Apple’s recent launch of the M5 chip has sparked debate among users of the M1 Max processor. The M5, released last week, emphasizes efficiency and artificial intelligence performance, while the M1 Max, introduced in October 2021, still outperforms it in raw graphics power and memory bandwidth. Users of Mac Studio and MacBook Pro systems are now questioning whether it is time to upgrade or if their current devices remain capable.
The M1 Max was engineered for sustained, high-throughput workloads, featuring 10 CPU cores and a robust 32-core GPU, alongside a memory bandwidth of 400GB/s. In contrast, the M5 is designed with efficiency in mind, offering up to 10 cores split between performance and efficiency, and a significantly lower memory bandwidth of 153GB/s. These changes reflect Apple’s shift towards lower thermal outputs and improved performance per watt, focusing on compact devices like MacBooks and iPads.
Performance Comparison: M1 Max vs. M5
The M5 chip, which debuted in the 14-inch MacBook Pro, new iPad Pro, and an upgraded Apple Vision Pro, is built for power efficiency. Its estimated system draw of 25W makes it suitable for fanless designs, prioritizing battery life over peak performance. This design choice, however, comes with trade-offs. Tasks that require intensive graphics processing, such as 3D rendering or machine learning, still favor the M1 Max due to its superior shader capacity.
Benchmarks reveal that the M5 excels in everyday tasks, achieving a multi-core score of around 17,865, which surpasses the M1 Max’s score of 13,188. Such improvements in single-thread performance benefit users engaged in web applications and light creative work. Yet, the memory bandwidth remains the critical differentiator. The M1 Max’s high bandwidth is essential for applications that manage multiple high-resolution video streams or large texture files, while the M5’s bandwidth limitations hinder its performance in these scenarios.
Despite the M5’s advancements in artificial intelligence—boasting a neural engine capable of 133 trillion operations per second—the M1 Max maintains its appeal for creative professionals. Tasks that leverage unified memory throughput, like video exports in Final Cut Pro or complex Photoshop projects, are likely to run more efficiently on the M1 Max.
Making the Upgrade Decision
Deciding whether to upgrade from the M1 Max to the M5 depends largely on individual needs. For professionals who prioritize sustained performance in creative workloads, the M1 Max still offers unmatched capability. Conversely, for those seeking enhanced battery life, quieter operation, and improved AI functionalities, the M5 emerges as the more suitable option.
While the M5 MacBook Pro is a strong contender for general users and offers significant improvements in efficiency, the consideration of the upcoming M5 Max could change the landscape further. Expected to combine the raw performance of the M1 Max with the efficiency of the new silicon generation, the M5 Max may feature a 32-core GPU and a memory bandwidth of 550GB/s, potentially achieving a multi-core score around 28,555.
As Apple continues to evolve its processor lineup, users will need to carefully evaluate their requirements against the capabilities of these chips. The choice between the M1 Max and M5 ultimately reflects a balance between performance needs and priorities for efficiency and battery life.