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Apple M3 Max Review | 78 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£3,420
  • Avg. price in US: ~$3,200
  • PassMark benchmark result: 41262
  • N. of physical cores: 14
  • CPU boost clock speed: 4.06 GHz

Apple M3 Max review. Compare 78 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among processors and if it is worth buying.

7.2

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the processor's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best processors on the market.

Score components:

90.0%

7.2

Technical Score

10.0%

?

User score

Very good
7.2

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the processor's technical performance, covering key areas such as processing performance, core configuration, efficiency, platform support, integrated features, and thermal behavior.

When it matters: When you want to compare processors based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

60.0%

6.8

Performance

18.0%

8.7

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

7.5

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

5.6

Power & Thermal

4.0%

6.3

Platform

1.0%

9.6

Integrated Graphics

Very good
?

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the processor.

When it matters: When you want to know how a processor performs in real workloads and how reliable it is for gaming, productivity, and efficiency according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

?

User reviews

30.0%

?

Popularity

  • 8.1
    Gaming

    Score components:

    30.0%

    9.5

    PassMark single-core benchmark score

    25.0%

    9.1

    Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    4.8

    CPU boost clock speed

    17.0%

    9.0

    L3 cache

    8.0%

    5.9

    N. of physical cores

  • 7.7
    Video editing

    Score components:

    45.0%

    9.2

    Geekbench 6 multi-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    5.9

    N. of physical cores

    20.0%

    5.2

    CPU threads

    15.0%

    9.0

    L3 cache

  • No image
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Best prices in UK

    N/A~ £3,420

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Apple M3 Max is a flagship 3-nanometer processor featuring up to 16 CPU cores (12 performance and 4 efficiency) and a powerful 40-core GPU with 92 billion transistors. It supports up to 128GB of unified memory with a bandwidth of up to 400GB/s and includes a 16-core Neural Engine for AI workloads. Key advantages include desktop-class performance in a portable format, hardware-accelerated ray tracing, and Dynamic Caching for optimized graphics memory allocation. However, main drawbacks include its high cost for top-tier configurations and tendency to run hot or loud under sustained heavy loads.

Technical Specifications of processor Apple M3 Max

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the processor's technical performance, covering key areas such as processing performance, core configuration, efficiency, platform support, integrated features, and thermal behavior.

When it matters: When you want to compare processors based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

60.0%

?

Performance

18.0%

?

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

?

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

?

Power & Thermal

4.0%

?

Platform

1.0%

?

Integrated Graphics

7.2
Apple M3 Max has a technical score of 7.16 points, which is higher than that of 86.9% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the processor.

When it matters: When you want to know how a processor performs in real workloads and how reliable it is for gaming, productivity, and efficiency according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

0.0

User reviews

30.0%

1.0

Popularity

?
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the processor.
When it matters: When you prefer to choose a processor reviewed and selected by many other buyers.
1.0
Apple M3 Max has a popularity of 1 points, which is higher than 0% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the processor's overall rating with its cost.

When it matters: When you are looking for a processor with a good balance between performance, efficiency, and price.

Score components:

60.0%

7.2

Overall score

40.0%

1.0

Price

5.3
Apple M3 Max has a quality-to-price ratio of 5.3 points, which is lower than 91.6% of products in this category.
Brand name
What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.
When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Apple
Processor type
What it is: The kind of system the processor is built for, such as desktop PCs, laptops, workstations, or servers.
When it matters: When you want a processor meant for the kind of machine you are actually building or buying, rather than a chip aimed at a different class of system.

Importance: HIGH

mobile
Apple M3 Max belongs to the mobile processor class, which is more advanced than that of 7.3% of processors and equal to that of 48.6% of processors.
laptop
CPU socket
What it is: The physical socket the processor fits into on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you need to make sure the CPU can actually be installed on a specific motherboard.

Importance: HIGH

N/A
Chipset
What it is: The motherboard chipset families officially meant to work with the processor.
When it matters: When you are checking whether a CPU will work with the motherboard features and platform you plan to use.

Importance: HIGH

N/A
CPU architecture
What it is: The processor family or design generation behind the chip, such as Zen 4 or Raptor Lake.
When it matters: When you are comparing CPUs across generations and want a clearer sense of their design age, feature level, and expected performance class.

