M1 Pro vs. M1 Max: Real-World Performance Test

[MacRumors]

Now that the new MacBook Pro models have been available for a week, we've been able to do more in-depth testing. In our latest YouTube video, we pit the entry-level 14-inch MacBook Pro with an M1 Pro chip against the high-end 16-inch MacBook Pro with an M1 Max chip to see just what you're getting with the upgrade to the M1 Max.

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Priced at $1,999, the base 14-inch MacBook Pro features an M1 Pro chip with an 8-core CPU, a 14-core GPU, 16GB unified memory, and a 512GB SSD. The $3,499 high-end 16-inch MacBook Pro we compared it to in this video has an M1 Max chip with 10-core CPU, 32-core GPU, 32GB unified memory, and 1TB SSD. The two machines represent the most affordable and the most expensive stock MacBook Pro models that don't take into account upgrade options.

In our testing, the M1 Max unsurprisingly outperformed the lower-end M1 Pro chip, but what was a bit of a surprise was how well even the base M1 Pro chip did in our tests.

In Final Cut Pro, a video export test saw the M1 Max machine export a 6-minute 4K video in one minute and 49 seconds, a task that took the M1 Pro 2 minute and 55 seconds. When it comes to 8K RAW footage, both machines were able to handle the load. The M1 Max MacBook Pro performed close to flawlessly, while the M1 Pro had a few issues with dropped frames and stuttering, but was ultimately able to keep up.

For comparison's sake, the 2017 Mac Pro that we have is not able to handle 8K footage as well as the base model 14-inch MacBook Pro with M1 Pro chip. The M1 Max ultimately did better with our Final Cut Pro testing because of the 32 GPU cores, but the M1 Pro machine offered impressive performance.

In a Blender test, a complicated image of a classroom was rendered in just 8 minutes and 23 seconds on the M1 Max MacBook Pro, a process that took the M1 Pro MacBook Pro 10 minutes and 58 seconds.

We tested the memory in both machines by opening up a series of apps that one might use in a video editing workflow, like Final Cut Pro, Lightroom, Chrome, Safari, Music, and a few others, and there were zero performance hiccups across either MacBook Pro model. Intel machines with 16GB RAM often see issues with this same setup, so again, even the low-end MacBook Pro is doing well here. Both the 512GB SSD in the base model and the 1TB SSD in the 16-inch MacBook Pro performed about the same, with a 128GB file transferring from an external SSD to an internal SSD in 44 and 43 seconds, respectively.

As for straight Geekbench numbers, the MacBook Pro with M1 Max earned a single-core score of 1781 and a multi-core score of 12785, while the MacBook Pro with base M1 Pro chip earned a single-core score of 1666 and a multi-core score of 9924. Metal scores came in at 38138 for the M1 Pro and 64134 for the M1 Max.

You're going to want to watch our full video for the complete performance comparison as we also did some other tests on the two machines. All in all, if you have a workflow where seconds matter, like exporting video or working with large 3D files, you're going to save time with the M1 Max, but the M1 Pro, even the base model, is still a very capable machine.

Article Link: M1 Pro vs. M1 Max: Real-World Performance Test

 

[nathan_reilly]

can they run crysis?

 

[BootsWalking]

Here's a photo of the Intel-based MBP running the 8K export benchmark:

 

[nutmac]

can they run crysis?

Nothing can run Crysis. It's probably hard coded to have crappy frame rate with any GPU.

 

[djcerla]

Metal scores came in at 38138 for the M1 Pro and 64134 for the M1 Max.

From what I’ve seen, real world rendering and export times are much, much better than what those numbers may hint at.

 

[synergize]

Awesome, I did not over purchase (got a 14" entry), and saved some cash and still have a smoking machine with a nice keyboard and screen! Life is good when Mac is good!

 

[Fabercon]

I thought that the CPUs were pretty much identical between them... and assumed the single and multicore scores to be about the same.

The only major difference I can think about is the memory channel of M1 Pro: 200 vs M1 Max: 400.

Or is this one of those cases where the high performance mode comes into play?

 

[doboy]

But how does it perform watching cat vids on YouTube?

 

[osx'r]

It would be nice to see 14" M1 Pro vs 14" M1 Max comparisons. While the M1 Pro/Max specs are the same across sizes (whether it be 14" or 16"), the thermals and cooling performance aren't, which makes comparisons like this one less than perfect.

