Apple M4 (8 Core) vs Apple M5 Max GPU

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

Apple M5 Max GPU has no published G3D Mark result, so it scores lower.
Apple M4 (8 Core) has no published G3D Mark result, so it scores lower.

Verdict

Our overall take, at a glance

Apple M4 (8 Core) and Apple M5 Max GPU are closely matched

Apple M4 (8 Core)

Apple M5 Max GPU

Winner by category for Apple M4 (8 Core) vs Apple M5 Max GPU
Category	Apple M4 (8 Core)	Apple M5 Max GPU	Winner
Core Specifications	50	50	Tie
Memory	39	82	Apple M5 Max GPU
API Support	100	0	Apple M4 (8 Core)
Theoretical Performance	57	0	Apple M4 (8 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 Sep 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 M5 Max GPU

The Apple M5 Max GPU is an integrated graphics processor designed for professional workstations, featuring either 32 or 40 cores. Built on a 3-nanometer process, it utilizes a unified memory pool of up to 128 GB to deliver high-bandwidth graphics performance for demanding computing tasks.

Best for ProRes video editing and dual-stream hardware-accelerated encodingBest for Local AI model execution and developer programming using Tensor APIs

Pros

Features a dedicated Neural Accelerator inside each GPU core for enhanced on-device AI processing
Provides massive memory bandwidth of up to 614 GB/s on the highest-tier configuration
Includes hardware-accelerated ray tracing and dual media engines for faster video encoding

Cons

The maximum memory bandwidth of 614 GB/s is restricted to the 40-core variant, with the 32-core version capped at 460 GB/s

Value for Money

Which is the better deal for the price

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Apple M4 (8 Core)

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Apple M5 Max GPU

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Detailed Specifications

The full spec sheet, side by side

Core Specifications

Feature	Apple M4 (8 Core)	Apple M5 Max GPU
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 M5 Max GPU
Model		N/A

Benchmark

Feature	Apple M4 (8 Core)	Apple M5 Max GPU
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 M5 Max GPU comparison

Based on our overall comparison score, Apple M4 (8 Core) rates higher at 55/100 versus 38/100 for Apple M5 Max GPU — a 17-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 M5 Max GPU 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 38/100 for Apple M5 Max GPU.

If you want the higher-rated gpus option overall, Apple M4 (8 Core) (55/100) edges out Apple M5 Max GPU (38/100). But if Apple M5 Max GPU 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.