Apple M2 Max (12-core) vs Apple M3 Max (16-core)
47.6Single-core65.6
41.5Multi-core66.5
80Efficiency93.3
52.8Platform60
0 spec wins — Apple M2 Max (12-core)10 spec wins — Apple M3 Max (16-core)
InnoReviews verdict
Apple M3 Max (16-core) wins this laptop processor face-off, 69.6 to 51.5, pulling ahead mainly in Multi-core (+25) and Single-core (+18). Apple M2 Max (12-core) still makes sense if its price or standout specs fit your needs better.
Which would you pick?
Key differences
Reasons to pick the Apple M2 Max (12-core)
No decisive spec advantages — this side competes on price and preference.
Reasons to pick the Apple M3 Max (16-core)
- Stronger Single-core score: 66 vs 48
- Stronger Multi-core score: 67 vs 42
- Stronger efficiency score: 93 vs 80
- Stronger platform score: 60 vs 53
- 66% higher Cinebench R23 (multi): 24,200 vs 14,600
General
| Spec | Apple M2 Max (12-core) | Apple M3 Max (16-core) |
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2023 | 2023 |
| Process | 5 nm | 3 nm+40% |
Cores & Clocks
| Spec | Apple M2 Max (12-core) | Apple M3 Max (16-core) |
|---|---|---|
| Cores | 12 | 16+33% |
| Performance cores | 8 | 12+50% |
| Efficiency cores | 4 | 4 |
| Threads | 12 | 16+33% |
| Boost clock | 3.7 GHz | 4.1 GHz+10% |
Integrated GPU
| Spec | Apple M2 Max (12-core) | Apple M3 Max (16-core) |
|---|---|---|
| iGPU | Apple 38-core GPU | Apple 40-core GPU |
Memory
| Spec | Apple M2 Max (12-core) | Apple M3 Max (16-core) |
|---|---|---|
| Memory support | LPDDR5-6400 | LPDDR5-6400 |
| Max memory | 96 GB | 128 GB+33% |
Benchmarks
| Spec | Apple M2 Max (12-core) | Apple M3 Max (16-core) |
|---|---|---|
| Geekbench 6 (single) | 2,760Top 42% | 3,130+13%Top 12% |
| Geekbench 6 (multi) | 14,500Top 36% | 21,200+46%Top 12% |
| Cinebench R23 (single) | 1,600Top 79% | 1,950+22%Top 30% |
| Cinebench R23 (multi) | 14,600Top 56% | 24,200+66%Top 22% |
Related comparisons
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