Apple recently launched its new MacBook Pro models featuring the M4 family of chips, including the M4, M4 Pro, and the standout M4 Max. While the M4 Pro has already impressed with its performance in the Mac mini, the M4 Max takes things to a whole new level, rivaling some of the top PC chips on the market. Here’s what you need to know about this powerful new chip and how it compares to previous Apple silicon and its PC counterparts.
M4 Max Performance Overview
Geekbench Scores
Initial tests using Geekbench 6 reveal that the M4 Max is incredibly powerful:
- Single-Core Score: 4060
- Multi-Core Score: 26675
These scores show a significant jump over the previous generation:
- M3 Max: Multi-Core Score of 21097
- M2 Ultra: Multi-Core Score of 21471
This means the M4 Max is about 26% faster than the M3 Max and roughly 24% faster than the M2 Ultra.
Comparison with PC Chips
When compared to high-end PC chips, the M4 Max continues to impress:
- AMD Ryzen 9 9950X:
- Single-Core Score: 3630
- Multi-Core Score: 26653
- Intel Core i9-14900K:
- Single-Core Score: 3144
- Multi-Core Score: 23044
The M4 Max not only outperforms both of these chips in single-core tasks but also matches or exceeds their multi-core capabilities. Specifically, it is about 15% faster than Intel’s best desktop offering, showcasing that this laptop chip is a formidable competitor in the CPU market.
What’s Next: M4 Ultra
Apple has plans to introduce the M4 Ultra, which is expected to deliver even more power. This chip will combine two M4 Max dies using Apple’s UltraFusion technology, potentially doubling its performance. We can expect to see the M4 Ultra mid-next year in devices like the Mac Studio and Mac Pro.
Conclusion
The M4 Max is a game-changer for Apple’s MacBook Pro lineup, setting a new benchmark for laptop performance. Its ability to outpace previous Apple chips and high-end PC processors positions it as a leading option for professionals needing top-tier performance in a portable form. As we await the arrival of the M4 Ultra, it’s clear that Apple continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in computing.
