Apple M1 Max

Apple M1 Max

Apple M1 Max: Power and Efficiency in One Package

(Relevant as of March 2025)


Architecture and Process Technology: Why is the M1 Max Still Relevant?

The Apple M1 Max processor, released in 2021, remains in demand in 2025 due to its unique architecture. It is built on TSMC's 5nm process, which ensures a high transistor density (57 billion) and energy efficiency.

- Cores and Threads: 10-core structure (8 Performance-cores + 2 Efficiency-cores). All cores operate on 10 threads, as Apple does not use Hyper-Threading. P-cores are responsible for heavy tasks (base frequency — 2.0 GHz, turbo — 3.2 GHz), while E-cores (up to 2.06 GHz) save charge during background processes.

- Integrated Graphics: 32-core GPU with support for Metal 3 API. Its performance is comparable to entry-level discrete graphics cards like the NVIDIA RTX 3060 Mobile in rendering tasks but is weaker in gaming due to optimizations for macOS.

Example: In Final Cut Pro, rendering 8K video takes 30% less time than on the Intel Core i9-13900H with NVIDIA RTX 4070.


Power Consumption and TDP: How Apple Defies the Laws of Physics

The TDP of the processor is 60W, which for competitors means the need for massive cooling. However, thanks to the optimization of the ARM architecture and macOS, the M1 Max maintains low temperatures even under load.

- Real Energy Efficiency: In Cinebench R23 tests under 100% load, consumption does not exceed 45W, while the Intel Core i9-14900H consumes 95W in a similar scenario.

- Heat Dissipation: The MacBook Pro with M1 Max does not require complex cooling systems — just two compact fans are sufficient.

Tip: For video editing on the go, the M1 Max is preferable to "hot" Intel/AMD laptops that quickly overheat.


Performance: Faster Than It Seems

Office Tasks:

- Running 50 tabs in Chrome + Photoshop + Slack — without lag.

- Geekbench 6 Single-Core: 2355 points (higher than Ryzen 9 7940HS).

Multimedia:

- Exporting a 1-hour 4K video in DaVinci Resolve: 8 minutes (against 12 minutes for RTX 4070).

- Turbo mode activates automatically, maintaining 3.2 GHz for up to 15 minutes without throttling.

Gaming:

- Cyberpunk 2077 (via Rosetta 2) — 45 FPS at 1440p on medium settings.

- Resident Evil 4 Remake (native version) — 60 FPS at 1600p.

Limitation: Few AAA games natively support macOS.


Use Cases: Who Needs the M1 Max in 2025?

1. Professionals: Video editors, 3D designers, musicians (audio processing logic in Logic Pro).

2. Developers: Code compilation in Xcode works 20% faster than on M2 Pro.

3. Travelers: Power without being tethered to a wall outlet.

Who Should Avoid It:

- Gamers reliant on the Windows ecosystem.

- Users of specialized software (e.g., AutoCAD).


Battery Life: The Revolution Continues

The MacBook Pro 16" with M1 Max offers:

- 14 hours of web browsing (against 6 to 8 hours on Dell XPS 17 with Intel).

- 10 hours of video rendering.

Power-Saving Technologies:

- Dynamic workload distribution between P- and E-cores.

- Hardware acceleration for video encoding/decoding (ProRes).

Example: At 20% brightness and working in Safari, the battery loses 10% over 2 hours.


Comparison with Competitors: Who’s Leading?

- Apple M3 Pro (2024): 15% faster in multithreaded tasks but more expensive ($3000+).

- Intel Core Ultra 9 185H: Better for gaming but only 5 hours of battery life.

- AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS: Cheaper ($1800) but lags behind in Single-Core performance.

Conclusion: The M1 Max remains a great choice in the secondary market (new models starting at $2000).


Pros and Cons

Strengths:

- Best performance per watt.

- Silent operation.

- Support for the macOS ecosystem (e.g., Continuity).

Weaknesses:

- High price (new MacBook Pros starting at $2499).

- Non-removable RAM and SSD.


Laptop Selection Recommendations

- Workstation: MacBook Pro 16" (32 GB RAM + 1 TB SSD).

- For Design: An XDR monitor is essential for accurate color reproduction.

What to Look For:

- SSD capacity (minimum 1 TB for 4K projects).

