Apple M2 Max (30-GPU) Apple M5 Max (18-CPU 40-GPU)
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Apple M2 Max (30-GPU) vs Apple M5 Max (18-CPU 40-GPU)

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The Apple M2 Max (30-GPU) was developed for professional users who require reliable computing power in compact systems.

Manufactured using a 5-nanometer process, this chip uses the M2 architecture. It features a Level 2 cache of 36 MB, while no Level 3 cache is present. The integrated Apple M2 Max (30 Core) graphics solution benefits from a memory bandwidth of 410 GB/s, enabling good AI performance. In terms of computing power, the chip shows stable results in single-core and multi-core scenarios.

In gaming situations, the graphics unit offers a solid frame rate for various applications. Energy efficiency is optimized by the architecture, which keeps the thermal load manageable. In terms of price, the processor is positioned in the premium segment for workstations. It is suitable for video editing and graphic design, where an efficient way of working is important.

The Apple M5 Max (18-CPU 40-GPU) is aimed at users with very high demands for processing speed.

Based on the M5 architecture, this processor is manufactured using a 3-nanometer process. It has 18 CPU cores and a Level 2 cache of 22 MB. In comparison, this model offers significantly higher single-core and multi-core performance, exceeding the Apple M2 Max (30-GPU) by more than ten percent.

The Apple M5 Max (40 Core) graphics unit achieves good AI performance through a memory bandwidth of 614 GB/s. This also benefits gaming performance, as more graphics cores are available. Despite the high raw performance, power consumption remains efficient thanks to the finer manufacturing structure.

This processor is suitable for complex 3D renderings and scientific calculations where high speed is crucial.

Apple M2 Max (30-GPU)

  • Architecture based on 5 nanometers
  • Memory bandwidth of 410 GB/s
  • Integrated graphics with 30 cores
  • 36 MB Level 2 cache

Apple M5 Max (18-CPU 40-GPU)

  • Manufactured in a 3 nanometer process
  • 18 CPU cores and 40 graphics cores
  • Memory bandwidth of 614 GB/s
  • High AI performance through high data throughput

Performance Overview
Average performance across multiple benchmarks

Single-core performance
Rank 2 - 62 %
Apple M2 Max (30-GPU)
Rank 1 - 100 %
Apple M5 Max (18-CPU 40-GPU)
Multi-core performance
Rank 2 - 46 %
Apple M2 Max (30-GPU)
Rank 1 - 100 %
Apple M5 Max (18-CPU 40-GPU)
Cinebench 2024 Single-Core

Cinebench 2024 Single-Core
Single-core performance

Apple M2 Max (30-GPU)
12C / 12T · 3.50 GHz
121 pts
Apple M5 Max (18-CPU 40-GPU)
18C / 18T · 4.61 GHz
199 pts
Cinebench 2024 Multi-Core

Cinebench 2024 Multi-Core
Multi-core performance

Apple M2 Max (30-GPU)
12C / 12T · 3.50 GHz
1,025 pts
Apple M5 Max (18-CPU 40-GPU)
18C / 18T · 4.61 GHz
2,377 pts
Geekbench 6 Single-Core

Geekbench 6 Single-Core
Single-core performance

Apple M2 Max (30-GPU)
12C / 12T · 3.50 GHz
2,689
Apple M5 Max (18-CPU 40-GPU)
18C / 18T · 4.61 GHz
4,250
Geekbench 6 Multi-Core

Geekbench 6 Multi-Core
Multi-core performance

Apple M2 Max (30-GPU)
12C / 12T · 3.50 GHz
14,207
Apple M5 Max (18-CPU 40-GPU)
18C / 18T · 0.91 GHz
29,200
iGPU - FP32 Performance (Single-precision GFLOPS)

iGPU - FP32 Performance (Single-precision GFLOPS)

Apple M2 Max (30-GPU)
Apple M2 Max (30 Core)
10,650
Apple M5 Max (18-CPU 40-GPU)
Apple M5 Max (40 Core)
20,532