Importance: HIGH

ARM64
Apple M3 Max uses the ARM64 architecture, which is less advanced than that of 98.4% of processors and equal to that of 1.7% of processors.
Apple silicon
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N. of physical cores
What it is: The number of physical CPU cores on the processor.
When it matters: When you run workloads that benefit from more real cores.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 8+

14
Apple M3 Max has 14 CPU cores, which is more than 87.1% of processors and equal to 4.3% of processors.
CPU threads
What it is: The total number of processing threads the CPU can handle at once.
When it matters: When you run heavily threaded workloads or multitask a lot.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 16+

16
Apple M3 Max offers 16 CPU threads, which is more than 71.1% of processors and equal to 13.9% of processors.
Threads per core
What it is: The number of threads each physical core can handle at once.
When it matters: When you want to understand how much thread-level parallelism each core can provide in multitasking or heavily threaded work.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: 2

1
Apple M3 Max offers 1 threads per core, which is fewer than 69.7% of processors and equal to 30.3% of processors.
CPU boost clock speed
What it is: The highest clock speed the processor can reach under boost conditions.
When it matters: When you care about peak speed in short bursts.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >4.7 GHz

4.06 GHz
Apple M3 Max reaches a boost clock of 4.06 GHz which is lower than that of 59.2% of processors and equal to that of 0.3% of processors.
CPU base clock speed
What it is: The processor's normal all-core starting frequency before boost behavior raises clocks temporarily.
When it matters: When you care about steadier performance in longer workloads rather than short burst speed alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

10 x 4.05 GHz & 4 x 2.75 GHz
Apple M3 Max has a base clock of 10x4.05 GHz & 4x2.75 GHz which is equal to that of 100% of processors.
Show more
Semiconductor size
What it is: The manufacturing process node used to produce the processor, usually expressed in nanometers.
When it matters: When efficiency, heat, and the relative modernity of the chip-making process matter to your comparison.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <10 nm

3 nm
Apple M3 Max uses a 3 nm process node, which is more advanced than that of 96% of processors and equal to that of 4% of processors.
Foundry
What it is: The semiconductor manufacturer that physically fabricates the processor chip.
When it matters: When process source, manufacturing generation, or foundry differences matter to your comparison more than day-to-day performance alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

TSMC 3 nm
Apple M3 Max is built on the TSMC 3 nm foundry process, which is more advanced than that of 96.2% of processors and equal to that of 3.8% of processors.
L3 cache
What it is: The total amount of L3 cache available on the processor.
When it matters: When you want better performance in cache-sensitive workloads and games.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=16 MB

?
L2 cache
What it is: The total amount of L2 cache available across the processor.
When it matters: When you want to compare CPU design efficiency and how much fast intermediate cache the cores have available.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=6 MB

36 MB
Apple M3 Max has an L2 cache of 36 MB which is larger than that of 98.3% of processors and equal to that of 0.6% of processors.
L1 cache
What it is: The total amount of L1 cache built into the processor, which sits closest to the cores.
When it matters: When you are comparing low-level CPU design details rather than the broader performance picture buyers usually notice first.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=512 KB

?
Show more
DDR memory version
What it is: The RAM generation the processor is designed to support, such as DDR4 or DDR5.
When it matters: When you need the CPU to match the kind of memory platform you want to buy or reuse.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: DDR5

?
Maximum memory speed
What it is: The highest official memory speed supported by the processor.
When it matters: When you choose RAM and want to know the supported speed ceiling.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=4800 MHz

6,400 MHz
Apple M3 Max supports memory speeds up to 6,400 MHz, which is higher than that of 83.9% of processors and equal to 8.1% of processors.
Max memory speed (JEDEC)
What it is: The highest official RAM speed the processor supports under standard JEDEC settings, before any memory overclocking profiles are applied.
When it matters: When officially supported stock RAM speed matters more than XMP, EXPO, or manual memory tuning.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5600 MHz

LPDDR5-6400 MHz
Apple M3 Max supports JEDEC memory speeds up to LPDDR5-6,400 MHz, which is higher than that of 85.6% of processors and equal to 2.8% of processors.
Max memory speed (XMP / EXPO)
What it is: The highest memory speed supported through XMP or EXPO profiles.
When it matters: When you want faster RAM through memory profiles.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5200 MHz

N/A
Maximum memory capacity
What it is: The largest total amount of memory officially supported by the processor.
When it matters: When you plan a system with very large RAM capacity.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=128 GB

128 GB
Apple M3 Max supports up to 128 GB of memory, which is more than 61.9% of processors and equal to 21.4% of processors.
Show more
Integrated graphics
What it is: Includes built-in graphics, so the system can output video without a separate graphics card.
When it matters: When you want the PC to work without a dedicated GPU, or you are building an office, media, compact, or troubleshooting-friendly system.

Importance: HIGH

yes
Apple M3 Max includes integrated graphics. 87.6% of processors include integrated graphics.
Integrated GPU model
What it is: The model name of the integrated graphics processor, if present.
When it matters: When you plan to use the CPU's built-in graphics.

