Apple M4 (10-CPU) Apple M3 Max (16-CPU 40-GPU)
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Apple M4 (10-CPU) vs Apple M3 Max (16-CPU 40-GPU)

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The Apple M3 Max (16-CPU 40-GPU) is a processor based on the M3 architecture, aimed at demanding professional workflows such as video editing, 3D rendering, and software development.

Manufactured using Apple's state-of-the-art 3nm process, it features 16 CPU cores, an integrated graphics unit with 40 cores, and 36 MB of L2 cache. Its maximum memory bandwidth of 410 GB/s also enables good AI performance. In multi-core tasks and graphics performance, it significantly surpasses the Apple M4.

Its design aims for maximum sustained performance, which is reflected in its ability to efficiently handle complex tasks. The Apple M4 (10-CPU) is based on the newer M4 architecture and is designed for devices that require high efficiency, improved performance per watt, and advanced AI capabilities in slim form factors.

Also manufactured using the 3nm process, it is equipped with 10 CPU cores and a 10-core GPU, complemented by 20 MB of L2 cache. The maximum memory bandwidth is 120 GB/s. In single-core performance, the Apple M4 shows slight advantages over the Apple M3 Max, indicating architectural improvements. It focuses on high performance within tight thermal limits and optimized energy consumption.

In single-core performance, the Apple M4 shows advantages, indicating architectural advancements. In the multi-core domain, however, the Apple M3 Max significantly surpasses the Apple M4 due to its larger number of CPU cores. For gaming scenarios, the Apple M3 Max is the superior choice. Its 40-core GPU offers significantly higher graphics performance, and the notably higher memory bandwidth contributes to a better experience in graphics-intensive applications.

The Apple M3 Max is designed for maximum sustained performance, which means higher power consumption under full load. The Apple M4 focuses on improved efficiency, delivering high performance within tight thermal limits. The Apple M3 Max positions itself in the premium segment for professional applications.

The Apple M4 offers advanced technology in high-end consumer devices with a focus on efficiency. The Apple M3 Max is the choice for users who require uncompromising computing and graphics performance for professional applications where multi-core performance and GPU capabilities are crucial. The Apple M4 is excellently suited for users seeking excellent single-core performance, high energy efficiency, and advanced AI features in a high-performance and mobile device.

Apple M3 Max (16-CPU 40-GPU)

  • Superior multi-core performance for professional applications.
  • Significantly higher graphics performance due to 40-core GPU.
  • High memory bandwidth of 410 GB/s, beneficial for AI workloads.
  • Ideal for demanding video editing and 3D rendering.

Apple M4 (10-CPU)

  • Excellent single-core performance due to architectural advancements.
  • High energy efficiency and performance per watt.
  • Advanced AI capabilities in a compact design.
  • Suitable for high-performance devices with a focus on mobility.

Performance Overview
Average performance across multiple benchmarks

Single-core performance
Rank 1 - 100 %
Apple M4 (10-CPU)
Rank 2 - 85 %
Apple M3 Max (16-CPU 40-GPU)
Multi-core performance
Rank 2 - 61 %
Apple M4 (10-CPU)
Rank 1 - 100 %
Apple M3 Max (16-CPU 40-GPU)
Cinebench 2026 Single-Thread

Cinebench 2026 Single-Thread
Single-core performance

Apple M4 (10-CPU)
10C / 10T · 4.46 GHz
653 pts
Apple M3 Max (16-CPU 40-GPU)
16C / 16T · 4.06 GHz
560 pts
Cinebench 2026 Multi-Core

Cinebench 2026 Multi-Core
Multi-core performance

Apple M4 (10-CPU)
10C / 10T · 4.46 GHz
3,908 pts
Apple M3 Max (16-CPU 40-GPU)
16C / 16T · 4.06 GHz
6,740 pts
Cinebench 2024 Single-Core

Cinebench 2024 Single-Core
Single-core performance

Apple M4 (10-CPU)
10C / 10T · 4.46 GHz
175 pts
Apple M3 Max (16-CPU 40-GPU)
16C / 16T · 4.06 GHz
141 pts
Cinebench 2024 Multi-Core

Cinebench 2024 Multi-Core
Multi-core performance

Apple M4 (10-CPU)
10C / 10T · 4.46 GHz
962 pts
Apple M3 Max (16-CPU 40-GPU)
16C / 16T · 4.06 GHz
1,607 pts
Cinebench R23 Single-Core

Cinebench R23 Single-Core
Single-core performance

Apple M4 (10-CPU)
10C / 10T · 4.46 GHz
2,161 pts
Apple M3 Max (16-CPU 40-GPU)
16C / 16T · 4.06 GHz
1,968 pts
Cinebench R23 Multi-Core

Cinebench R23 Multi-Core
Multi-core performance

Apple M4 (10-CPU)
10C / 10T · 0.91 GHz
13,682 pts
Apple M3 Max (16-CPU 40-GPU)
16C / 16T · 3.60 GHz
24,028 pts
Geekbench 6 Single-Core

Geekbench 6 Single-Core
Single-core performance

Apple M4 (10-CPU)
10C / 10T · 4.46 GHz
3,810
Apple M3 Max (16-CPU 40-GPU)
16C / 16T · 4.06 GHz
3,125
Geekbench 6 Multi-Core