More benchmarks

At a glance

Wischen
Apple M2 Max (30-GPU)Apple M5 Max (18-CPU 40-GPU)
FamilyApple M series (38)Apple M series (38)
CPU groupApple M2 (8)Apple M5 (6)
ArchitectureM2M5
Technology5 nm3 nm
SegmentNotebookNotebook
Socket
PredecessorApple M1 Max (24-GPU)Apple M4 Max (16-CPU 40-GPU)
SuccessorApple M3 Max (14-CPU 30-GPU)

CPU Cores and Base Frequency

Wischen
Apple M2 Max (30-GPU)Apple M5 Max (18-CPU 40-GPU)
CPU Cores / Threads12 / 1218 / 18
Hyperthreading / SMT
Core architecturehybrid (big.LITTLE)hybrid (big.LITTLE)
Core Cluster 1: 8x Avalanche
0.66 - 3.50 GHz
6x Super-Core
0.91 - 4.61 GHz
Core Cluster 2: 4x Blizzard
0.60 - 2.42 GHz
12x Performance-Core
0.90 - 3.05 GHz
L2-Cache36.00 MB22.00 MB
L3-Cache
Overclocking

Integrated graphics (iGPU)

Wischen
Apple M2 Max (30-GPU)Apple M5 Max (18-CPU 40-GPU)
GPU nameApple M2 Max (30 Core)Apple M5 Max (40 Core)
GPU frequency0.45 - 1.40 GHz0.34 - 1.90 GHz
CUs / Shader480 / 3840640 / 5120
Raytracing
Max. displays53
Max. GPU Memory96 GB128 GB
Technology5 nm3 nm
Release dateQ1/2023Q1/2026

NPU AI performance

Wischen
Apple M2 Max (30-GPU)Apple M5 Max (18-CPU 40-GPU)
AI hardwareApple Neural EngineApple Neural Engine
AI specifications16 Neural cores @ 15.8 TOPS16 Neural cores @ 60 TOPS
NPU + CPU + iGPU

Memory & PCIe

Wischen
Apple M2 Max (30-GPU)Apple M5 Max (18-CPU 40-GPU)
MemoryLPDDR5-6400 (409.6 GB/s)
LPDDR5X-9600 (614.4 GB/s)
Max. Memory96 GB128 GB
Memory channels48
ECCNoNo
PCIe4.0 x 325.0 x 8
PCIe Bandwidth63.0 GB/s31.5 GB/s

Thermal Management

Wischen
Apple M2 Max (30-GPU)Apple M5 Max (18-CPU 40-GPU)
TDP45 W60 W
TDP (PL2)
TDP up
TDP down
T. junction max.100 °C100 °C

Technical details

Wischen
Apple M2 Max (30-GPU)Apple M5 Max (18-CPU 40-GPU)
Chip designMonolithicMonolithic
AES-NI
Operating systemsmacOS, iPadOSmacOS, iPadOS
Instruction setArmv8.5-A (64 bit)Armv9.2-A (64 bit)
ISA extensionsRosetta 2 x86-EmulationRosetta 2 x86-Emulation, AVX2, SME
Release dateQ1/2023Q1/2026
Release price
DocumentsTechnical data sheet

Your rating

Here you can rate one or both of the processors. The average rating of Apple M2 Max (30-GPU) is 4.6 stars (59 ratings), while Apple M5 Max (18-CPU 40-GPU) has received 4.9 stars (130 ratings).

Click on the stars to rate one or both processors.

Apple M2 Max (30-GPU)
Apple M2 Max (30-GPU)
12C / 12T · 0.66 - 3.50 GHz
Apple M5 Max (18-CPU 40-GPU)
Apple M5 Max (18-CPU 40-GPU)
18C / 18T · 0.91 - 4.61 GHz

Most popular CPUs in both categories

Apple M2 Max (30-GPU)
Apple M2 Max (30-GPU)
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