Apple M1 Max (32-GPU) Apple M5 Max (18-CPU 32-GPU)
VS

Apple M1 Max (32-GPU) vs Apple M5 Max (18-CPU 32-GPU)

Last updated:
The Apple M1 Max (32-GPU) was designed for professional users who require high computing capacity in compact systems.

This unit is manufactured by Apple using a 5-nanometer process and is based on the M1 architecture. The processor features a Level 2 cache of 28 megabytes. Regarding computing power, the model delivers solid single-core and multi-core performance. Since the maximum memory bandwidth is 410 gigabytes per second and the integrated Apple M1 Max (32 Core) graphics solution is used, the system offers good performance in the field of artificial intelligence.

In gaming scenarios, the hardware performs stably, while the thermal design ensures moderate heat development. The price-performance ratio is balanced, which makes the component recommended for creative tasks such as video editing. The Apple M5 Max (18-CPU 32-GPU) is designed for users with very high requirements for computing power.

Manufacturing is carried out by Apple using a 3-nanometer process, with the M5 architecture being used. The Level 2 cache is specified at 22 megabytes. Comparing single-core and multi-core performance with the other model shows a significant increase in efficiency. With a maximum memory bandwidth of 614 gigabytes per second and the integrated Apple M5 Max (32 Core) graphics unit, performance in artificial intelligence tasks is classified as high.

The thermal design power remains controlled despite the increased capacity. Due to its technological features, this processor is particularly suitable for complex projects where maximum resources for calculations are necessary.

Apple M1 Max (32-GPU)

  • Manufactured in a 5-nanometer process
  • Memory bandwidth of 410 gigabytes per second
  • Integrated Apple M1 Max 32-core graphics
  • Good suitability for artificial intelligence

Apple M5 Max (18-CPU 32-GPU)

  • Advanced 3-nanometer technology
  • Memory bandwidth of 614 gigabytes per second
  • High efficiency in multi-core scenarios
  • Optimized for demanding AI calculations

Performance Overview
Average performance across multiple benchmarks

Single-core performance
Rank 2 - 56 %
Apple M1 Max (32-GPU)
Rank 1 - 100 %
Apple M5 Max (18-CPU 32-GPU)
Multi-core performance
Rank 2 - 43 %
Apple M1 Max (32-GPU)
Rank 1 - 100 %
Apple M5 Max (18-CPU 32-GPU)
Cinebench 2024 Single-Core

Cinebench 2024 Single-Core
Single-core performance

Apple M1 Max (32-GPU)
10C / 10T · 3.20 GHz
112 pts
Apple M5 Max (18-CPU 32-GPU)
18C / 18T · 4.61 GHz
199 pts
Geekbench 6 Single-Core

Geekbench 6 Single-Core
Single-core performance

Apple M1 Max (32-GPU)
10C / 10T · 3.20 GHz
2,397
Apple M5 Max (18-CPU 32-GPU)
18C / 18T · 4.61 GHz
4,250
Geekbench 6 Multi-Core

Geekbench 6 Multi-Core
Multi-core performance

Apple M1 Max (32-GPU)
10C / 10T · 3.20 GHz
12,439
Apple M5 Max (18-CPU 32-GPU)
18C / 18T · 0.91 GHz
29,200
iGPU - FP32 Performance (Single-precision GFLOPS)

iGPU - FP32 Performance (Single-precision GFLOPS)

Apple M1 Max (32-GPU)
Apple M1 Max (32 Core)
10,600
Apple M5 Max (18-CPU 32-GPU)
Apple M5 Max (32 Core)
16,426

More benchmarks

At a glance

Wischen
Apple M1 Max (32-GPU)Apple M5 Max (18-CPU 32-GPU)
FamilyApple M series (38)Apple M series (38)
CPU groupApple M1 (9)Apple M5 (6)
ArchitectureM1M5
Technology5 nm3 nm
SegmentNotebookNotebook
Socket
PredecessorApple M4 Max (14-CPU 32-GPU)
SuccessorApple M2 Max (38-GPU)

CPU Cores and Base Frequency

Wischen
Apple M1 Max (32-GPU)Apple M5 Max (18-CPU 32-GPU)
CPU Cores / Threads10 / 1018 / 18
Hyperthreading / SMT
Core architecturehybrid (big.LITTLE)hybrid (big.LITTLE)
Core Cluster 1: 8x Firestorm
0.60 - 3.20 GHz
6x Super-Core
0.91 - 4.61 GHz
Core Cluster 2: 2x Icestorm
0.60 - 2.06 GHz
12x Performance-Core
0.90 - 3.05 GHz
L2-Cache28.00 MB22.00 MB
L3-Cache
Overclocking

Integrated graphics (iGPU)

Wischen
Apple M1 Max (32-GPU)Apple M5 Max (18-CPU 32-GPU)
GPU nameApple M1 Max (32 Core)Apple M5 Max (32 Core)
GPU frequency0.39 - 1.30 GHz0.34 - 1.90 GHz
CUs / Shader512 / 4096512 / 4096
Raytracing
Max. displays54
Max. GPU Memory32 GB36 GB
Technology5 nm3 nm
Release dateQ3/2021Q1/2026

NPU AI performance

Wischen
Apple M1 Max (32-GPU)Apple M5 Max (18-CPU 32-GPU)
AI hardwareApple Neural EngineApple Neural Engine
AI specifications16 Neural cores @ 11 TOPS16 Neural cores @ 60 TOPS
NPU + CPU + iGPU

Memory & PCIe

Wischen
Apple M1 Max (32-GPU)Apple M5 Max (18-CPU 32-GPU)
MemoryLPDDR5-6400 (409.6 GB/s)
LPDDR5X-9600 (614.4 GB/s)
Max. Memory64 GB36 GB
Memory channels48
ECCNoNo
PCIe4.05.0 x 8
PCIe Bandwidth31.5 GB/s

Thermal Management

Wischen
Apple M1 Max (32-GPU)Apple M5 Max (18-CPU 32-GPU)
TDP45 W60 W
TDP (PL2)
TDP up
TDP down
T. junction max.100 °C

Technical details

Wischen
Apple M1 Max (32-GPU)Apple M5 Max (18-CPU 32-GPU)
Chip designMonolithicMonolithic
AES-NI
Operating systemsmacOSmacOS, iPadOS
Instruction setArmv8.5-A (64 bit)Armv9.2-A (64 bit)
ISA extensionsRosetta 2 x86-EmulationRosetta 2 x86-Emulation, AVX2, SME
Release dateQ3/2021Q1/2026
Release price
Documents

Your rating

Here you can rate one or both of the processors. The average rating of Apple M1 Max (32-GPU) is 4.8 stars (207 ratings), while Apple M5 Max (18-CPU 32-GPU) has received 5.0 stars (82 ratings).

Click on the stars to rate one or both processors.

Apple M1 Max (32-GPU)
Apple M1 Max (32-GPU)
10C / 10T · 0.60 - 3.20 GHz
Apple M5 Max (18-CPU 32-GPU)
Apple M5 Max (18-CPU 32-GPU)
18C / 18T · 0.91 - 4.61 GHz

Most popular CPUs in both categories

Apple M1 Max (32-GPU)
Apple M1 Max (32-GPU)
Buy now on Amazon and save! Buy on Amazon