Macbook Pro 16" M5 Pro or M4 Max?

[kasakka]

I currently have a M2 Max MBP 16". Due to my employer's leasing deals, I need to swap computers every 3 years. I don't have any issues with the M2 Max really.

But unfortunately M5 Max even in its most basic configuration is more expensive than what my employer's computer budget allows me to get. So it's become between a choice between M4 Max vs M5 Pro.

Which one would you pick for a 16" MBP, and why? Let's assume that cost is not a consideration here.

 

[Basic75]

If your M2 Max is still good enough, and you're not paying, and you're getting a new one in 3 years, it really doesn't make any difference.

 

[kasakka]

If your M2 Max is still good enough, and you're not paying, and you're getting a new one in 3 years, it really doesn't make any difference.

I have to swap it very soon, not in 3 years from now. I've been using the M2 for 3 years now.

I'm basically looking to just get the best machine possible for the next 3 years.

 

[Basic75]

I have to swap it very soon, not in 3 years from now. I've been using the M2 for 3 years now.

I understand, but I also understood that you'll be swapping again in 3 years because you said "every 3 years". That makes your choice now less important, it only has to last 3 years.

I'm basically looking to just get the best machine possible for the next 3 years.

What's your definition of "best"? The M4 Max has a faster GPU, the M5 Pro has a faster CPU. The M4 Max has more memory bandwidth, the M5 Pro has a faster neural engine. And so on.

 

[kasakka]

What's your definition of "best"? The M4 Max has a faster GPU, the M5 Pro has a faster CPU. The M4 Max has more memory bandwidth, the M5 Pro has a faster neural engine. And so on.

Yeah these are the questions I'm juggling. As said, I'm not strapped for performance on the M2 Max as is for my work, but for e.g LLM use in the future the M5 neural engine might be an advantage.