Lots of comparisons on GPU performance while talking about the 32 core version. Wondering how many like me opted for the 24 core version instead.
16” M1 Max/24GPU/64GB RAM
16” M1 Max/24GPU/64GB RAM
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Anyone else get the 24 core GPU?
- Thread starter CosmoPilot
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14" M1 Max with 24 core GPU and 32GB RAM here.
I have an inkling that the 24 core option could work out to be a sweet spot for the 14" model, due to the smaller thermal envelope and lower battery capacity. My order isn't due until 17-24 Nov, so if I'm wrong and the 32 core ends up tempting me, then I can always change it and eat the longer wait time.
I have an inkling that the 24 core option could work out to be a sweet spot for the 14" model, due to the smaller thermal envelope and lower battery capacity. My order isn't due until 17-24 Nov, so if I'm wrong and the 32 core ends up tempting me, then I can always change it and eat the longer wait time.
Personally I find the 24 core to be sitting in a weird price point where it doesn't make a huge amount of sense financially. If you want to go to 24, you've got to pay for the extra RAM too. By that stage, it's only 200-ish to go to the 36 core, which feels like a pretty pointless way to cut costs when you're already above 3000.
It really depends on your use case and what the real world differences end up being between the two variants.
For example, the 24-core variant provides a lower entry cost to the Max's superior media engine and memory bandwidth for someone who does a lot of video editing but otherwise doesn't need a lot of GPU compute. For media encode/decode tasks, there is unlikely to be a tangible difference between the 24 and 32-core because of the identical media engine.
You also have to take into account that the 32-core variant will likely consume more power and produce more heat at peak performance, meaning that it may have to throttle more quickly. In sustained workloads, it may not end up being 33% faster despite having 33% more cores. Judging by the 16" model being listed as 0.1lb heavier when specified with the Max chip, and having High Power Mode, it's possible the 16" chassis sustains the 32-core's performance better than the 14" model.
Exactly this. While I am waiting for the reviews to be out today, this is the primary reason I went with 32 cores instead of the 24 core version. For my machine, it was a 5% price increase for a potential 33% performance increase from the 24c one, so it was a no-brainer actually.
I am more interested in the performance differences between the M1 Pro and M1 Max and how they affect thermals/throttling, if any.
I did. I dont do any GPU intensive things on my mac but for some reason I Wanted the 400GBS memory bandwidth. I Was getting at least 32 gig of ram anyway so that was not an extra cost. In fact I got 64 gig. Maybe its just a mental thing but I 100% did not need 32 cores but I wanted the max chip. I went back and forth on the ram even ordering then canceling a 32 gig version to get 64 but the GPU cores im fine with.
It’s an extra 8 cores, 32 total, not 36.In fact, it's a potential 50% increase in GPU performance from the 24c one, as an extra 12c on 24c is 50% more cores. So even more potential gains
In fact, it's a potential 50% increase in GPU performance from the 24c one, as an extra 12c on 24c is 50% more cores. So even more potential gains
The highest end one comes with 32 cores, not 36
But yes, I am definitely in agreement!I think this is what Apple wants you to do. If you're going for the 32GB ram anyway, then the upgrade is just an extra $200 and gives you twice as fast RAM and additional GPU performance, even if you end up not using it.
Ah my bad, got confused with the numbers there, currently suffering from a bad flu so brain isn't working 100% - maybe that's why I'm handing Apple the extra cash without hesitation
The highest end one comes with 32 cores, not 36
I think this is what Apple wants you to do. If you're going for the 32GB ram anyway, then the upgrade is just an extra $200 and gives you twice as fast RAM and additional GPU performance, even if you end up not using it.
And it is starting to look like maybe extra cooling and some sort of speed mode for the 16 Max only.
I went with the 14" M1 Max: 24 core GPU /32GB RAM. I am a data analyst and I do very little graphic intensive tasks for work. I did want the 400GBS memory bandwidth and I believe the 24 GPU is going to be more than enough for my workflow.
I am a gamer, but I recently purchased a gaming PC and Apple's limited gaming options and lack of AAA games will be wasted on the amazing GPU performance of the M1 Max 32 Core GPU (at least not for now, hopefully developers are inspired to port more games).
Also let's be honest, this is a 1st gen product in terms of both MacBook redesign and Apple Silicon, so I did not want to fully spec it out. I'm sure 2 years from now I will be tempted to upgrade as the technology matures.
I am a gamer, but I recently purchased a gaming PC and Apple's limited gaming options and lack of AAA games will be wasted on the amazing GPU performance of the M1 Max 32 Core GPU (at least not for now, hopefully developers are inspired to port more games).
Also let's be honest, this is a 1st gen product in terms of both MacBook redesign and Apple Silicon, so I did not want to fully spec it out. I'm sure 2 years from now I will be tempted to upgrade as the technology matures.