Importance: MEDIUM

?
Integrated GPU execution units
What it is: The number of execution units available in the integrated graphics part of the processor.
When it matters: When you plan to rely on built-in graphics and want a better sense of its light gaming, display, or media capability.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=24

?
Integrated GPU base frequency
What it is: The base operating frequency of the integrated GPU.
When it matters: When integrated graphics performance matters to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=350 MHz

?
Integrated media encoders/decoders
What it is: The hardware media formats the processor can encode or decode directly.
When it matters: When you stream, edit video, or rely on hardware media acceleration.

Importance: LOW

H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode), ProRes (HW decode/encode), ProRes RAW (HW decode/encode)
Apple M3 Max supports H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode), ProRes (HW decode/encode), ProRes RAW (HW decode/encode) media codecs, which is broader support than 99.9% of processors and equal to 0.1% of processors.
Show more
TDP (Thermal design power)
What it is: The rated thermal design power, which gives a general idea of cooling and power needs.
When it matters: When you choose a cooler or build in a tighter case.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <30 W

78 W
Apple M3 Max has a TDP of 78 W which is higher than that of 86.9% of processors and equal to that of 0.1% of processors.
Base power (PL1)
What it is: The sustained power target used for longer CPU loads.
When it matters: When you choose cooling and power delivery for sustained workloads.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <30 W

56 W
Apple M3 Max has a base power of 56 W which is higher than that of 68.3% of processors and equal to that of 0.1% of processors.
Boost power (PL2)
What it is: The short-term boost power limit the processor may draw under heavier turbo loads.
When it matters: When you size cooling and power delivery for peak turbo behavior.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <50 W

?
Tau (power duration limit)
What it is: The time limit the CPU can stay at higher boost power before dropping toward sustained power.
When it matters: When you want to understand turbo behavior under longer loads.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=28 s

N/A
Configurable TDP
What it is: Allows the processor to run in alternate power modes instead of being fixed to one default TDP target.
When it matters: When you want more control over heat, noise, and power draw in compact systems, quieter builds, or thermally limited machines.

Importance: LOW

no
Apple M3 Max does not support configurable TDP. 52.9% of processors support configurable TDP.
Show more

Apple M3 Max vs the average processor

  • 4.37x higher multi-core score
    Apple M3 Max has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (20,965 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
    What it is: A Geekbench 6 score that reflects multi-core CPU performance in mixed modern workloads.
    When it matters: When you want a quick picture of multi-core speed in everyday mixed workloads, multitasking, and broadly optimized software.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >8500

    Apple M3 Max has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (20,965 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.20,965 vs 4,793
  • 92.9% better single-core performance
    Apple M3 Max has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (4,789 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.
    What it is: A benchmark score that reflects single-core CPU performance.
    When it matters: When you care about responsiveness in lighter or older software.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >3200

    Apple M3 Max has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (4,789 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.4,789 vs 2,483
  • 2.11x higher single-core score
    Apple M3 Max has a higher Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (3,107 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
    What it is: A Geekbench 6 score that reflects single-core CPU performance in mixed modern workloads.
    When it matters: When you care about snappy everyday performance in lighter apps, browsing, office work, or tasks that do not scale well across many cores.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >2000

    Apple M3 Max has a higher Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (3,107 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.3,107 vs 1,471
  • 3.92x higher PassMark score
    Apple M3 Max has a higher PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (41,262 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.
    What it is: A benchmark score that gives a broad idea of overall processor performance.
    When it matters: When you want a quick overall performance comparison.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >19000

    Apple M3 Max has a higher PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (41,262 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.41,262 vs 10,532.5
  • 14.4x larger L2 cache
    Apple M3 Max has a higher L2 cache than the average processor (36 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.
    What it is: The total amount of L2 cache available across the processor.
    When it matters: When you want to compare CPU design efficiency and how much fast intermediate cache the cores have available.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=6 MB

    Apple M3 Max has a higher L2 cache than the average processor (36 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.36 MB vs 2.5 MB
  • 8 more CPU cores
    Apple M3 Max has more CPU cores than the average processor (14 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
    What it is: The number of physical CPU cores on the processor.
    When it matters: When you run workloads that benefit from more real cores.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: 8+

    Apple M3 Max has more CPU cores than the average processor (14 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.14 vs 6
  • 75% smaller process node
    Apple M3 Max has a lower process node than the average processor (3 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
    What it is: The manufacturing process node used to produce the processor, usually expressed in nanometers.
    When it matters: When efficiency, heat, and the relative modernity of the chip-making process matter to your comparison.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: <10 nm

