GuidesComparisonsApple M2 Max Vs Apple M1 Ultra:

Apple M2 Max Vs Apple M1 Ultra: [Specifications & Differences]

In this guide we will be looking at the architectural and performance difference between the Apple M2 Max and Apple M1 Ultra.

In this highly anticipated face-off, we delve into the realm of cutting-edge chip technology as we compare the Apple M2 Max vs Apple M1 Ultra. With a keen focus on their specifications and technological advancements, we aim to uncover these two titans’ true potential and prowess. 

Key Takeaways

  • The Apple M1 Utra and M2 Max provide different performance and advantages depending on the core usage.
  • The M2 Max excels in single-core tasks by 8.9% on average, showcasing higher scores in a multitude of benchmarks.
  • The M1 Ultra takes the lead in multi-core scenarios by 47.9% on average, demonstrating superior performance in many CPU benchmark software.
  • Users should consider workload requirements, multitasking needs, and budget considerations to determine whether the M1 Ultra or M2 Max aligns better with their specific preferences and performance priorities.

Apple M2 Max vs Apple M1 Ultra: Comparison Table

Key Specifications M2 Max M1 Ultra
Vendor Apple Apple
Release Date January 17, 2023 March 8, 2022
Device Type Laptop Laptop
Instruction Set ARMv8 ARMv8
Integrated GPU Apple M2 Max GPU (38-core) Apple M1 Ultra GPU (64-core)
Performance Cores 8 16
Performance Threads 8 16
Base Clock (Performance) 3.5 GHz 3.2 GHz
Base Clock (Efficiency) 2.4 GHz 2.1 GHz
Total Cores 12 20
Total Threads 12 20
L1 Cache 192K (per core) 192K (per core)
L2 Cache 32MB (shared) 48MB (shared)
Transistors 67 billion 114 billion
Fabrication Process 5nm 5nm
TDP (PL1) 30W 60W
Socket Apple M-Socket Apple M-Socket
GPU Base Clock 450 MHz 450 MHz
GPU Boost Clock 1398 MHz 1296 MHz
Cuda Cores 4864 8192
Display Capabilities 7680×4320 – 60 Hz 6016×3384 – 60 Hz
Memory Support Up to 96GB LPDDR5-6400 Up to 128GB LPDDR5-6400
ECC Support No No
Max. Memory Bandwidth 409.6 GB/s 800 GB/s

Architectural Differences

  1. Process Node: Demonstrating their commitment to cutting-edge technology, both the M2 Max and M1 Ultra showcase an advanced 5nm fabrication process as the foundation for their exceptional performance.
  2. Clock Speed: Showcasing their impressive speed capabilities, the M2 Max takes the lead with a 2.4 GHz base clock and an impressive boost clock of up to 3.5 GHz, while the M1 Ultra offers strong performance with a 2.1 GHz base clock and a boost clock of up to 3.2 GHz.
  3. Memory Support Variation: Displaying its memory handling prowess, the M1 Ultra supports up to 128GB LPDDR5-6400, surpassing the M2 Max’s 96GB LPDDR5-6400 capability.
  4. TDP: Striving for optimal thermal efficiency, the M2 Max shines with a commendably lower TDP of 30W, allowing for cooler operation and extended battery life. In contrast, the M1 Ultra demands a higher 60W TDP.

Performance Benchmarks

Let’s delve into the performance benchmarks to gain insights into the capabilities of the M2 Max vs the M1 Ultra. By examining their performance in various benchmarks, we can evaluate how these chips fare in terms of processing power, speed, and overall performance.

Let’s explore the numbers and uncover the true potential of these impressive processors.

Cinebench R23 (Single-Core)

Cinebench R23 (Single-Core)
Cinebench R23 (Single-Core) Performance Benchmarks โ€“ Image Credits (Tech4Gamers)
  • In the Cinebench R23 Single-Core benchmark, the M2 Max showcased a remarkable 11% performance boost over the M1 Ultra, scoring 1672 compared to 1507.

Cinebench R23 (Multi-Core)

Cinebench R23 (Multi-Core)
Cinebench R23 (Multi-Core) Performance Benchmarks โ€“ Image Credits (Tech4Gamers)
  • Moving to the Cinebench R23 Multi-Core benchmark, the M1 Ultra surged ahead with an impressive 56% performance advantage, scoring 23649, while the M2 Max scored 15139.

Passmark CPU (Single-Core)

Passmark CPU (Single-Core)
Passmark CPU (Single-Core) Performance Benchmarks โ€“ Image Credits (Tech4Gamers)
  • The Passmark CPU Single-Core test revealed a 7% performance gain for the M2 Max, achieving a score of 4128 compared to the M1 Ultra’s score of 3848.

Passmark CPU (Multi-Core)

Passmark CPU (Multi-Core)
Passmark CPU (Multi-Core) Performance Benchmarks โ€“ Image Credits (Tech4Gamers)
  • Stepping into the Passmark CPU Multi-Core benchmark, the M1 Ultra dominated with a significant 55% performance lead, scoring 40876 compared to the M2 Max’s score of 26377.

Geekbench 5 (Single-Core)

Geekbench 5 (Single-Core)
Geekbench 5 (Single-Core) Performance Benchmarks โ€“ Image Credits (Tech4Gamers)
  • Geekbench 5 Single-Core benchmark highlighted a 13% performance increase for the M2 Max, scoring 1993 compared to the M1 Ultra’s score of 1771.

Geekbench 5 (Multi-Core)

Geekbench 5 (Multi-Core)
Geekbench 5 (Multi-Core) Performance Benchmarks โ€“ Image Credits (Tech4Gamers)
  • Finally, in the Geekbench 5 Multi-Core benchmark, the M1 Ultra demonstrated its superiority once again, achieving a 57% performance advantage with a score of 23487, while the M2 Max scored 14931.

Apple M1 Ultra Vs Apple M2 Max: Which One Is Right For You? 

  • The M2 Max and M1 Ultra showcase notable performance gains over each other in various benchmarks, delivering faster processing speeds and improved overall performance.
  • For single-core tasks, the M2 Max demonstrates a clear advantage, outperforming the M1 Ultra with higher scores in Cinebench R23 and Geekbench 5 benchmarks.
  • In multi-core scenarios, the M1 Ultra takes the lead, showcasing superior performance in Cinebench R23 and Passmark CPU Multi-Core benchmarks.
  • When considering factors like specific workload requirements, multitasking needs, and budget considerations, choosing between the M1 Ultra and M2 Max will depend on individual preferences and the desired balance between single-core and multi-core performance.

FAQs

What are the main differences between the Apple M2 Max and the Apple M1 Ultra?

The main difference between the Apple M2 Max and M1 Ultra lies in their core performance. The former provides an advantage in single-core scenarios, while the latter is better in multi-core scores.

Which chip is better suited for single-core performance?

The Apple M2 Max demonstrates a clear advantage in single-core tasks, outperforming the M1 Ultra in various benchmarks.

Which chip is more suitable for multi-core workloads?

The Apple M1 Ultra takes the lead in multi-core scenarios, exhibiting superior performance in benchmarks like Cinebench R23 and Passmark CPU Multi-Core.

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