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Apple M2 Max vs. M1 Max: Specs and Full Comparison

Apple M2 Max vs Apple M1 Max featured image

Apple M2 Max vs. M1 Max: Specs and Full Comparison

Key Points

  • The Apple M2 Max and M1 Max are both processors that have high-quality performance and capabilities.
  • The M2 Max offers a higher clock speed of 3.6 GHz, making it ideal for intensive tasks and increasing productivity.
  • The M2 Max has a higher CPU core count and GPU core count compared to the M1 Max, resulting in better performance for heavy-duty tasks and gaming.

Apple is revolutionizing the world by delivering reliable processors with exceptional capabilities. Notably, these two processors, the Apple M2 Max vs. M1 Max, are improvements of previous chips that provide incredible results to suit various needs. 

Consequently, users are now empowered to handle complex tasks owing to the impressive speeds. This article aims to help you distinguish their unique features, assisting you in selecting the most fitting choice for your needs.

More importantly, Apple is carving a niche in the computing arena by delivering incredible chips to handle individual tasks and enhance user experience. It’s become a norm that we should expect a new set of features for every new release. This post will help you understand the specs of these two processors and how they will impact the future of Mac computing

Apple M2 Max vs. M1 Max Side-by-Side Comparison

CriteriaM2 MaxM1 Max
CPU12 core10 core
GPUUp to 38 coreUp to 32 core
Unified memoryUp to 96GBUp to 64GB
Storage8TB8TB
Neural engine16 core16 core
Release date20232022
Transistors67 billion57 billion
ArchitectureARMARM
Technology5nm5nm
Mac compatibilityFuture Mac modelsSome existing Mac models
Power efficiencyMore energy efficient Efficient
Best Overall
Apple 2023 MacBook Pro Laptop M2 Max
$3,815.00
  • Up to 22 hours of battery life
  • 12 CPU cores, 38 GPU cores, and up to 32GB of unified memory
  • 1080p FaceTime HD camera
  • Features a MagSafe charging port, 3 Thunderbolt 4 ports, an SDXC card slot, an HDMI port, and a headphone jack
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
11/30/2023 06:39 am GMT

Apple M2 Max vs. M1 Max: What’s the Difference?

People always want dependable processors, so we will compare the Apple M2 Max vs. M1 Max to help you make the right choice. Importantly, these chips share certain features. For example, they both have advanced neural engines and high core counts, which are crucial for heavy-duty tasks. However, with these notable similarities, consumers find it challenging to pick the best one that suits their needs.

Therefore, it’s helpful to understand the differences between these two chips to help you choose the suitable one for the right task. We’ve comprehensively made this easy for you to see how the M1 Max and M2 Max differ in certain aspects:

  • Clock Speed
  • CPU and GPU Cores 
  • Memory Configuration 
  • Neural Engine 
  • Power Consumption 
  • Price 

Clock Speed

Speed significantly determines how fast the CPU retrieves and interprets instructions. For instance, higher speed implies that your devices will process more tasks, increasing efficiency.

The Apple M2 Max boasts a decent speed of 3.6 GHz, taking its performance to another level. What boosts this speed is the presence of higher core counts and advanced architecture. 

Even so, these settings help this processor execute multiple tasks and give accurate outputs within a fraction of a second. Such exceptional speed makes M2 handle intensive tasks and other complex simulations efficiently. If you use Apple M2 Max, you can achieve quicker file transfers and faster app launches, increasing productivity.  

Conversely, M1 Max offers a clock speed of 3.1 GHz. Although this speed is slightly lower than M2 Max, it still delivers exceptional video editing and gaming results. 

CPU and GPU Cores 

Both processors have different CPU and GPU settings. The M1 Max features a 10-core CPU consisting of two efficiency cores and eight high-performing cores. In contrast, the Apple M2 has 12 CPU cores which means it can calculate one thread in parallel, making it perform better than the M1 Max. 

The advantage of having a higher CPU core count is that every core can tackle unique data threads simultaneously. M2 Max offers higher clock speeds, making it suitable for highly demanding tasks.

Moreover, the Apple M2 Max also enjoys a 38-core GPU, whereas the M1 Max features a 32-core GPU. Consequently, Apple M2 Max performs better than M1. A high GPU core count is necessary for intensive tasks like gaming. 

Similarly, the Apple M2 Max takes the visual experience to the next level with enhanced graphics, surpassing its predecessor, the M1. With advancements in rendering and gaming prowess, you will be drawn into a world of vibrant, lifelike detail.

Memory Configuration 

Memory is a crucial element that determines the performance of your computer. For example, if your computer has more RAM, it will have more operational data for your systems. A larger memory is suitable for intensive applications like 3D modeling or gaming. 

The Apple M2 Max supports decent unified memory of up to 192GB. Furthermore, it has 800GB of memory bandwidth. These memory capacities eliminate the need for data swapping while promoting smoother performance. You may require this memory for high-resolution video editing and other highly intensive workloads. 

Conversely, the M1 Max features 64GB of memory, making it a reliable choice for many users. Its capacity for multitasking and smoothly running resource-intensive applications is impressive.

Neural Engine 

These two processors have different neutral engine capabilities. These engines are vital in speeding up AI and machine learning tasks, enabling advanced functions like image processing and facial recognition.

The M1 boasts a 16-core neural engine, enhancing AI-related tasks tremendously. As a result, users enjoy swift and precise outcomes in machine-learning tasks.

On the other hand, the Apple M2 Max, with its robust 16-core neural engine, excels at speedy processing. It can perform 15.8 trillion operations per second, outdoing the M1 Max, and significantly improves tasks like voice recognition and video analysis.