    Apple M3 Max has a lower process node than the average processor (3 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.3 nm vs 12 nm
  • 8.73x higher memory bandwidth
    Apple M3 Max has a higher memory bandwidth than the average processor (400 GB/s vs 45.8 GB/s). The average processor offers memory bandwidth of 45.8 GB/s.
    What it is: The maximum theoretical memory bandwidth the processor can support.
    When it matters: When memory-heavy workloads matter to you.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >75 GB/s

    Apple M3 Max has a higher memory bandwidth than the average processor (400 GB/s vs 45.8 GB/s). The average processor offers memory bandwidth of 45.8 GB/s.400 GB/s vs 45.8 GB/s
  • Includes crypto acceleration
    Apple M3 Max includes crypto acceleration, the average processor does not.
  • Supports HMP
    Apple M3 Max supports HMP, the average processor does not.
  • 3 year/s newer release date
    Apple M3 Max has a newer release date than the average processor (2023 vs 2020).
  • 4.37x higher multi-core score
    Apple M3 Max has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (20,965 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
  • 92.9% better single-core performance
    Apple M3 Max has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (4,789 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.
  • 2.11x higher single-core score
    Apple M3 Max has a higher Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (3,107 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
  • 3.92x higher PassMark score
    Apple M3 Max has a higher PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (41,262 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.
  • 8 more CPU cores
    Apple M3 Max has more CPU cores than the average processor (14 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
  • 8 more CPU threads
    Apple M3 Max has more CPU threads than the average processor (16 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
  • 4 wider front-end design
    Apple M3 Max has a higher front-end width than the average processor (8 vs 4). The average processor uses front-end width of 4.
  • 14.4x larger L2 cache
    Apple M3 Max has a higher L2 cache than the average processor (36 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.
  • 75% smaller process node
    Apple M3 Max has a lower process node than the average processor (3 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
  • Uses big.LITTLE design
    Apple M3 Max uses a big.LITTLE design, the average processor does not.
  • More advanced foundry
    Apple M3 Max uses a more advanced foundry process than the average processor (TSMC 3 nm vs Intel 14 nm).
  • 18.59x more transistors
    Apple M3 Max has more transistors than the average processor (92 billion vs 4.95 billion). The average processor has 4.95 billion transistors.
  • 8.73x higher memory bandwidth
    Apple M3 Max has a higher memory bandwidth than the average processor (400 GB/s vs 45.8 GB/s). The average processor offers memory bandwidth of 45.8 GB/s.
  • 2.18x higher memory speed
    Apple M3 Max has a higher maximum memory speed than the average processor (6,400 MHz vs 2,933 MHz). The average processor supports memory speed of 2,933 MHz.
  • Newer PCIe version
    Apple M3 Max supports a newer PCIe version than the average processor (4 vs 3.0).
  • 2x more memory capacity
    Apple M3 Max has more maximum memory capacity than the average processor (128 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.
  • 1 more supported displays
    Apple M3 Max has more supported displays than the average processor (4 vs 3). The average processor supports 3 displays.

Total
Platform
Performance
Cache & Architecture
Memory & PCIe
Integrated Graphics
  • Narrower instruction support
    Apple M3 Max supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (NEON, AES, SHA1, SHA2, SHA3, SM3, SM4, BF16, AMX vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA).
  • 42.5% weaker multi-core performance
    Apple M3 Max has a lower multi-core performance than the average processor (1,601 vs 2,783). The average processor scores 2,783 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.
  • No multithreading support
    Apple M3 Max does not support multithreading, the average processor does.
  • 5.6% lower boost clock
    Apple M3 Max has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (4.1 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.
  • 1 fewer threads per core
    Apple M3 Max has fewer threads per core than the average processor (1 vs 2). The average processor offers 2 threads per core.
  • No configurable TDP
    Apple M3 Max does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
  • 73.3% higher TDP
    Apple M3 Max has a higher TDP than the average processor (78 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
  • 24.4% higher base power
    Apple M3 Max has a higher base power draw than the average processor (56 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
  • 42.5% weaker multi-core performance
    Apple M3 Max has a lower multi-core performance than the average processor (1,601 vs 2,783). The average processor scores 2,783 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.
    What it is: A Cinebench R20 score that reflects how well the processor handles long, heavy rendering workloads across many cores.
    When it matters: When you care about sustained multi-core performance in rendering, compiling, heavy creation work, or productivity workloads that use many threads.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >4700

    Apple M3 Max has a lower multi-core performance than the average processor (1,601 vs 2,783). The average processor scores 2,783 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.1,601 vs 2,783
  • No multithreading support
    Apple M3 Max does not support multithreading, the average processor does.
    What it is: Lets each physical core run more than one thread at the same time, such as with Hyper-Threading or SMT.
    When it matters: When multitasking, rendering, compiling, virtualization, or other thread-heavy work benefits from more total processing threads.

