Apple M5 Max GPU vs Apple M4 GPU

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

For most buyers the Apple M4 GPU is the better pick — it scores 37/100 to the Apple M5 Max GPU's 34, leading on API Support and Theoretical Performance. Choose the Apple M5 Max GPU instead if memory matters most to you, where it comes out ahead.

  • Apple M5 Max GPU has no published G3D Mark result, so it scores lower.
  • Apple M4 GPU has no published G3D Mark result, so it scores lower.

Verdict

Our overall take, at a glance

Key takeaways

  • Apple M4 GPU and Apple M5 Max GPU are closely matched overall (within 3 points).
  • Apple M5 Max GPU counters with Memory Bandwidth: 614 GB/s (412% more).
Apple M4 GPU and Apple M5 Max GPU are closely matched
Apple M4 GPU
37
Apple M5 Max GPU
34
Where Apple M5 Max GPU stands out
  • Memory Bandwidth: 614 GB/s (412% more)

In-depth analysisAI

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

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

Apple M4 GPU

The Apple M4 GPU is an integrated graphics processor designed for mobile platforms, manufactured using an efficient 3-nanometer lithography process. Operating at a maximum frequency of 1.4 GHz with a peak power draw of 20 watts, it features a unified memory architecture sharing up to 120 GB/s of bandwidth.

Best for Power-sensitive mobile workflowsBest for Tasks requiring fast access to unified system memory
Pros
  • Highly efficient 3-nanometer lithography process
  • Low maximum power draw of 20 watts suitable for mobile designs
  • Unified memory architecture with a 120 GB/s bandwidth rate
Cons
  • API support is limited to older standards, including OpenGL 4.1 and Vulkan 1.2

Value for Money

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Apple M5 Max GPU

Detailed Specifications

The full spec sheet, side by side

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Apple M5 Max GPU vs Apple M4 GPU comparison

Based on our overall comparison score, Apple M5 Max GPU rates higher at 38/100 versus 33/100 for Apple M4 GPU — a 5-point lead. Apple M5 Max GPU 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 M5 Max GPU and Apple M4 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 38/100 for Apple M5 Max GPU and 33/100 for Apple M4 GPU.
If you want the higher-rated gpus option overall, Apple M5 Max GPU (38/100) edges out Apple M4 GPU (33/100). But if Apple M4 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.

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