Apple M2 Max (30-GPU) vs Apple M3

The Apple M2 Max (30-GPU), based on the M2 architecture and manufactured using the 5nm process, was designed for professional users who require the highest performance in demanding applications such as video editing and 3D rendering.

The Apple M3, on the other hand, part of the M3 architecture and manufactured using the more advanced 3nm process, is aimed at mainstream users who value improved energy efficiency and very good everyday performance.

The Apple M2 Max (30-GPU) features a 30-core GPU and a 36 MB L2 cache, while the Apple M3 integrates a 10-core GPU and a 20 MB L2 cache. In single-core performance, the Apple M3 shows a performance increase of over 10 percent compared to the Apple M2 Max (30-GPU). However, in multi-core performance, the Apple M2 Max (30-GPU) significantly outperforms the Apple M3, often with a lead of well over 10 percent, thanks to its higher core count.

For gaming scenarios and graphics-intensive tasks, the Apple M2 Max (30-GPU) offers significantly higher performance with its 30-core GPU and a maximum memory bandwidth of 410 GB/s than the Apple M3 with its 10-core GPU and 102 GB/s memory bandwidth. The high memory bandwidth of the Apple M2 Max (30-GPU) also promotes good AI performance.

The Apple M3, manufactured using the 3nm process, is more energy-efficient, while the Apple M2 Max (30-GPU) has higher power consumption for maximum performance under load. In terms of price, the Apple M2 Max (30-GPU) is positioned in the premium segment, while the Apple M3 offers a better price-performance ratio for the broad market.