Power Consumption 

Energy efficiency is essential to any device as it directly affects battery life. The Apple M2 Max and M1 Max have varying power capabilities. The M2 Max has a low power consumption rated at 20 watts, thanks to the second-generation energy efficiency mechanism. 

Conversely, the M1 Max consumes more power at 40 watts. However, this high power consumption does not affect your user experience negatively. If you want a processor that lasts a long time, we recommend choosing the M2 Max chip. It will provide you with the best performance for an extended period.

Price 

How do the Apple M2 Max vs. M1 Max compare costs? Typically, Apple releases products with varying price tags to suit different consumers. Several factors compel companies to arrive at their pricing. 

For instance, a high-performing chip means its price point will be higher since consumers expect top-tier performance from the same product. The M2 Max comes with a premium price due to its more advanced features and capabilities than its M1 Max counterpart. 

The Apple M2 Max is worth your top dollar due to its improved design, graphics, and performance. It is a high-performing chip, especially when handling highly intensive tasks like gaming, video editing, or graphic design

Since most of the features in M1 Max do not measure up to those in M2 Max, you will expect it to carry a slightly lower price point. However, your selection between the two choices depends on your needs and budget.

Best Mini
Mac mini Apple M1 chip 8GB Memory 256GB SSD MGNR3LL/A (Renewed)
$419.00
  • Compact and sleek design
  • Wi-Fi wireless connectivity
  • 8TB of SSD storage for your apps, games and more 
  • M1 Max/M1 Ultra chip for ultrafast performance
  • Up to 32-core Neural Engine for AML
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
11/29/2023 03:16 am GMT

Apple M2 Max vs. M1 Max: 6 Must-Know Facts

  • M2 Max has higher core counts than M1 Max, making it process tasks faster and more efficiently. 
  • The M2 Max carries a higher price tag than the M1 Max due to its improved capabilities and features. 
  • The Apple M2 Max supports a more extensive memory configuration than the M1 Max, making it attractive, especially when handling highly intensive tasks. 
  • The M2 Max is more energy efficient than its M1 Max counterpart, increasing battery lifespan. 
  • The M2 Max has 67 billion transistors, whereas the M1 Max boasts 57 billion. 
  • M2 Max has 38 GPU cores, while M1 Max has 32 GPU cores. 

Apple M2 Max vs. M1 Max: Which Should You Choose?

Finding the right choice can be challenging, particularly when you can’t clearly distinguish between two processors. However, by comparing the Apple M2 Max vs. M1 Max, we can provide you with more reasons to help you find a suitable processor that meets your needs effectively.

If you frequently handle highly demanding tasks like gaming or 3-D rendering that require greater processing power, M2 Max would be the best choice. In contrast, if you are dealing with applications that do not demand cutting-edge performance, M1 Max would be the best pick. 

Budget is a critical concern when choosing between the two Apple processors. If you are looking for a better processor with state-of-the-art features to handle your demanding tasks, M2 Max will be a suitable option. On the other hand, suppose you are operating under budgetary constraints; we recommend you opt for M1 Max. 

In addition, the M2 Max is also perfect for power-hungry tasks, delivering strong performance while conserving energy and generating less heat. However, the M1 Max would be the best choice for lighter workloads.

  1. Apple 2023 MacBook Pro Laptop M2 Max
    $3,815.00
    • Up to 22 hours of battery life
    • 12 CPU cores, 38 GPU cores, and up to 32GB of unified memory
    • 1080p FaceTime HD camera
    • Features a MagSafe charging port, 3 Thunderbolt 4 ports, an SDXC card slot, an HDMI port, and a headphone jack
    Buy Now on Amazon

    We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

    11/30/2023 06:39 am GMT
  2. Mac mini Apple M1 chip 8GB Memory 256GB SSD MGNR3LL/A (Renewed)
    $419.00
    • Compact and sleek design
    • Wi-Fi wireless connectivity
    • 8TB of SSD storage for your apps, games and more 
    • M1 Max/M1 Ultra chip for ultrafast performance
    • Up to 32-core Neural Engine for AML
    Buy on Amazon

    We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

    11/29/2023 03:16 am GMT
Apple M2 Max vs Apple M1 Max infographic

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Apple M2 Max outperform the M1 Max?

The Apple M2 Max outperforms the M1 Max in many ways. Firstly, this processor has more cores than the M1 Max, which makes it process its tasks faster. Furthermore, supporting a higher memory configuration makes it more reliable for processing high-demanding workloads like video editing.

Can M2 Max support multiple monitors?

The M2 Max processor is really strong and can handle many screens. Let’s take the MacBook Pro 16-inch and MacBook Pro 14-inch as examples. Both of these laptops use the M2 Max chip. What’s interesting is that these two models can connect to at least four additional monitors all at once. That means you can have a total of five screens running together. Additionally,  each external monitor can have a super smooth 240 Hz refresh rate and an incredibly sharp 8K resolution.

Which MacBook Pros have M1 Max and m2 max?

The Apple MacBook Pro 16 from 2021 runs on an M1 Max chip. Subsequently, the company introduced the M2 Max chip, which can be found in the Apple MacBook Pro 16 from 2023. These represent the MacBook Pros with the M1 Max and M2 Max, respectively.

What is the importance of having a power-efficient chip?

A power-efficient chip consumes less power due to lower voltage, reducing operational costs. This efficiency significantly extends the functional duration of any system reliant on existing battery technology. Moreover, it’s particularly crucial for portable or mobile systems, enhancing their usability and performance.

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