Aside from some of its SoC-related components, the 16-inch MacBook Pro, equipped with the M1 Max chip 16-Inch MacBook Pro M1 Pro We recently tested. We therefore perform our regular performance tests to analyze the differences and recommend you to test the M1 Pro for all other features of the system (construction, screen, audio and autonomy).
The M1 Max sent to our lab integrates 10 CPU cores (similar to the M1 Pro), but with 32 GPU cores (duplicating the M1 Pro), which ensures better performance in some applications. Other than that, our test model is equipped with 64GB of RAM, which in professional use can only have an impact during very heavy photo or video processing, and 32GB is sufficient for most users.
Processor performance of the M1 Max The processor performance of the M1 Pro is almost identical.
In fact – and although the memory bandwidth is double compared to the M1 Pro – the results of our synthetic and utility tests are similar to the results of the M1 Pro at the processor level. In fact, it’s impossible to stand alone on that side, and the M1 Max’s 32 GPU cores will only be realized in software with hardware acceleration.
32 GPU cores provide better performance in graphics applications.
The CPU + GPU ratings of the M1 Pro and M1 Max are also very close, but this is due to the choice of designer software we use in our testing protocol. In fact, for 3D rendering, Blender has not yet been upgraded to work with M1’s GPU cores and their rating is compromised. Software version 3.1, which is expected to be released in early 2022, will fix this issue. The M1 Max shows its qualities in video processing in Adobe Premiere: it was much faster and faster than the PCs fitted with the M1 Pro or the Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 graphics cards we tested. Video processing time was almost halved with the M1 Max (precisely 44% reduced); A great achievement.
Under Premier, the M1 Max is better.
For science, we started Criterion Integrated in the game Shadow of the Tomb Rider At 1920 x 1200, the graphics were set to “very high”. While the M1 Pro averaged 47 fps, the M1 Max came in at 85 fps. Impressive results for a computer without a dedicated graphics card. In the same test conducted with the Dell computer equipped with the GeForce RTX 3060 (70W), we noted that 89 FPS. Obviously, MacBooks are not intended Sports, And Nvidia’s RTX allows the use of raytracing and DLSS technologies, but the source performance is still comparable.
85 fps on Shadow of the Tomb Rider !
The MacBook Pro M1 Max is ultimately not for everyone. Only users of graphics, video or photo software that integrates hardware acceleration can take advantage of the extra GPU cores compared to the M1 Pro. At this point, our tests show an almost 80% increase in efficiency; Of course the results vary from one software to another, but offer significant benefits to professionals.
Edward Langley is a contributor to Nintendo-power.com, covering a wide range of topics including news, business, technology, entertainment, lifestyle and current affairs. He focuses on delivering clear, balanced and accessible reporting that helps readers stay informed about important developments and emerging trends. With an emphasis on accuracy, relevance and useful insights, Edward aims to provide engaging stories and practical information that matter to audiences in the UK and beyond.