- Support for external monitors (M1 Max works with 4 6K displays).


Final Verdict: Is the M1 Max Worth It in 2025?

This processor is ideal for:

- Professionals who value mobility and power.

- macOS users who do not require gaming capabilities.

Key Benefits:

- Time savings in resource-intensive tasks.

- Uncompromised performance anywhere.

If your budget is limited, consider the M2 Pro or a used M1 Max (starting at $1600). However, for the most demanding projects, the M1 Max still challenges modern counterparts.

Basic

Label Name
Apple
Platform
Laptop
Launch Date
May 2022
Model Name
?
The Intel processor number is just one of several factors - along with processor brand, system configurations, and system-level benchmarks - to be considered when choosing the right processor for your computing needs.
M1 Max

CPU Specifications

Total Cores
?
Cores is a hardware term that describes the number of independent central processing units in a single computing component (die or chip).
10
Total Threads
?
Where applicable, Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology is only available on Performance-cores.
10
Performance-cores
10
Performance-core Base Frequency
2.0 GHz
Performance-core Max Turbo Frequency
?
Maximum P-core turbo frequency derived from Intel® Turbo Boost Technology.
3.2 GHz
L1 Cache
192K per core
L2 Cache
24MB shared
CPU Socket
?
The socket is the component that provides the mechanical and electrical connections between the processor and motherboard.
Apple M-Socket
Technology
?
Lithography refers to the semiconductor technology used to manufacture an integrated circuit, and is reported in nanometer (nm), indicative of the size of features built on the semiconductor.
5 nm
TDP
60 W

Memory Specifications

Memory Type
?
Intel® processors come in four different types: Single Channel, Dual Channel, Triple Channel, and Flex Mode. Maximum supported memory speed may be lower when populating multiple DIMMs per channel on products that support multiple memory channels.
LPDDR5-6400
Max Memory Size
?
Max memory size refers to the maximum memory capacity supported by the processor.
64GB
Memory Channels
?
The number of memory channels refers to the bandwidth operation for real world application.
8

GPU Specifications

Integrated Graphics Model
?
An integrated GPU refers to the graphics core that is integrated into the CPU processor. Leveraging the processor's powerful computational capabilities and intelligent power efficiency management, it delivers outstanding graphics performance and a smooth application experience at a lower power consumption.
True

Benchmarks

Cinebench R23
Single Core Score
1563
Cinebench R23
Multi Core Score
12629
Geekbench 6
Single Core Score
2355
Geekbench 6
Multi Core Score
12259
Geekbench 5
Single Core Score
1783
Geekbench 5
Multi Core Score
12511
Passmark CPU
Single Core Score
3837
Passmark CPU
Multi Core Score
22081
Cinebench 2024
Single Core Score
116
Cinebench 2024
Multi Core Score
809
Cinebench 2024 GPU
Score
4514
Blender
Score
214

Compared to Other CPU

Cinebench R23 Single Core
2067 +32.2%
1782 +14%
1563
1265 -19.1%
1008 -35.5%
Cinebench R23 Multi Core
29064 +130.1%
15767 +24.8%
12629
9720 -23%
3567 -71.8%
Geekbench 6 Single Core
2660 +13%
2504 +6.3%
2355
2242 -4.8%
2162 -8.2%
Geekbench 6 Multi Core
14716 +20%
12259
10606 -13.5%
Geekbench 5 Single Core
2036 +14.2%
1875 +5.2%
1783
1704 -4.4%
1643 -7.9%
Geekbench 5 Multi Core
15330 +22.5%
13908 +11.2%
12511
10547 -15.7%
Passmark CPU Single Core
3912 +2%
3837
3741 -2.5%
3655 -4.7%
Passmark CPU Multi Core
23650 +7.1%
22896 +3.7%
22081
21278 -3.6%
20511 -7.1%
Cinebench 2024 Single Core
129 +11.2%
124 +6.9%
116
M1
110 -5.2%
107 -7.8%
Cinebench 2024 Multi Core
1203 +48.7%
960 +18.7%
809
M2
566 -30%
Cinebench 2024 GPU
6764 +49.8%
5968 +32.2%
4514
M3
3135 -30.5%
M2
1739 -61.5%
Blender
1154 +439.3%
296 +38.3%
214
139 -35%
63 -70.6%