    Importance: HIGH

    Apple M3 Max does not support multithreading, the average processor does.
  • 13.68x more expensive
    Apple M3 Max is more expensive than the average processor (£3,420 vs £250).
    Apple M3 Max is more expensive than the average processor (£3,420 vs £250).£3,420 vs £250
  • No configurable TDP
    Apple M3 Max does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
    What it is: Allows the processor to run in alternate power modes instead of being fixed to one default TDP target.
    When it matters: When you want more control over heat, noise, and power draw in compact systems, quieter builds, or thermally limited machines.

    Importance: LOW

    Apple M3 Max does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
  • 73.3% higher TDP
    Apple M3 Max has a higher TDP than the average processor (78 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
    What it is: The rated thermal design power, which gives a general idea of cooling and power needs.
    When it matters: When you choose a cooler or build in a tighter case.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: <30 W

    Apple M3 Max has a higher TDP than the average processor (78 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.78 W vs 45 W
  • 5.6% lower boost clock
    Apple M3 Max has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (4.1 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.
    What it is: The highest clock speed the processor can reach under boost conditions.
    When it matters: When you care about peak speed in short bursts.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >4.7 GHz

    Apple M3 Max has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (4.1 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.4.06 GHz vs 4.3 GHz
  • 19.8% worse value for money
    Apple M3 Max has worse value for money than the average processor (5.31 vs 6,367).
    What it is: An indicator that combines the processor's overall rating with its cost.
    When it matters: When you are looking for a processor with a good balance between performance, efficiency, and price.
    Apple M3 Max has worse value for money than the average processor (5.31 vs 6,367).5.31 vs 6.37
  • Narrower instruction support
    Apple M3 Max supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (NEON, AES, SHA1, SHA2, SHA3, SM3, SM4, BF16, AMX vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA).
    What it is: The supported CPU instruction sets and extensions.
    When it matters: When you run software that depends on specific CPU instructions.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Apple M3 Max supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (NEON, AES, SHA1, SHA2, SHA3, SM3, SM4, BF16, AMX vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA).NEON, AES, SHA1, SHA2, SHA3, SM3, SM4, BF16, AMX vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA
Total
Overall
Platform
Performance
Power & Thermal

Graphic comparison of Apple M3 Max and other processors

Attribute category
Attribute
No results found

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Apple M3 Max?

  • Exceptional multi-core performance that rivals desktop workstations like the Mac Studio
  • Massive integrated GPU power (up to 40 cores) supporting hardware-accelerated ray tracing and mesh shading
  • Incredible energy efficiency, offering all-day battery life (up to 22 hours) even with professional workloads
  • Consistent performance levels regardless of whether the device is plugged in or on battery power
  • Support for high memory configurations up to 128GB of unified memory for heavy multitasking
  • Advanced media engines that significantly accelerate ProRes video encoding and AI-based tasks

What customers dislike about Apple M3 Max?

  • Extremely high cost of entry, with prices skyrocketing for maxed-out configurations
  • Fans can become quite loud and noticeable during sustained, intensive tasks like 3D rendering
  • Thermal management can be a challenge in the 14-inch chassis compared to the 16-inch model
  • The 'Space Black' finish, while more resistant, still attracts visible fingerprints and oils over time
  • Hardware is completely non-upgradeable after purchase, requiring users to pay high premiums upfront
  • Performance gains over the previous M2 Max may not justify the upgrade for existing users

Expert reviews

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macworld.com
06/11/2023
16-inch MacBook Pro (M3 Max) review

The Macworld review of the 16-inch MacBook Pro with M3 Max highlights it as a top-tier "desktop among laptops," delivering a 43% multi-core performance increase over the M2 Max for heavy creative workflows. Key pros include the immense power of the 16-core CPU/40-core GPU, the new smudge-resistant "Space Black" finish, a 20% brighter Liquid Retina XDR display, and an exceptional...Read more

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laptopmedia.com
10/06/2024
Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M3 Pro / Max) review - LaptopMedia Would you like me to find more technical benchmarks or video reviews specifically for the M3...

The Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M3 Pro/Max) features exceptional build quality with a solid aluminum chassis, a superior Mini LED display, and a virtually silent cooling system. Key pros include intense performance stability for rendering and 20-hour battery life, though it features a screen notch and a limited 135-degree lid opening. A notable con for sensitive users is the use of PWM...Read more

R
rtings.com
18/12/2023
Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M3, 2023) Laptop Review

The Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M3, 2023) is a top-tier workstation featuring exceptional build quality, a comfortable keyboard, and a large haptic touchpad. It provides outstanding performance via M3 Pro/Max chips without thermal throttling, paired with excellent battery life and a high-quality 120Hz Mini LED display ideal for color-accurate work. While boasting great speakers and...Read more

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creativebloq.com
16/07/2024
Apple MacBook Pro M3 Max review: still the king of creative laptops

The 16-inch MacBook Pro with the M3 Max chip is identified as a top-tier creative tool, offering immense power for 8K video editing and 3D rendering alongside a superior Liquid Retina XDR display capable of 1,600 nits peak brightness. Key design aspects include a durable aluminum chassis in a fingerprint-resistant Space Black finish, a reliable port selection (MagSafe 3, HDMI), and...Read more

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alexreviewstech.com
27/02/2024
Apple MacBook Pro M3 Max Review: Very Powerful. Very Expensive.

The AlexReviewsTech review of the Apple MacBook Pro M3 Max (16-core CPU/40-core GPU) describes it as a "phenomenally powerful" workstation designed for heavy professional tasks like video rendering and multitasking. Key advantages include its immense performance, superior display, and the new, mostly fingerprint-resistant "Space Black" finish. However, the review highlights the high...Read more

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macworld.com
15/11/2023
Those disappointing M3 benchmarks? You're reading them wrong.

According to a Macworld review, Apple’s M3 Pro and M3 Max chips shift strategy by rebalancing core configurations, with the M3 Pro reducing performance cores to a 6-performance/6-efficiency split, while the M3 Max increases to 12 performance and 4 efficiency cores. The M3 Max offers groundbreaking performance, boasting a 43% multi-core speed increase over the M2 Max and rivaling the...Read more

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techcrunch.com
06/11/2023
Apple 16-inch M3 Max MacBook Pro review: A desktop among laptops

The TechCrunch review of the 16-inch MacBook Pro (M3 Max) describes it as a high-performance "desktop of laptops," powered by the 3-nanometer M3 Max chip that approaches M2 Ultra capabilities, housed in a familiar chassis featuring a new, fingerprint-resistant Space Black finish. Key pros include unmatched professional performance, stellar battery life exceeding 26 hours in testing,...Read more

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popsci.com
07/11/2023
Apple MacBook Pro M3 Max review: The best laptop gets a power-up

Popular Science describes the Apple MacBook Pro M3 Max as a market-leading, high-performance laptop, highlighting its "brutal" power, 3-nanometer architecture, and advanced graphical features like hardware-accelerated ray tracing. Key advantages include a new, fingerprint-resistant Space Black finish, a brilliant Liquid Retina XDR screen, and extensive connectivity options (SDXC,...Read more

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attilavago.medium.com
12/11/2023
A Deep Dive Into Apple’s New M3 MacBook Pro

Attila Vágó’s review characterizes the M3 Max MacBook Pro as a high-performance "portable beast" and a strong long-term investment, particularly for creative professionals and developers, with the 16-core CPU/40-core GPU configuration delivering exceptional, "buttery smooth" power. Key advantages include the stylish and fingerprint-resistant Space Black finish, highly effective...Read more

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provideocoalition.com
06/11/2023
A Sort of Review of the M3 Max Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch

Scott Simmons' review of the M3 Max MacBook Pro highlights the 16-inch laptop as a powerful, albeit incremental, upgrade that excels at demanding video editing tasks like 8K RED footage and DaVinci Resolve. While retaining a familiar form factor, the machine features a new Space Black finish and significant performance gains for mobile professionals. The review praises the device's...Read more

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mrdbourke.com
24/12/2023
Apple M3 Machine Learning Speed Test

Daniel Bourke’s review of the Apple M3 series for machine learning shows they excel at smaller tasks but trail dedicated NVIDIA hardware, with the base M3 often matching Pro/Max models due to low data transfer overhead on smaller models. Key advantages include high-efficiency unified memory and a 16-core Neural Engine that boosts local inference, though a lack of native float16...Read more

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pcmag.com
21/12/2023
Apple Silicon M3 CPUs Tested: The Mac's Most Advanced Chips Yet Compared

Apple's M3 family introduces a 3nm process, offering significant efficiency gains and a new GPU architecture featuring Dynamic Caching, hardware-accelerated ray tracing, and mesh shading. Performance tests highlight the M3 Max as a workstation-level powerhouse rivaling desktop performance, while the 14-inch M3 Pro boasts an exceptional 30-hour battery life. However, cons include...Read more

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forbes.com
20/11/2023
M3 Max MacBook Pro Review: It Made Me Start Gaming Again

