Apple M3 Max Chip Shows Comparable Performance to M2 Ultra in Preliminary Benchmarks

As of the latest data, the chip is equipped with a 16-core CPU, achieves the highest multi-core score of 21,084. This score places the M3 Max in a performance range similar to the M2 Ultra chip, which boasts an average multi-core score of 21,182 in the Mac Pro and 21,316 in the Mac Studio, according to information available on the Geekbench website.

Everything about the New M3 Max Chip

Comparing the M3 Max in the new 16-inch MacBook Pro with the M2 Max chip in the previous-generation 16-inch MacBook Pro, the M3 Max appears to be approximately 45% faster, as indicated on the Geekbench website. This aligns closely with Apple‘s claim that the M3 Max can offer up to a 50% speed boost compared to the M2 Max, particularly considering the variability in early Geekbench results.

Here are the Geekbench 6 multi-core scores for CPU performance:

• M2 Ultra: 21,182 (Mac Pro, averaged)
• M3 Max: 21,084 (16-inch MacBook Pro, highest score recorded so far)
• M2 Max: 14,495 (16-inch MacBook Pro, averaged)
• M1 Max: 12,185 (16-inch MacBook Pro, averaged)
• M3: 11,836 (14-inch MacBook Pro, highest score recorded so far)

The M3 Max, manufactured using TSMC’s 3nm process, features a 16-core CPU with 12 high-performance cores and four energy-efficient cores. Additionally, it offers a GPU with up to 40 cores and supports configurations with up to 128GB of unified memory.

For the M3 Max chip, the base price of the new 16-inch MacBook Pro starts at $3,499 in the U.S. In comparison, the Mac Studio with the M2 Ultra chip begins at $3,999. This essentially means that you can enjoy similar performance at a $500 lower price point with the new 16-inch MacBook Pro, without the need to provide your own display, keyboard, and mouse.

The initial Geekbench 6 results for the standard M3 chip were also revealed today, indicating that it is up to 20% faster than the standard M2 chip. While benchmarks provide valuable reference points, real-world performance can vary.

The new MacBook Pro models are currently available for order, and most configurations are set to be delivered to customers and available in stores on Tuesday, November 7. M3 Max configurations will become available later in November.