Geekbench 6 Multi-Core
Multi-core performance

Apple M4 (10-CPU)
10C / 10T · 0.91 GHz
14,934
Apple M3 Max (16-CPU 40-GPU)
16C / 16T · 3.60 GHz
21,045
Geekbench 5, 64bit Single-Core

Geekbench 5, 64bit Single-Core
Single-core performance

Apple M4 (10-CPU)
10C / 10T · 4.46 GHz
2,491
Apple M3 Max (16-CPU 40-GPU)
16C / 16T · 4.06 GHz
2,150
Geekbench 5, 64bit Multi-Core

Geekbench 5, 64bit Multi-Core
Multi-core performance

Apple M4 (10-CPU)
10C / 10T · 0.91 GHz
12,509
Apple M3 Max (16-CPU 40-GPU)
16C / 16T · 3.60 GHz
22,736
iGPU - FP32 Performance (Single-precision GFLOPS)

iGPU - FP32 Performance (Single-precision GFLOPS)

Apple M4 (10-CPU)
Apple M4 (10 Core)
4,260
Apple M3 Max (16-CPU 40-GPU)
Apple M3 Max (40 Core)
14,200
AI performance (NPU)

AI performance (NPU)

Apple M4 (10-CPU)
10C / 10T · 0.91 GHz
38.0 TOPS
Apple M3 Max (16-CPU 40-GPU)
16C / 16T · 0.70 GHz
35.0 TOPS

More benchmarks

At a glance

Wischen
Apple M4 (10-CPU)Apple M3 Max (16-CPU 40-GPU)
FamilyApple M series (38)Apple M series (38)
CPU groupApple M4 (7)Apple M3 (6)
ArchitectureM4M3
Technology3 nm3 nm
SegmentNotebookNotebook
Socket
PredecessorApple M3Apple M2 Max (30-GPU)
SuccessorApple M5 (10-CPU)Apple M4 Max (16-CPU 40-GPU)

CPU Cores and Base Frequency

Wischen
Apple M4 (10-CPU)Apple M3 Max (16-CPU 40-GPU)
CPU Cores / Threads10 / 1016 / 16
Hyperthreading / SMT
Core architecturehybrid (big.LITTLE)hybrid (big.LITTLE)
Core Cluster 1: 4x Donan P-Core
0.91 - 4.46 GHz
12x Palma P-Core
0.70 - 4.06 GHz
Core Cluster 2: 6x Donan E-Core
0.90 - 2.89 GHz
4x Palma E-Core
0.74 - 2.75 GHz
L2-Cache20.00 MB36.00 MB
L3-Cache
Overclocking

Integrated graphics (iGPU)

Wischen
Apple M4 (10-CPU)Apple M3 Max (16-CPU 40-GPU)
GPU nameApple M4 (10 Core)Apple M3 Max (40 Core)
GPU frequency0.34 - 1.58 GHz0.39 - 1.40 GHz
CUs / Shader160 / 1280640 / 5120
Raytracing
Max. displays35
Max. GPU Memory24 GB128 GB
Technology3 nm3 nm
Release dateQ2/2024Q4/2023

NPU AI performance

Wischen
Apple M4 (10-CPU)Apple M3 Max (16-CPU 40-GPU)
AI hardwareApple Neural EngineApple Neural Engine
AI specifications16 Neural cores @ 38 TOPS16 Neural cores @ 35 TOPS
NPU + CPU + iGPU

Memory & PCIe

Wischen
Apple M4 (10-CPU)Apple M3 Max (16-CPU 40-GPU)
MemoryLPDDR5X-7500 (120.0 GB/s)
LPDDR5-6400 (409.6 GB/s)
Max. Memory32 GB128 GB
Memory channels24
ECCNoNo
PCIe4.04.0
PCIe Bandwidth

Thermal Management

Wischen
Apple M4 (10-CPU)Apple M3 Max (16-CPU 40-GPU)
TDP25 W57 W
TDP (PL2)
TDP up
TDP down
T. junction max.100 °C100 °C

Technical details

Wischen
Apple M4 (10-CPU)Apple M3 Max (16-CPU 40-GPU)
Chip designMonolithicMonolithic
AES-NI
Operating systemsmacOS, iPadOSmacOS, iPadOS
Instruction setArmv9.2-A (64 bit)Armv8-A (64 bit)
ISA extensionsRosetta 2 x86-Emulation, AVX2, SMERosetta 2 x86-Emulation
Release dateQ2/2024Q4/2023
Release price
DocumentsTechnical data sheet

Your rating

Here you can rate one or both of the processors. The average rating of Apple M4 (10-CPU) is 4.7 stars (615 ratings), while Apple M3 Max (16-CPU 40-GPU) has received 4.9 stars (636 ratings).

Click on the stars to rate one or both processors.

Apple M4 (10-CPU)
Apple M4 (10-CPU)
10C / 10T · 0.91 - 4.46 GHz
Apple M3 Max (16-CPU 40-GPU)
Apple M3 Max (16-CPU 40-GPU)
16C / 16T · 0.70 - 4.06 GHz

Most popular CPUs in both categories

Apple M4 (10-CPU)
Apple M4 (10-CPU)
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