Apple M2 Pro chip could get performance boost from 3nm process

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Apple might get cutting-edge 3nm processors in 2022
Apple will reportedly be one of the first companies in the world able to offer processors made with a 3nm process.
Photo: Apple/Cult of Mac

Apple’s upcoming M2 Pro chip will be made with an improved manufacturing process that will make it even faster and more energy-efficient, according to an unconfirmed report. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company’s 3nm process supposedly will be used on the M2 Pro, as well as the M3.

Quite a few Macs using these chips are already in the pipeline.

5nm vs. 3nm M2 Pro: Tiny change makes a big difference

Apple designs Mac processors but TSMC produces them. And the Taiwanese chipmaker has generally been able to shrink the components of Apple’s chips every year or two, allowing them to work faster while generating less heat.

TSMC’s improved 3nm process didn’t arrive in time to for the M2, so that chip was made with a 5nm process. But upcoming Apple processors will be made with the 3nm process.

“Apple reportedly has booked TSMC capacity for its upcoming 3nm M3 and M2 Pro processors,” Digitimes said Monday.

Digitimes made no mention of an M2 Max, but that enhanced variant is supposedly in development as well. The same goes for an M2 Ultra and an M2 Extreme. These also might use the 3nm process.

Apple processors get better and better

The M2 Pro is already expected to be better than the original M2, with additional CPU cores and greater memory bandwidth. Switching to a 3nm manufacturing process would further improve it. The components would be physically smaller and closer together, making the chip more efficient.

A Mac mini and 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pros with the M2 Pro are reportedly in development.

Also, the improved process might be enough for Apple to replace the M2 with the M3 after only a year. A MacBook Air with the M3 is rumored to come out in 2023.

Via: MacRumors

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