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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: 41,262
  • 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 6400 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 LPDDR5-6400 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 (20965 vs 4793). The average processor scores 4793 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 (20965 vs 4793). The average processor scores 4793 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 (4789 vs 2483). The average processor scores 2483 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 (4789 vs 2483). The average processor scores 2483 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 (3107 vs 1471). The average processor scores 1471 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 (3107 vs 1471). The average processor scores 1471 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 (41262 vs 10532.5). The average processor scores 10532.5 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 (41262 vs 10532.5). The average processor scores 10532.5 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 (20965 vs 4793). The average processor scores 4793 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 (4789 vs 2483). The average processor scores 2483 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 (3107 vs 1471). The average processor scores 1471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
  • 3.92x higher PassMark score
    Apple M3 Max has a higher PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (41262 vs 10532.5). The average processor scores 10532.5 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 (6400 MHz vs 2933 MHz). The average processor supports memory speed of 2933 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.
  • Higher JEDEC memory speed
    Apple M3 Max has a higher JEDEC memory speed than the average processor (LPDDR5-6400 MHz vs DDR4-3200 MHz). The average processor supports JEDEC memory speed of DDR4-3200 MHz.
  • 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
  • Less advanced architecture
    Apple M3 Max uses a less advanced architecture than the average processor (ARM64 vs x86-64).
    Apple silicon
  • 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 (1601 vs 2783). The average processor scores 2783 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 (1601 vs 2783). The average processor scores 2783 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 (1601 vs 2783). The average processor scores 2783 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.
  • Less advanced architecture
    Apple M3 Max uses a less advanced architecture than the average processor (ARM64 vs x86-64).
    Apple silicon
    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

    Apple M3 Max uses a less advanced architecture than the average processor (ARM64 vs x86-64).ARM64 vs x86-64
  • 13.68x more expensive
    Apple M3 Max is more expensive than the average processor (£3420 vs £250).
    Apple M3 Max is more expensive than the average processor (£3420 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
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

M
macworld.com
06/11/2023
Summary of the review
16-inch MacBook Pro (M3 Max) review
L
laptopmedia.com
10/06/2024
Summary of the review
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...
R
rtings.com
18/12/2023
Summary of the review
Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M3, 2023) Laptop Review
C
creativebloq.com
16/07/2024
Summary of the review
Apple MacBook Pro M3 Max review: still the king of creative laptops
A
alexreviewstech.com
27/02/2024
Summary of the review
Apple MacBook Pro M3 Max Review: Very Powerful. Very Expensive.
M
macworld.com
15/11/2023
Summary of the review
Those disappointing M3 benchmarks? You're reading them wrong.
T
techcrunch.com
06/11/2023
Summary of the review
Apple 16-inch M3 Max MacBook Pro review: A desktop among laptops
P
popsci.com
07/11/2023
Summary of the review
Apple MacBook Pro M3 Max review: The best laptop gets a power-up
A
attilavago.medium.com
12/11/2023
Summary of the review
A Deep Dive Into Apple’s New M3 MacBook Pro
P
provideocoalition.com
06/11/2023
Summary of the review
A Sort of Review of the M3 Max Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch
M
mrdbourke.com
24/12/2023
Summary of the review
Apple M3 Machine Learning Speed Test
P
pcmag.com
21/12/2023
Summary of the review
Apple Silicon M3 CPUs Tested: The Mac's Most Advanced Chips Yet Compared
F
forbes.com
20/11/2023
Summary of the review
M3 Max MacBook Pro Review: It Made Me Start Gaming Again
A
appleinsider.com
13/11/2023
Summary of the review
MacBook Pro 16-inch M3 Max review: Battery-powered Mac Pro power
C
chip.de
04/12/2023
Summary of the review
Powerful Performance, Hefty Price: The MacBook Pro 14 M3 Max Review
(Translated)Show original
H
heise.de
06/11/2023
Summary of the review
Apple MacBook Pro 2023 with M3 and M3 Max Review
(Translated)Show original
G
galaxus.fr
20/11/2023
Summary of the review
MacBook Pro M3 Review: A Computer Too Modest
(Translated)Show original
N
nextpit.fr
27/12/2023
Summary of the review
MacBook Pro 14" M3 Max Review: The Best Laptop in 2024?
(Translated)Show original
N
notebookcheck.biz
11/09/2023
Summary of the review
Apple MacBook Pro 16 2023 Review: M3 Max Challenges AMD and Intel HX Processors
(Translated)Show original
T
tomsguide.fr
05/01/2024
Summary of the review
MacBook Pro M3 Max review: powerful, long-lasting, nearly perfect
(Translated)Show original
M
macg.co
14/11/2023
Summary of the review
MacBook Pro M3 Pro and M3 Max Review - MacGeneration
(Translated)Show original
Z
zdnet.fr
25/04/2024
Summary of the review
MacBook Pro (M3 Max) Review: A Desktop-Class Laptop for the AI Era
(Translated)Show original
N
numerama.com
06/11/2023
Summary of the review
MacBook Pro (Apple M3 Max) Review: Almost a gaming console, already a powerhouse monster
(Translated)Show original
L
lesnumeriques.com
06/11/2023
Summary of the review
Apple MacBook Pro 14 M3 Max Review - Les Numériques
(Translated)Show original
F
frandroid.com
29/12/2023
Summary of the review
Apple MacBook Pro 16 M3 Max Review - Frandroid
(Translated)Show original
N
notebookcheck.biz
21/11/2023
Summary of the review
Apple MacBook Pro 14 2023 M3 Max review - Notebookcheck
(Translated)Show original
M
mac.iphoneitalia.com
02/11/2023
Summary of the review
First benchmarks for the new M3 chips (M3 Max focus)
(Translated)Show original
S
smartworld.it
27/11/2023
Summary of the review
MacBook Pro 16 M3 Max Review: More Powerful Than Ever, More Alone Than Ever
(Translated)Show original
H
hwupgrade.it
16/11/2023
Summary of the review
MacBook Pro 16'' M3 Max: peak speed, power, and battery life even for gaming
(Translated)Show original
T
tomshw.it
13/11/2023
Summary of the review
16-inch MacBook Pro (M3 Max, 2023) Review
(Translated)Show original
I
iculture.nl
28/11/2023
Summary of the review
MacBook Pro M3 Max Review: The Chip That Impresses
(Translated)Show original
T
tweakers.net
08/11/2023
Summary of the review
Apple MacBook Pro M3 Max - Is Apple outperforming itself?
(Translated)Show original

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