Apple M4 (8 Core) vs Apple M4 Max GPU (40 Core)

Updated Jun 2026 · Scored by the Let’s Compare Data Engine · How we score

Apple M4 (8 Core) has no published G3D Mark result, so it scores lower.
Apple M4 Max GPU (40 Core) has no published G3D Mark result, so it scores lower.

Verdict

Our overall take, at a glance

Apple M4 Max GPU (40 Core) leads overall

Apple M4 Max GPU (40 Core)

Apple M4 (8 Core)

Winner by category for Apple M4 (8 Core) vs Apple M4 Max GPU (40 Core)
Category	Apple M4 Max GPU (40 Core)	Apple M4 (8 Core)	Winner
Core Specifications	50	50	Tie
Memory	66	42	Apple M4 Max GPU (40 Core)
API Support	50	50	Tie
Theoretical Performance	65	32	Apple M4 Max GPU (40 Core)
Benchmark	20	20	Tie
Miscellaneous	32	32	Tie

In-depth analysisAI

AI-generated from the cited sources — may be incomplete or inaccurate; verify important details before deciding · generated Jun 2026.

Apple M4 (8 Core)

The Apple M4 is a specialized System-on-a-chip designed by Apple, forming the core processing unit for high-end devices, including modern iMacs and MacBook models. Featuring an advanced architecture that integrates CPU, GPU, and NPU components, it is primarily intended for professionals requiring strong performance in demanding creative and computational tasks.

Best for Professional Content CreationBest for AI/Machine Learning WorkloadsBest for High-Performance Computing (HPC)

Pros

Incorporates an advanced Neural Processing Unit (NPU) with a notable capability to accelerate AI workloads, compared to previous generations of the chip.
Supports hardware acceleration for modern functions like AV1 decoding, mesh shading, and ray tracing within its GPU architecture.
Employs high-speed LPDDR5X unified memory, offering substantial bandwidth to support multiprocessing applications.
The M4 series is built on a highly dense manufacturing process (3 nm), enabling the integration of numerous cores over 28 billion transistors.

Cons

Specific core configurations (CPU/GPU counts) vary greatly across its Pro and Max variants, which requires careful selection for targeted performance needs.
Memory bandwidth capacity is highly dependent on the specific model variant utilized, ranging from lower base limits to exceptionally high capacities.

Apple M4 Max GPU (40 Core)

The Apple M4 Max is a System-on-a-chip manufactured by Apple Inc., part of the M4 series designed with an integrated graphics processing unit (GPU) [Source 1]. It features a high core count, supporting either 32 or 40 GPU cores [Source 1]. This chip is engineered for various computing applications and utilizes LPDDR5X unified memory [Source 1].

Best for High-performance computingBest for Applications requiring maximum GPU cores

Pros

Contains 32 or 40 GPU cores [Source 1]
The M4 Max supports up to 128GB of unified memory [Source 1]
Features an optimized NPU with a capability of 38 TOPS [Source 1]

Value for Money

Which is the better deal for the price

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Apple M4 (8 Core)

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Apple M4 Max GPU (40 Core)

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Review Videos

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Detailed Specifications

The full spec sheet, side by side

Core Specifications

Feature	Apple M4 (8 Core)	Apple M4 Max GPU (40 Core)
Cores	8	N/A
Threads	8	N/A
Base Frequency	N/A	N/A
Base Power Consumption	N/A	N/A
Maximum Frequency	N/A	N/A
Maximum Power Consumption	N/A	N/A
L1 Cache	N/A	N/A
L2 Cache	N/A	N/A
L3 Cache	N/A	N/A
Lithography Process	3 nm	N/A
Is unlocked	No	N/A

Integrated Graphics

Feature	Apple M4 (8 Core)	Apple M4 Max GPU (40 Core)
Model		N/A

Benchmark

Feature	Apple M4 (8 Core)	Apple M4 Max GPU (40 Core)
PassMark CPU Mark	20,702	N/A

Specification Note

Specifications are compiled from official manufacturer data and other reliable internet sources. Some features may vary by region or model configuration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Apple M4 (8 Core) vs Apple M4 Max GPU (40 Core) comparison

Based on our overall comparison score, Apple M4 (8 Core) rates higher at 55/100 versus 41/100 for Apple M4 Max GPU (40 Core) — a 14-point lead. Apple M4 (8 Core) is the stronger overall pick, though the right choice still depends on which specs matter most to you; the full spec table above breaks down every difference.

Apple M4 (8 Core) and Apple M4 Max GPU (40 Core) are compared side by side above across every spec in the gpus category — including performance, features and design — each scored 0–100 so you can see exactly where one leads the other. Our overall scores are 55/100 for Apple M4 (8 Core) and 41/100 for Apple M4 Max GPU (40 Core).

If you want the higher-rated gpus option overall, Apple M4 (8 Core) (55/100) edges out Apple M4 Max GPU (40 Core) (41/100). But if Apple M4 Max GPU (40 Core) is cheaper or stronger on the specific specs you care about, it can still be the better buy — use the spec table and strengths profile above to decide.