In the realm of advanced computing, the Apple M2 Ultra vs Apple M2 Max has emerged as formidable contenders. As we delve into their specifications and explore the depths of their technological prowess, we aim to discern how these chips fare against each other and whether Apple’s claim of the M2 Ultra holding twice the power of the M2 Max holds true or not. Let’s get it started.
Key Takeaways
- Although sharing the same generation, the M2 Ultra shines with an impressive 134 billion transistors, doubling the count of the M2 Max.
- With a massive 24-core CPU, the M2 Ultra offers a substantial boost in computational capabilities, making it ideal for complex multitasking and resource-intensive workloads.
- The M2 Ultra’s 76-core GPU outshines the M2 Max by 38 cores, delivering unparalleled graphics processing power for tasks such as video rendering and photo editing.
- Thanks to its technological advancements, the M2 Ultra surpasses the M2 Max in most benchmark scores showcasing a 0.34% lead on average in single-core and 53.2% lead on average in multi-core benchmarks, demonstrating its superior performance.
Apple M2 Ultra Vs Apple M2 Max: Comparison Table
| Key Specifications | M2 Max | M2 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Vendor | Apple | Apple |
| Release Date | January 17, 2023 | May 5, 2023 |
| Device Type | Laptop | Laptop |
| Instruction Set | ARMv8 | ARMv8 |
| Integrated GPU | Apple M2 Max GPU (38-core) | Apple M2 Max GPU (76-core) |
| Performance Cores | 8 | 16 |
| Performance Threads | 8 | 16 |
| Base Clock (Performance) | 3.5 GHz | 3.5 GHz |
| Base Clock (Efficiency) | 2.4 GHz | 2.4 GHz |
| Total Cores | 12 | 24 |
| Total Threads | 12 | 24 |
| L1 Cache | 192K (per core) | 192K (per core) |
| L2 Cache | 24MB (shared) | 64MB (shared) |
| Transistors | 67 billion | 134 billion |
| Fabrication Process | 5nm | 5nm |
| TDP (PL1) | 30W | 60W |
| Socket | Apple M-Socket | Apple M-Socket |
| GPU Base Clock | 450 MHzTBD | TBD |
| GPU Boost Clock | 1398 MHz | TBD |
| Cuda Cores | 4864 | TBD |
| Display Capabilities | 7680×4320 – 60 Hz | TBD |
| Memory Support | Up to 96GB LPDDR5-6400 | Up to 192GB LPDDR5-6400 |
| ECC Support | No | No |
| Max. Memory Bandwidth | 409.6 GB/s | 800 GB/s |
Architectural Differences
- Process Node: Pioneering technological frontiers, the M2 Max and M2 Ultra integrate the cutting-edge 5nm fabrication process, reflecting Apple’s relentless pursuit of innovation and performance excellence.
- Clock Speed: Elevating the user experience to new heights, both the Apple M2 Max and M2 Ultra impress with identical speed prowess, sporting a formidable base clock of 2.4 GHz and a turbocharged boost clock of 3.5 GHz.
- Memory Support Variation: Catering to power users and resource-intensive workflows, the M2 Ultra takes the lead with up to 192GB LPDDR5-6400, surpassing the M2 Max’s commendable support of up to 96GB LPDDR5-6400
- TDP: Demonstrating engineering brilliance, the M2 Max exhibits its thermal efficiency with a lower TDP of 30W. On the other hand, the M2 Ultra demands a higher 60W TDP, catering to users who prioritize raw performance.
Performance Benchmarks
To truly understand the capabilities of the M2 Ultra and M2 Max chips, we delve into various performance benchmarks. These tests provide insights into their single-core and multi-core processing power, shedding light on their real-world performance in demanding tasks.
Let’s explore how these chips stack up against each other and witness their prowess in benchmark assessments.
Cinebench R23 (Single-Core)
- The M2 Ultra edged slightly ahead of the M2 Max in the Cinebench R23 Single-Core test, with a 1% performance lead, achieving a score of 1685 compared to the M2 Max’s score of 1672.
Cinebench R23 (Multi-Core)
- In the Cinebench R23 Multi-Core test, the M2 Ultra showcased a significant 80% performance increase over the M2 Max, scoring 27206 compared to the M2 Max’s score of 15139.
Geekbench 6 (Single-Core)
- The M2 Ultra and M2 Max delivered the same performance in the Geekbench 6 Single-Core test, both achieving a score of 2689.
Geekbench 6 (Multi-Core)
- Surging ahead in the Geekbench 6 Multi-Core test, the M2 Ultra exhibited a 40% performance advantage, scoring 21450 compared to the M2 Max’s score of 14207.
Geekbench 5 (Single-Core)
- The M2 Ultra and M2 Max showcased similar performance in the Geekbench 5 Single-Core test, with the M2 Ultra achieving a score of 1958 and the M2 Max showing a slight 2% advantage with a score of 1993.
Geekbench 5 (Multi-Core)
- In the Geekbench 5 Multi-Core test, the M2 Ultra demonstrated an impressive 86% performance advantage, scoring 27735 compared to the M2 Max’s score of 14931.
Apple M2 Max Vs Apple M2 Ultra: Which Chip Is Suitable For Your Needs?
- The M2 Ultra shines with a doubled transistor count, boasting an impressive 134 billion transistors, while the M2 Max falls slightly behind. This abundance of transistors improves the performance of the chip tremendously compared to its peer.
- With a colossal 24-core CPU, the M2 Ultra offers twice the number of CPU cores compared to the M2 Max, promising a substantial boost in computational capabilities for complex multitasking and resource-intensive workloads.
- The M2 Ultra boasts an astonishing 76-core GPU, outshining the M2 Max’s GPU core count by 38 cores. This translates into unparalleled graphics processing power especially when it comes to video rendering, photo editing, and image upscaling.
- Due to these major technological advancements, the M2 Ultra easily beats the M2 Max in most benchmark scores. However, it is still up to the users to assess their needs, as the latter does provide an attractive price decrease compared to the premium variant.
FAQs
The M2 Ultra boasts a doubled transistor count, a colossal 24-core CPU, and an astonishing 76-core GPU compared to the M2 Max.
For demanding tasks like video editing and gaming, the M2 Ultra is the better choice due to its higher transistor count, more CPU cores, and a superior GPU
The M2 Ultra offers superior performance but comes at a higher price, so depending on your budget and specific requirements, evaluate your prefrrence
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[Comparisons Expert]
Shehryar Khan, a seasoned PC hardware expert, brings over three years of extensive experience and a deep passion for the world of technology. With a love for building PCs and a genuine enthusiasm for exploring the latest advancements in components, his expertise shines through his work and dedication towards this field. Currently, Shehryar is rocking a custom loop setup for his built.
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