M1 Max Macbook Pro 16' is here... now I have a dilemma M1 Pro or Max?

[Micka88]

Today we just got the first M1 Macbook Pro (for my son). M1Max 32 Core, 32 GB RAM. I have on order another one for me that is yet to come (it has bigger SDD so it takes longer) and since I was afraid of the roaring fans as on my previous MBPs, I ordered M1Pro, hoping that it will be less hot and less hair drying than M1Max.

We tested M1Max MBP a bit now and found that the fans are almost inaudible during normal video 4k editing and playback (unlike MBP 2019) and become louder only when exporting (but even that hardly half volume comparing to MBP 2019). And also - it was able to hold fluent playback in DaVinci with all the demanding colour LUTs engaged (but only in HD, in 4k no chance) - the previous MBP 2019 was not able to do that at all. And also - while exporting the video, you can do whatever else on the MBP (which was not possible on MBP 2019 - it was completely stuck on export)

So now I am a bit perplexed. Should I have ordered M1 Max (24 core) too ? (not much more money). That would now mean renewing the order, waiting longer etc. But not sure if I would clearly feel the difference? I myself (unlike my son) am not doing extremely demanding videos, just more simple, some audio and common work. If video export takes few moments longer, I don't mind. Just I would be happy if I can play fluent playback in DaVinci even with simple LUTs.

My ordered configuration is M1Pro , 32 GB RAM.

So I wonder if it is still perfectly Ok for a moderately powerful use (not extreme) to have M1Pro and no need to make a bit complicated change of the order configuration ? Since, of course, it may be delayed by few days (to change to M1Max) but I will keep this MBP for a long time ...

 

[velocityg4]

While the Pro is probably fine. I think it will just always nag at you that your work might be faster and smoother with the Max. At the cost of your current rig. The Max is just a minor cost increase and will make you wait a few more days. I'd go for the Max just for the peace of mind.

 

[Beau10]

It seems like Apple took great strides to increase thermal dispersion with the case design (ie. sizing/feet height), in addition to the power efficiency of the Apple silicon I certainly wouldn't be concerned about any config, at least w/ the 16" body.

I say this as the user a 16" maxxed i9, no fan of the fans on that at all

 

[Lwii2boo]

I don't want to be the bad guy but IMO your workflow and your son could be a perfect fit for a base model 16" M1 Pro.
Maybe upgrade the RAM for peace of mind to 32 GB but 16 GB is fine too.
I don't see the benefit of those 24/32 GPU cores (M1 Max) for your use.

 

[Micka88]

Well, the nature solved it ... I just called the store and they said I can't change the ordered custom configuration any more, unless I cancel the order (which may be a subject to some cancelling fee etc.) and make a new one. So I think it will be ok

The truth is that all I need works well even on my present M1 Macbook Air 16 GB RAM ... (raw photo editing, professional audio DAW, Davinci), so I think M1 Pro with 32 GB RAM will be quite steep upgrade anyway (+4 TB SSD No plans to make 8k video or to connect 3 external monitors And for professional audio or video work I have extremely powerful studio PC with NVDIA 3090 so there is always another way Macbook is rather an alternative mobile way for me ...

And maybe M1Pro will be cooler anyway )

But am I right that the GPU of M1Pro is still extremely powerful comparing to previous Macbooks and any other laptops ?