s. Pre-orders are currently open, with initial shipments scheduled for September 22.

The M5 Ultra chip utilizes a quad-die architecture to achieve a unified memory bandwidth of 1.2 TB/s. The chip is manufactured using TSMC’s 3nm N3P process node.

The M5 Ultra provides up to 25% faster single-threaded and 30% faster multi-threaded performance compared to the M3 Ultra. The GPU in the M5 Ultra features a neural accelerator in each core, resulting in 4.5x faster peak GPU compute for AI tasks.

The new Mac Studio includes the N1 chip, enabling support for Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6. The Mac Studio with M5 Ultra starts at $5,499, with pre-orders beginning August 25 and shipping on September 22.

Chapter guide

Introduction to M5 UltraOverview of the M5 Ultra chip, its quad-die architecture, and memory bandwidth.M5 Ultra ConfigurationsBreakdown of the two available CPU and GPU configurations for the M5 Ultra.Neural Engine PerformanceComparison of the 32-core Neural Engine in the M5 Ultra versus previous generations.Quad-Die Architecture ExplainedTechnical explanation of the quad-die design and its benefits for manufacturing yields.Transistor Size and ManufacturingDetails on the 3nm N3P manufacturing process used for the M5 Ultra.Memory Bandwidth and PerformanceAnalysis of the 1.2 TB/s memory bandwidth and performance gains over the M3 Ultra.GPU and AI CapabilitiesOverview of the new GPU features, including the neural accelerator and ray tracing improvements.Mac Studio Pricing and AvailabilityPricing details for the new Mac Studio and information on pre-orders and shipping.SSD and Connectivity UpgradesInformation on the faster SSD speeds and the inclusion of the N1 chip for Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6.Recommended ConfigurationsThe creator's personal recommendations for Mac Studio configurations.

Worth noting

  • The video mentions that the 512GB RAM option for the M5 Ultra Mac Studio is coming in late October, but notes that availability may be restricted due to global DRAM shortages.

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