Apple M2 Max (30-GPU) vs Apple M4 Pro (12-CPU 16-GPU)

The Apple M2 Max (30-GPU) is based on the M2 architecture and is manufactured by Apple using the 5 nm process.

It integrates 30 GPU cores and is aimed at professional users with a high demand for graphics performance for video editing or 3D rendering. With a maximum memory bandwidth of 410 GB/s, it also offers good performance for AI tasks. In pure CPU benchmarks, it is surpassed by the M4 Pro, but its strength lies in significantly higher graphics performance, making it the preferred choice for graphics-intensive games.

Its Level 2 Cache is 36 MB. The Apple M4 Pro (12-CPU 16-GPU) uses the more modern M4 architecture and is produced using the more advanced 3 nm process.

This chip is equipped with 12 CPU cores and 16 GPU cores. It targets professional users who seek leading CPU performance in an energy-efficient architecture. In single-core and multi-core CPU benchmarks such as Geekbench 6 and Cinebench 2024, the M4 Pro shows significantly higher performance (over 40% more) compared to the M2 Max.

Thanks to the 3 nm manufacturing process, it is characterized by outstanding energy efficiency. The maximum memory bandwidth is 273 GB/s, and the Level 2 Cache is also 36 MB. For maximum graphics performance and high memory bandwidth, especially for GPU-intensive workloads and gaming, the Apple M2 Max (30-GPU) is the better choice.

However, if peak CPU performance and excellent energy efficiency for computationally intensive tasks and longer battery life are priorities, the Apple M4 Pro (12-CPU 16-GPU) is more compelling.