Apple M2 Max (30-GPU) Apple M5 Pro (15-CPU 16-GPU)
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Apple M2 Max (30-GPU) vs Apple M5 Pro (15-CPU 16-GPU)

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The Apple M2 Max (30-GPU) was developed for professional users with high demands for graphics performance and data processing.

This processor is based on the M2 architecture and is manufactured using the proven 5-nanometer process. It is characterized by an architecture that combines many cores for demanding tasks. In performance comparisons, the computing unit provides a solid basis, with multi-core performance for workflows such as video editing being particularly noteworthy.

Thanks to a high memory bandwidth of 410 GB/s, the system achieves good AI performance. The integrated Apple M2 Max (30 Core) graphics solution offers advantages in graphics-intensive scenarios due to the high number of cores, although software optimization for gaming often remains limited. The thermal design power allows for quiet operation of the hardware.

The price-performance ratio is appropriate for specialized professionals. The Apple M5 Pro (15-CPU 16-GPU) is geared towards efficiency and modern computing processes.

By manufacturing in the 3-nanometer process, the chip offers high transistor density in a small space. The 15 CPU cores ensure significantly higher multi-core performance compared to the M2 model, which accelerates complex calculations. This processor is also measurably ahead in single-core performance.

With a memory bandwidth of 307 GB/s, good AI performance is achieved for automated processes. The Apple M5 Pro (16 Core) graphics unit is efficient, but is inferior in raw performance in graphical applications to the model with more cores. The lower energy requirement results in low heat generation, which reduces the requirements for the cooling system.

On the market, the CPU positions itself as a powerful option for users looking for a future-proof architecture.

Apple M2 Max (30-GPU)

  • High memory bandwidth of 410 GB/s for data-intensive applications
  • Manufacturing in the 5-nanometer process based on the M2 architecture
  • Good AI performance through high bandwidth and integrated accelerators
  • Integrated graphics unit with 30 cores for visual calculations

Apple M5 Pro (15-CPU 16-GPU)

  • Advanced 3-nanometer manufacturing for high energy efficiency
  • Significantly increased multi-core performance through 15 dedicated CPU cores
  • Good AI performance at a memory bandwidth of 307 GB/s
  • Low heat generation through optimized voltage regulation

Performance Overview
Average performance across multiple benchmarks

Single-core performance
Rank 2 - 62 %
Apple M2 Max (30-GPU)
Rank 1 - 100 %
Apple M5 Pro (15-CPU 16-GPU)
Multi-core performance
Rank 2 - 57 %
Apple M2 Max (30-GPU)
Rank 1 - 100 %
Apple M5 Pro (15-CPU 16-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 Pro (15-CPU 16-GPU)
15C / 15T · 4.61 GHz
199 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 Pro (15-CPU 16-GPU)
15C / 15T · 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 Pro (15-CPU 16-GPU)
15C / 15T · 0.91 GHz
25,000
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 Pro (15-CPU 16-GPU)
Apple M5 Pro (16 Core)
8,213

More benchmarks

At a glance

Wischen
Apple M2 Max (30-GPU)Apple M5 Pro (15-CPU 16-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 Pro (12-CPU 16-GPU)
SuccessorApple M3 Max (14-CPU 30-GPU)

CPU Cores and Base Frequency

Wischen
Apple M2 Max (30-GPU)Apple M5 Pro (15-CPU 16-GPU)
CPU Cores / Threads12 / 1215 / 15
Hyperthreading / SMT
Core architecturehybrid (big.LITTLE)hybrid (big.LITTLE)
Core Cluster 1: 8x Avalanche
0.66 - 3.50 GHz
5x Super-Core
0.91 - 4.61 GHz
Core Cluster 2: 4x Blizzard
0.60 - 2.42 GHz
10x 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 Pro (15-CPU 16-GPU)
GPU nameApple M2 Max (30 Core)Apple M5 Pro (16 Core)
GPU frequency0.45 - 1.40 GHz0.34 - 1.90 GHz
CUs / Shader480 / 3840256 / 2048
Raytracing
Max. displays54
Max. GPU Memory96 GB48 GB
Technology5 nm3 nm
Release dateQ1/2023Q1/2026

NPU AI performance

Wischen
Apple M2 Max (30-GPU)Apple M5 Pro (15-CPU 16-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 Pro (15-CPU 16-GPU)
MemoryLPDDR5-6400 (409.6 GB/s)
LPDDR5X-9600 (307.2 GB/s)
Max. Memory96 GB48 GB
Memory channels44
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 Pro (15-CPU 16-GPU)
TDP45 W45 W
TDP (PL2)
TDP up
TDP down35 W
T. junction max.100 °C100 °C

Technical details

Wischen
Apple M2 Max (30-GPU)Apple M5 Pro (15-CPU 16-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 Pro (15-CPU 16-GPU) has received 4.9 stars (53 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 Pro (15-CPU 16-GPU)
Apple M5 Pro (15-CPU 16-GPU)
15C / 15T · 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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