Ben Sin's Forbes review highlights the M3 Max MacBook Pro as a versatile powerhouse capable of handling intense professional workflows and high-end gaming, largely due to its 3nm chip architecture. The review emphasizes the machine's exceptional performance, with hardware-accelerated ray tracing allowing for demanding gaming experiences that surpass typical laptop benchmarks. Key...Read more

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appleinsider.com
13/11/2023
MacBook Pro 16-inch M3 Max review: Battery-powered Mac Pro power

The 16-inch MacBook Pro with M3 Max is a high-performance, "portable powerhouse" offering desktop-class M2 Ultra performance in a notebook, featuring major performance gains in multi-core benchmarks and improved ray tracing, say AppleInsider. While maintaining the same design, it introduces a Space Black finish that is highly effective at resisting fingerprints. However, the machine...Read more

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chip.de
04/12/2023
Powerful Performance, Hefty Price: The MacBook Pro 14 M3 Max Review

The MacBook Pro 14-inch with M3 Max is a high-performance, compact workstation designed for demanding creative professionals, offering top-tier CPU and GPU performance, according to the CHIP test video. Key advantages include its exceptional Liquid Retina XDR display, which provides superior brightness and color accuracy, alongside robust build quality. Conversely, the device comes...Read more

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heise.de
06/11/2023
Apple MacBook Pro 2023 with M3 and M3 Max Review

According to a detailed test by heise online, the 2023 MacBook Pro lineup brings significant performance leaps with M3 Max chips, though the M3 Pro offers more modest improvements, and the 14-inch base model replaces the 13-inch version. The machines feature enhanced displays, improved connectivity, and a new Space Black finish, with the M3 Max delivering workstation-level power...Read more

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galaxus.fr
20/11/2023
MacBook Pro M3 Review: A Computer Too Modest

The MacBook Pro M3, specifically in the new "sidereal black" finish, focuses on efficiency over raw power jumps, though the finish is criticized for being prone to fingerprints. While the M3 Pro offers modest performance gains, the 3-nanometre architecture brings advanced ray tracing to the M3 Max, which rival desktop performance. Outstanding battery life, lasting over 25 hours in...Read more

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nextpit.fr
27/12/2023
MacBook Pro 14" M3 Max Review: The Best Laptop in 2024?

The Nextpit review describes the 14-inch MacBook Pro with M3 Max as an "ultra-compact powerhouse," offering desktop-level performance in a portable chassis with a new Space Black finish. Key advantages include the high-performance M3 Max chip, a superior 120Hz Liquid Retina XDR display, and impressive battery life. However, the device comes with a very high price tag, potential...Read more

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notebookcheck.biz
11/09/2023
Apple MacBook Pro 16 2023 Review: M3 Max Challenges AMD and Intel HX Processors

The Notebookcheck review of the 2023 16-inch MacBook Pro with M3 Max highlights superior performance-per-watt, challenging high-end HX-series processors while maintaining exceptional battery life. The 3nm chip delivers massive multi-core power and capable GPU acceleration for creative tasks, housed in a premium chassis featuring a high-brightness Liquid Retina XDR display and an...Read more

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tomsguide.fr
05/01/2024
MacBook Pro M3 Max review: powerful, long-lasting, nearly perfect

The MacBook Pro M3 Max is hailed by Tom's Guide as a "quasi-perfect" powerhouse, offering exceptional performance with its M3 Max chip (up to 16 CPU/40 GPU cores) that excels in heavy tasks like 8K video editing and 3D rendering. A major advantage is its impressive battery life, which can last up to 22 hours in certain configurations, alongside a brighter Liquid Retina XDR display...Read more

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macg.co
14/11/2023
MacBook Pro M3 Pro and M3 Max Review - MacGeneration

a little longer MacGeneration's review of the M3 Pro and M3 Max MacBook Pros highlights exceptional performance driven by 3nm architecture, standout battery life, and the new Space Black finish. Pros include top-tier display quality and major graphical improvements, though the review notes a smaller performance leap for the M3 Pro over the M2 Pro. The evaluation emphasizes a...Read more

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Z
zdnet.fr
25/04/2024
MacBook Pro (M3 Max) Review: A Desktop-Class Laptop for the AI Era

The MacBook Pro M3 Max acts as a high-performance, AI-capable powerhouse, effectively replacing desktop workstations with its immense power in a portable form factor. Key advantages include top-tier creative performance, a stunning 120Hz Liquid Retina XDR display, and sustained power even when running on battery. However, the machine comes at a very high cost and can be loud under...Read more

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numerama.com
06/11/2023
MacBook Pro (Apple M3 Max) Review: Almost a gaming console, already a powerhouse monster

