M2 Pro and the M2 Max - What’s the difference?

In 2022 Apple unveiled its M2 Pro and M2 Max chips, succeeding the M1 Pro and M1 Max from 2021. These new chips represent a significant leap forward, bringing major improvements in CPU, GPU, neural engine, and memory performance. But with two new chips now available, what exactly is the difference between the M2 Pro and M2 Max? Which one is better suited for your needs? This in-depth article will compare the specifications, capabilities, and real-world performance of these two powerhouse chips.

Diving Into the M2 Pro Specs

The M2 Pro is the direct successor to the popular M1 Pro chip. It retains the same core CPU architecture but is manufactured on an enhanced second-generation 5nm process node. This brings better power efficiency.

CPU and GPU Cores

The M2 Pro contains:

• Up to 12 CPU cores (8 high-performance and 4 high-efficiency)

• Up to 19 GPU cores

This provides a well-balanced computing experience, with the high-performance cores tackling intensive tasks while the efficiency cores focus on lesser workloads.

Compared to the M1 Pro, the M2 Pro offers faster CPU performance - up to 20% per watt increase according to Apple. The GPU cores have also been updated to a newer generation.

Memory and Bandwidth

The M2 Pro includes:

• Up to 32GB of fast unified memory

• 200GB/s of memory bandwidth

Unified memory allows quick access for both the CPU and GPU. The 200GB/s bandwidth can transfer a ton of data for snappy performance.

Media and Display Engines

Apple has enhanced the media engine on the M2 Pro to accelerate video encoding/decoding by up to 2x. This is ideal for tasks like video editing, streaming, and playback.

The display engine has also been upgraded to better handle multiple external monitors. It can drive an 8K external display at 60Hz along with a 4K external display.

Pushing Performance Further with M2 Max

If the M2 Pro isn't enough, the M2 Max takes performance to even greater heights. It includes the same upgraded CPU as the M2 Pro but has significantly more GPU power.

Beefed Up GPU

The M2 Max packs:

• Up to 38 GPU cores

That's up to 19 more cores versus the M2 Pro configuration. This enormous graphics power makes the M2 Max ideal for GPU-accelerated workflows like 3D modeling/animation, game development, and machine learning.

More Memory and Bandwidth

The M2 Max also includes:

• Up to 96GB of unified memory

• 400GB/s memory bandwidth

Twice as much memory as the M2 Pro allows you to work with larger assets like huge Adobe Photoshop files. And the doubling of memory bandwidth keeps everything flowing smoothly.

Display Capabilities

Matching its pro credentials, the M2 Max can drive even more monitors:

• Up to 3 external displays with up to 6K resolution

• 1 display up to 8K

So you can create an expansive desktop setup perfect for video editing, design, and other creative projects.

Real-World Performance Comparison

Benchmarks reveal how these specification differences translate into real-world use. In CPU-based tests, the M2 Pro and M2 Max are fairly close in performance. But when it comes to GPU power, the M2 Max far surpasses the M2 Pro.

In benchmarks, the M2 Max achieved:

• Up to 30% higher GPU score in Geekbench 5 versus M2 Pro

• Up to 50% faster video export times in Adobe Premiere Pro

• Up to 45% faster project build times in Xcode

So for 3D, video, and other heavyweight creative workloads, the M2 Max is the clear winner. The expanded memory space also allows working with larger assets.

Conclusion

In summary, the M2 Pro offers a balance of performance and value that will suit many pro users. But those wanting maximum graphics power, memory, and display connectivity will benefit from stepping up to the M2 Max. Both chips are impressive upgrades over previous Apple silicon. For workflow needs that demand the very best performance, the M2 Max is the new king of Apple chips.