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Here's How Much Faster M4 Pro/Max Are for Graphics vs. M3 Pro/Max

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Apple's new M4 Pro and M4 Max chips are impressively fast in terms of CPU performance, topping the M2 Ultra, but what about graphics performance?

M3-Pro-Max-vs-M4-Pro-Max-Feature.jpg

The first Geekbench 6 results for GPU performance are now available for the M4 Pro and M4 Max, and the Metal scores reveal some impressive year-over-year gains. Based on the Metal scores that are available so far, the M4 Pro and M4 Max are up to around 40% and 25% faster for graphics than the M3 Pro and M3 Max chips, respectively.

The new 16-inch MacBook Pro with the highest-end M4 Max with a 40-core GPU has up to 85% as fast graphics as the Mac Studio with the highest-end M2 Ultra chip with a 76-core GPU, despite having 36 fewer GPU cores, according to the results.

Here is a comparison of the average Metal scores:


Article Link: Here's How Much Faster M4 Pro/Max Are for Graphics vs. M3 Pro/Max
 
Article Link
https://www.macrumors.com/2024/11/01/m4-pro-m4-max-graphics-benchmarks/
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It seems this is where the M4 Max really shines. CPU wise, the difference between M4 Pro and M4 Max is probably too small for most users to notice but for GPU heavy workloads (like mine) those extra cores will come in handy. I’m still waiting to see how significant the raytracing improvements are.

The M3 Max still looks good here too. Of course the biggest advantage to the M4 generation will be AI abilities (which Apple is still playing catch up) so for users who don’t care about AI, M3 Max might still be a great option.
 
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Does the CPU or GPU affect the Media Engine? Are there any benchmarks on the differences comparing that amongst the models? FCPx I guess.
 
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Throwing my M3 Pro Macbook Pro to the trash can now. j/k. As impressive as these upgrades are, I got mine for almost 500 off from what it typically goes in my country, and does everything I need instantly. Should serve me well for a few years
 
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terminator-jq said:
It seems this is where the M4 Max really shines. CPU wise, the difference between M4 Pro and M4 Max is probably too small for most users to notice but for GPU heavy workloads (like mine) those extra cores will come in handy.
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This has always been the case. Remember that in the M1 generation, the Pro and Max had literally the same CPU, down to everything.
 
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JCCL said:
Throwing my M3 Pro Macbook Pro to the trash can now. j/k. As impressive as these upgrades are, I got mine for almost 500 off from what it typically goes in my country, and does everything I need instantly. Should serve me well for a few years
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Should throw it in the trash where it belongs!!!!
 
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Interesting, but I have learned that geekbench is really just geekbench. Be curious to see what real world tests show, as speed has more to do with how apps tap into the resources, and how the system can handle extended use at a high level.
 
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JCCL said:
Throwing my M3 Pro Macbook Pro to the trash can now. j/k. As impressive as these upgrades are, I got mine for almost 500 off from what it typically goes in my country, and does everything I need instantly. Should serve me well for a few years
Click to expand...
My M3 Max 16/40/64GB/2TB cost me £700 less due to being an apple refurbished.
 
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Very tempted by these new MBPs but then I realize that over the past three years I have had my M1 Max MBP I can't recall a single time where I felt it's processing power was slowing down my workflow. I'm an architect who mostly uses AutoCAD and Sketchup but even with the most complex 3D model I work with I've never noticed any lag on orbiting it. Maybe I'll start using on device AI more and notice some difference but unless a new computer can gain me a few minutes of productivity every day it's not worth the expense.

The build quality on these MBPs is also superb, mine still looks and functions like brand new. Before my M1 Max MBP I used PC laptops and even so called "professional grade" ones like the Lenovo ThinkPad needing replacing about every two years just due to poor build quality.
 
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Was a little nervous to buy an M2 Ultra this summer after my MBP died, what with the architecture already being two years old. But it's impressive that the chipset continues to be the Mac's highest overall performer. Suggests Apple was sincere about building a pro-level machine, where the performance would hold strong over multiple consumer cycles. Very excited to see what the next iteration brings, particularly in terms of grfx performance.
 
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conclusion:
GPU cores don’t scale as well as CPU cores

I’m wondering why 🤔
 
terminator-jq said:
It seems this is where the M4 Max really shines. CPU wise, the difference between M4 Pro and M4 Max is probably too small for most users to notice but for GPU heavy workloads (like mine) those extra cores will come in handy. I’m still waiting to see how significant the raytracing improvements are.

The M3 Max still looks good here too. Of course the biggest advantage to the M4 generation will be AI abilities (which Apple is still playing catch up) so for users who don’t care about AI, M3 Max might still be a great option.
Click to expand...
Another question is whether the M4 Max contains the Ultrafusion interconnect that was missing on the M3. If not, the theory that the M4 Ultra will be released as a standalone chip seems correct.
 
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GuthrieAZ said:
Very tempted by these new MBPs but then I realize that over the past three years I have had my M1 Max MBP I can't recall a single time where I felt it's processing power was slowing down my workflow. I'm an architect who mostly uses AutoCAD and Sketchup but even with the most complex 3D model I work with I've never noticed any lag on orbiting it. Maybe I'll start using on device AI more and notice some difference but unless a new computer can gain me a few minutes of productivity every day it's not worth the expense.

The build quality on these MBPs is also superb, mine still looks and functions like brand new. Before my M1 Max MBP I used PC laptops and even so called "professional grade" ones like the Lenovo ThinkPad needing replacing about every two years just due to poor build quality.
Click to expand...
I have an M1 Max Studio, and I've definitely seen it have trouble with some of my fusion360 files and don't even bother trying to render Blender files with it. Can't wait to upgrade to the M4 Studio
 
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ThatGuyInLa said:
Does the CPU or GPU affect the Media Engine? Are there any benchmarks on the differences comparing that amongst the models? FCPx I guess.
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I expect CPU/GPU does matter during the rendering or creation of proxy files and actual editing process, but a big no for the end export. Based on ArtIsRight comparisons, the export time is basically the same across M1 through M3 Pro chips regardless of RAM/SSD because they all have the same video encoder/decoder. Only the Max and Ultra chips show an appreciable decrease in export time because of the extra encoder/decoder engines.

1730484976510.png
 
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xraydoc said:
At least now I know that my 14/30-core M3 Max (124,746 Metal) isn't slower than an M4 Pro (110,556 Metal). Reduces my Apple processor FOMO.
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True, but still impressive that the M4 Pro's single-/multicore performance exceeds my base M3 Max and will get close to 90% of the GPU performance while costing much less. I don't know how Apple will continue this level of performance boost year after year. Performance might plateau now for a few generations until TSMC gets to the next node shrink, which becomes more and more difficult to do.
 
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JCCL said:
Throwing my M3 Pro Macbook Pro to the trash can now. j/k. As impressive as these upgrades are, I got mine for almost 500 off from what it typically goes in my country, and does everything I need instantly. Should serve me well for a few years
Click to expand...
Yeah, I have an m3 pro and it’s honestly amazing, so I don’t have any buyers remorse whatsoever. I’m absolutely happy with this thing.
 
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