Apple M2 Max (38-GPU) Apple M5 (10-CPU)
VS

Apple M2 Max (38-GPU) vs Apple M5 (10-CPU)

Last updated:
The Apple M2 Max (38-GPU), based on the M2 architecture, is a high-end processor for professional creative tasks.

The Apple M5 (10-CPU), with M5 architecture, aims for efficient all-round performance for a wider audience in future devices.

Manufactured using the 5 nm process, the Apple M2 Max (38-GPU) offers a high-performance CPU and 38 GPU cores, supported by 36 MB Level 2 Cache and 410 GB/s memory bandwidth, which is also advantageous for demanding AI tasks. The Apple M5 (10-CPU), manufactured using the more advanced 3 nm process, features 10 CPU cores, 28 MB Level 2 Cache, and 154 GB/s memory bandwidth.

In benchmarks, the Apple M5 (10-CPU) surpasses the Apple M2 Max (38-GPU) in single-core and multi-core CPU performance by over 10 percent each. For gaming, the Apple M2 Max (38-GPU) is significantly superior thanks to its 38 GPU cores and high memory bandwidth. The Apple M5 (10-CPU), with its 3 nm manufacturing, offers higher energy efficiency and lower power consumption.

In terms of price, the Apple M2 Max (38-GPU) is positioned in the high-end segment, while the Apple M5 (10-CPU) will offer a better price-performance ratio for general computing power. The Apple M2 Max (38-GPU) is ideal for professional users focusing on maximum graphics performance and AI.

The Apple M5 (10-CPU) is recommended for users seeking superior CPU performance and efficiency for daily use.

Apple M2 Max (38-GPU)

  • High graphics performance with 38 GPU cores
  • 410 GB/s maximum memory bandwidth, good for AI
  • Suitable for professional creative workflows
  • Premium performance segment

Apple M5 (10-CPU)

  • Superior single-core and multi-core CPU performance
  • High energy efficiency due to 3 nm manufacturing
  • Good price-performance ratio for all-round use
  • Optimal for productivity and daily tasks

Performance Overview
Average performance across multiple benchmarks

Single-core performance
Rank 2 - 65 %
Apple M2 Max (38-GPU)
Rank 1 - 100 %
Apple M5 (10-CPU)
Multi-core performance
Rank 2 - 93 %
Apple M2 Max (38-GPU)
Rank 1 - 100 %
Apple M5 (10-CPU)
Cinebench 2024 Single-Core

Cinebench 2024 Single-Core
Single-core performance

Apple M2 Max (38-GPU)
12C / 12T · 3.50 GHz
121 pts
Apple M5 (10-CPU)
10C / 10T · 4.61 GHz
198 pts
Cinebench 2024 Multi-Core

Cinebench 2024 Multi-Core
Multi-core performance

Apple M2 Max (38-GPU)
12C / 12T · 3.50 GHz
1,025 pts
Apple M5 (10-CPU)
10C / 10T · 4.61 GHz
1,161 pts
Cinebench R23 Single-Core

Cinebench R23 Single-Core
Single-core performance

Apple M2 Max (38-GPU)
12C / 12T · 3.50 GHz
1,695 pts
Apple M5 (10-CPU)
10C / 10T · 4.61 GHz
2,411 pts
Cinebench R23 Multi-Core

Cinebench R23 Multi-Core
Multi-core performance

Apple M2 Max (38-GPU)
12C / 12T · 3.50 GHz
14,855 pts
Apple M5 (10-CPU)
10C / 10T · 3.60 GHz
13,299 pts
Geekbench 6 Single-Core

Geekbench 6 Single-Core
Single-core performance

Apple M2 Max (38-GPU)
12C / 12T · 3.50 GHz
2,689
Apple M5 (10-CPU)
10C / 10T · 4.61 GHz
4,309
Geekbench 6 Multi-Core

Geekbench 6 Multi-Core
Multi-core performance

Apple M2 Max (38-GPU)
12C / 12T · 3.50 GHz
14,207
Apple M5 (10-CPU)
10C / 10T · 3.60 GHz
17,874
iGPU - FP32 Performance (Single-precision GFLOPS)

iGPU - FP32 Performance (Single-precision GFLOPS)

Apple M2 Max (38-GPU)
Apple M2 Max (38 Core)
13,490
Apple M5 (10-CPU)
Apple M5 (10 Core)
5,133

More benchmarks

At a glance

Wischen
Apple M2 Max (38-GPU)Apple M5 (10-CPU)
FamilyApple M series (38)Apple M series (38)
CPU groupApple M2 (8)Apple M5 (6)
ArchitectureM2M5
Technology5 nm3 nm
SegmentNotebookNotebook
Socket
PredecessorApple M1 Max (32-GPU)Apple M4 (10-CPU)
Successor

CPU Cores and Base Frequency

Wischen
Apple M2 Max (38-GPU)Apple M5 (10-CPU)
CPU Cores / Threads12 / 1210 / 10
Hyperthreading / SMT
Core architecturehybrid (big.LITTLE)hybrid (big.LITTLE)
Core Cluster 1: 8x Avalanche
0.66 - 3.50 GHz
4x P-Core
0.91 - 4.61 GHz
Core Cluster 2: 4x Blizzard
0.60 - 2.42 GHz
6x E-Core
0.90 - 3.05 GHz
L2-Cache36.00 MB28.00 MB
L3-Cache
Overclocking

Integrated graphics (iGPU)

Wischen
Apple M2 Max (38-GPU)Apple M5 (10-CPU)
GPU nameApple M2 Max (38 Core)Apple M5 (10 Core)
GPU frequency0.45 - 1.40 GHz0.34 - 1.90 GHz
CUs / Shader608 / 4864160 / 1280
Raytracing
Max. displays53
Max. GPU Memory96 GB24 GB
Technology5 nm3 nm
Release dateQ1/2023Q4/2025

NPU AI performance

Wischen
Apple M2 Max (38-GPU)Apple M5 (10-CPU)
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 (38-GPU)Apple M5 (10-CPU)
MemoryLPDDR5-6400 (409.6 GB/s)
LPDDR5X-9600 (153.6 GB/s)
Max. Memory96 GB32 GB
Memory channels42
ECCNoNo
PCIe4.0 x 324.0
PCIe Bandwidth63.0 GB/s

Thermal Management

Wischen
Apple M2 Max (38-GPU)Apple M5 (10-CPU)
TDP40 W28 W
TDP (PL2)
TDP up
TDP down15 W
T. junction max.100 °C100 °C

Technical details

Wischen
Apple M2 Max (38-GPU)Apple M5 (10-CPU)
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 dateQ1/2023Q4/2025
Release price
DocumentsTechnical data sheet

Your rating

Here you can rate one or both of the processors. The average rating of Apple M2 Max (38-GPU) is 4.8 stars (89 ratings), while Apple M5 (10-CPU) has received 4.8 stars (301 ratings).

Click on the stars to rate one or both processors.

Apple M2 Max (38-GPU)
Apple M2 Max (38-GPU)
12C / 12T · 0.66 - 3.50 GHz
Apple M5 (10-CPU)
Apple M5 (10-CPU)
10C / 10T · 0.91 - 4.61 GHz

Most popular CPUs in both categories

Apple M2 Max (38-GPU)
Apple M2 Max (38-GPU)
Buy now on Amazon and save! Buy on Amazon