The Numerama review by Nicolas Lellouche describes the Apple M3 Max MacBook Pro as a powerful, 3nm-powered workstation that merges the performance of a desktop with laptop portability. It is touted as a major upgrade for 3D rendering and gaming, while maintaining high energy efficiency. Pros include exceptional multi-core performance (roughly 50% faster than the previous...Read more

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lesnumeriques.com
06/11/2023
Apple MacBook Pro 14 M3 Max Review - Les Numériques

The 14-inch Apple MacBook Pro with the M3 Max chip (16-core CPU/40-core GPU) delivers desktop-class power, boasting a 12% to 20% performance boost over the M2 Max, making it exceptionally fast for 3D rendering and video editing. The device introduces a new Space Black finish that reduces fingerprints and boasts an improved Liquid Retina XDR screen, which is 20% brighter. It offers...Read more

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frandroid.com
29/12/2023
Apple MacBook Pro 16 M3 Max Review - Frandroid

Frandroid's review of the 16-inch MacBook Pro with M3 Max (16-core CPU/40-core GPU) highlights exceptional performance, classifying it as a "beast" capable of heavy creative work and 8K editing. The review praises the new "Space Black" finish for reduced fingerprint visibility and notes the improved 16.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display, now brighter in SDR mode. Key cons include the...Read more

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notebookcheck.biz
21/11/2023
Apple MacBook Pro 14 2023 M3 Max review - Notebookcheck

The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (Late 2023) with the M3 Max chip (16-core CPU, 40-core GPU) offers workstation-class performance in a compact 14-inch form factor, featuring a new, less-fingerprint-prone "Space Black" finish. Key advantages include industry-leading performance-to-size ratio, exceptional battery efficiency under load, a 1,600-nit peak brightness Liquid Retina XDR display,...Read more

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mac.iphoneitalia.com
02/11/2023
First benchmarks for the new M3 chips (M3 Max focus)

The iPhoneItalia Mac test category highlights the MacBook Air M5, a refined consumer laptop featuring the M5 chip for enhanced efficiency and a new "Space Black" fingerprint-resistant finish. While delivering a snappy experience, performance gains are most notable in specific multi-core workloads rather than daily, basic tasks. Key pros include exceptional, industry-leading battery...Read more

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smartworld.it
27/11/2023
MacBook Pro 16 M3 Max Review: More Powerful Than Ever, More Alone Than Ever

The MacBook Pro 16-inch with M3 Max is a high-performance, 3-nanometer machine, excelling in GPU-heavy tasks like 3D rendering and 8K video editing due to hardware-accelerated ray tracing and Dynamic Caching. The 16.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display shines with increased 600-nit SDR brightness, complemented by top-tier audio, an efficient Space Black finish, and enduring battery...Read more

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hwupgrade.it
16/11/2023
MacBook Pro 16'' M3 Max: peak speed, power, and battery life even for gaming

The HWUpgrade review identifies the 16-inch MacBook Pro with M3 Max (3nm architecture, 16-core CPU, 40-core GPU) as a peak performer for creative professionals, offering unprecedented speed in 8K video editing and 3D rendering. Key pros include the new GPU architecture featuring hardware-accelerated ray tracing for improved gaming, the stain-resistant Space Black finish, and...Read more

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tomshw.it
13/11/2023
16-inch MacBook Pro (M3 Max, 2023) Review

The 2023 16-inch MacBook Pro with M3 Max represents a significant performance leap, offering up to 53% faster multi-core speeds than its predecessor and a new fingerprint-resistant Space Black finish. Key strengths include unmatched processing power for demanding tasks, an exceptional Liquid Retina XDR display, and 17+ hours of battery life. However, high starting prices of €4,349,...Read more

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I
iculture.nl
28/11/2023
MacBook Pro M3 Max Review: The Chip That Impresses

The 2023 MacBook Pro M3 (14-inch) replaces the 13-inch model, introducing premium features like a Liquid Retina XDR display, 120Hz ProMotion, and essential ports (HDMI, SD card) to the base, space-black chassis. While the M3 chip offers strong performance for general use and exceptional, long-lasting battery life, it is heavily criticized for shipping with a standard 8GB of RAM,...Read more

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tweakers.net
08/11/2023
Apple MacBook Pro M3 Max - Is Apple outperforming itself?

The 16-inch MacBook Pro with M3 Max utilizes 3nm architecture to deliver significant performance gains, including a 50% increase in CPU power and enhanced GPU capabilities featuring hardware-accelerated ray tracing and mesh shading for over 80% faster rendering. The design remains familiar, but introduces a Space Black finish that reduces fingerprints, while retaining the premium...Read more

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