 

[sicariis]

Also sticking with entry M1 pro 14, base ram, and putting the money in 2TB SSD in AppleCare+

 

[Wando64]

Nice review. Thank you.

 

[osx'r]

Another thing I'd like to see in these tests is whether or not there is any performance difference plugged-in vs on-battery. According to Apple, the performance should remain the same, but experience with other laptops is that the battery can't supply the needed power for full performance and as such, there's a hit when running on battery.

 

[dugbug]

I thought that the CPUs were pretty much identical between them... and assumed the single and multicore scores to be about the same.

The only major difference I can think about is the memory channel of M1 Pro: 200 vs M1 Max: 400.

Or is this one of those cases where the high performance mode comes into play?

there are two CPU variants for the 14" M1 pro (8 core, or 10 core)

 

[TheYayAreaLiving 🎗️]

The beast has been unleashed!!!

Very impressed with the power and the speed. I think Apple nailed it, as always

 

[cawaker]

I have a 16 10core cpu on backorder, I’m guessing it’s right in the middle of the 2 results

 

[CWallace]

It would be nice to see 14" M1 Pro vs 14" M1 Max comparisons. While the M1 Pro/Max specs are the same across sizes (whether it be 14" or 16"), the thermals and cooling performance aren't, which makes comparisons like this one less than perfect.

MaxTech noted that under full load with the Cinebench 23 test the 14" with a 10/16 M1 Pro hit the fans harder than the 8/14 and they were audible, but you really had to be hunched over it in a very quiet room to hear. They also noted that the exhaust vents were push out more heat with the 10/16 compared to the 8/14.

Not sure how the 14" and 16" compare in internal volume and fan size and speed. Apple has mentioned the MBPs are thicker than they needed to better allow the fans to move more air at slower speeds to help keep the machines cool without needing to be in "hair dryer mode" like the Intel models.

 

[4743913]

can they run crysis?

is that a phone game?

because I hear they can run all the phone games.

 

[fel10]

I can finally check my emails and argue with folks on Reddit in the speed of light

 

[TheYayAreaLiving 🎗️]

MacRumors: When are you doing MacBook M1 Pro and M1 Pro Max Giveaway?

 

[840quadra]

I almost scrolled past after I read "Real world" and only saw images of Geekbench scores. Really neat to see (in the video) far more testing was happening.

Personally I'd change the article picture to that of FCPx or something similar to show off the RW tests!

 

[zoidq]

Received a 16" m1 max a few days ago, works great but I'm surprised to have seen no mention of the keyboards in any reviews.

Sure, it's better than the butterfly keyboards but it's a long way from feeling "mechanical" or even the retina mbp I'm upgrading from

Still a totally awesome machine, it would just have been nice to know that the keyboard is still rather "meh".

 

[jclo]

I almost scrolled past after I read "Real world" and only saw images of Geekbench scores. Really neat to see (in the video) far more testing was happening.

Personally I'd change the article picture to that of FCPx or something similar to show off the RW tests!

Just a screenshot of FCP or some of the other tests wouldn't convey much, but I can take out the screenshots entirely just so it's not misleading.

 

[CBlakeston]

It would be nice to see 14" M1 Pro vs 14" M1 Max comparisons. While the M1 Pro/Max specs are the same across sizes (whether it be 14" or 16"), the thermals and cooling performance aren't, which makes comparisons like this one less than perfect.

In other tests I’ve seen online they’re pretty much identical. The fans start spinning a little sooner on the 14” but that’s it.

 

[DMG35]

Great comparison. I originally got the 16” M1 Max and realized it was just wasted money for my use and opted for the 16” M1 Pro instead. It flies for everything I need it for and couldn’t be happier with it. And battery life is freaking incredible.

 

[neilw]

Received a 16" m1 max a few days ago, works great but I'm surprised to have seen no mention of the keyboards in any reviews.

Sure, it's better than the butterfly keyboards but it's a long way from feeling "mechanical" or even the retina mbp I'm upgrading from

Still a totally awesome machine, it would just have been nice to know that the keyboard is still rather "meh".

Every review on Youtube I've seen has discussed the keyboard, and they all say the same thing: good keyboard but not like a mechanical.