2020 10-core i9 iMac vs 10-core M1 max MBP

[bigcat]

I own a 2020 27” iMac 10-core i9 3.6 GHz with 128gb RAM. Any one know if the new M1 max 10-core MBP w/ 64gb RAM would blow away the iMac in terms of performance/speed? Trying to decide whether to go for the MBP or wait for the next iMac. I don’t really need a laptop but would get the MBP now if it’s significantly faster than the iMac

 

[wmy5]

Yes in most types of workload and benchmarks the new M1 Pro/Max will be significantly faster, unless your workload requires 128GB of RAM.

 

[CWallace]

There is a claimed Geekbench score of an M1 MAX circulating on the web. The installed RAM is 32GB and it is running a pre-release version of macOS Monterey (21E140a).

The single core score is 1749, which is a bit better than the M1. The multi core is 11542, which some feel might be suspect. Geekbench does rate the clockspeed as 24Hz so it clearly is not reading that correctly.

Just for context, my 2020 iMac 5K 32GB 8-core i7 is 1145 / 8580.

 

[JouniS]

The M1 Max has a ~40% higher single-core and multi-core performance, which is noticeable but maybe not worth the effort. The difference in GPU performance is smaller, assuming 32 cores vs. 5700 XT. (From my point of view, the performance gain should be at least ~100% to make the upgrade worth it.)

If you bought the 128 GB RAM for a reason, the MBP could be a downgrade. If you bought it just in case because third-party RAM was effectively free, the difference should not matter.

Also, it's rarely a good idea to be an early adopter, unless you really need the new device. It's better to let other people find the issues and try to deal with them.

 

[bigcat]

Thanks folks. Yeah I think I’ll just wait for the corresponding desktop silicon replacement.

 

[Born Again]

Can I ask where you see your current set up falter on performance ? Not to mention you’ll be spending a lot more money and take a good loss on your purchase

 

[wmy5]

Thanks folks. Yeah I think I’ll just wait for the corresponding desktop silicon replacement.

Same here. 27-inch mini-LED XDR + whatever Apple Silicon for me is an instant buy.

 

[anthony13]

I have a 14” on order for my portable use but my 2020 iMac will remain my workhorse. It’s just such a joy to use and honestly unless the MacBook Pro blows it away at rendering speeds I can’t see why I’d use a 14” over an iMac display.