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

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

For most buyers the Apple M4 Max GPU (40 Core) is the better pick — it scores 39/100 to the Apple M4 Max GPU's 36, leading on API Support. Choose the Apple M4 Max GPU instead if memory matters most to you, where it comes out ahead.

  • Apple M4 Max GPU 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

Key takeaways

  • Apple M4 Max GPU (40 Core) and Apple M4 Max GPU are closely matched overall (within 3 points).
  • Apple M4 Max GPU (40 Core) stands out on Memory Bandwidth: 460 GB/s (12% more).
  • Apple M4 Max GPU counters with Memory Technology: Unified, Theoretical Performance Performance (FP32): 18 TFLOPS (27% more).
Apple M4 Max GPU (40 Core) and Apple M4 Max GPU are closely matched
Apple M4 Max GPU (40 Core)
39
Apple M4 Max GPU
36
Where Apple M4 Max GPU (40 Core) stands out
  • Memory Bandwidth: 460 GB/s (12% more)
Where Apple M4 Max GPU stands out
  • Memory Technology: Unified
  • Theoretical Performance Performance (FP32): 18 TFLOPS (27% more)

In-depth analysisAI

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

Apple M4 Max GPU

The M4 Max GPU is a high-performance integrated graphics processor featured in Apple's top-tier system-on-a-chip, built using TSMC's second-generation 3-nanometer process. Offered in 32-core and 40-core configurations, it is designed for intensive professional workloads on laptops and desktops. The GPU utilizes a unified memory architecture supporting up to 128GB of capacity to handle massive data sets efficiently.

Best for Hardware-accelerated ray tracing and real-time 3D graphics renderingBest for Data-heavy professional applications requiring massive memory bandwidth up to…
Pros
  • Delivers hardware-accelerated ray tracing and mesh shading for advanced rendering capabilities.
  • Accesses an ultra-high unified memory bandwidth of up to 546 GB/s on the top-tier 40-core configuration.
  • Includes dedicated hardware-accelerated AV1 decoding for efficient high-resolution video playback.
Cons
  • The binned 32-core variant suffers from a reduced memory bandwidth of 410 GB/s compared to the full version.
  • Being permanently integrated into the system-on-a-chip prevents any future hardware graphics upgrades.

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

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Apple M4 Max GPU

Apple M4 Max GPU (40 Core)

Review Videos

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Detailed Specifications

The full spec sheet, side by side

Frequently Asked Questions

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

They are closely matched: Apple M4 Max GPU scores 41/100 and Apple M4 Max GPU (40 Core) scores 41/100 in our overall comparison — within 1 points. Neither is a clear winner overall, so the decision comes down to the specific features and price that matter most to you.
Apple M4 Max GPU 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 41/100 for Apple M4 Max GPU and 41/100 for Apple M4 Max GPU (40 Core).
It's close — Apple M4 Max GPU (41/100) and Apple M4 Max GPU (40 Core) (41/100) score almost the same. Pick based on price and the individual specs that matter most to you; the comparison above shows where each one pulls ahead.

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