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Apple M1 Max vs Apple M2 Max: What are the differences between the Chipsets?

The first thing to look at when comparing the differences between the M1 Max and M2 Max Chip is the processor cores or CPU. Within the processor's main cores there are two types: high-efficiency cores (cores used for simple tasks) and high-performance cores (cores used for more demanding tasks with higher power consumption).

What versions are the Apple M1 Max Chip & Apple M2 Max Chip available in?

  • Apple's M1 Max chip only has one version: 10 cores (2 high-efficiency + 8 high-performance).
  • Apple's M2 Max chip features the latest version of the M2 Pro: 12 cores (4 high-efficiency + 8 high-performance). 20% more performance!

At iSTYLE, you can choose the processor for your new Mac based on your needs here.

Also, check out the difference between M1 & M2 chipsets, here.

M1 Max Chip vs M2 Max Chip: Graphics cores (GPU)

As well as the CPU, the graphics cores or GPU, which is responsible for loading graphics, images, and videos on your Mac, are also increased. The Mac is edging closer to offering a console gaming experience. With noticeable differences, the GPU increase in their basic models stands out. You will gain up to 30% loading speed compared to the M1 Max! The most significant change between the M1 Max Chip and M2 Max Chip!

  • The M1 Max chip comes in 24-core and 32-core versions.
  • The M2 Max chip has 30-core versions in 14" the MacBook Pro and 38-core versions in the 16" MacBook Pro.

Apple M1 Max vs M2 Max Chipsets: What are the differences?

M1 Max chip vs M2 Max chip: RAM changes

What’s the RAM speed on the M1 Max chip and M2 Max Chip?

The RAM in the M1 Max chip and M2 Max Chip is unified into a single, integrated system, setting it apart in the industry. It has several advantages, the most noticeable of which is the increase in transistors, from 57 billion in the M1 Max Chip to 67 billion in the M2 Max Chip; 10 million more than the M1 Max and four times more than the M2 Chip!

Which is the biggest change in the M1 Max Chip and M2 Max Chip?

The biggest improvement in Apple's renewed M1 Max Chip is in the GB of RAM. It triples in size compared to the base version of the M1 Max!

  • The M1 Max Chip comes in two versions with 32 GB and 64 GB of RAM.
  • The M2 Max Chip can be configured with up to 96 GB of RAM!

M1 Max Chip vs M2 Max Chip - Differences in data transfer per second

Thanks to the new M2 Max Chip, the GB per second has been doubled to 400 GB per second. The incredible speed is at your fingertips with the new M2 Max Chip, available in 14" MacBook Pro and 16" MacBook Pro.

M1 Max vs M2 Max: Neural Engine upgrades

With the launch of the new M2 Max Chip, the capacity to execute Neural Engine operations has been increased to 15.8 trillion, reaching speeds up to 40% faster than the M1 Max Chip. With the launch of the new M2 Max Chip, the capacity to execute Neural Engine operations has been increased to 15.8 trillion, reaching speeds up to 40% faster than the M1 Max Chip. What’s more, it can enhance the image quality of the camera and increase security levels to the highest level for maximum protection. To top it all off, it features two incredibly efficient and advanced multimedia engines, so you can play multiple 4K and 8K ProRes video streams, all with a boost in battery life of 1 hour.

Where can I find the M1 Max Chip and the M2 Max Chip?

Overview of differences M1 Max Chip and M2 Max Chip

Characteristics M1 Max M2 Max
Total CPU processor cores 10 12
High efficiency CPU cores 2 4
High performance CPU cores 8 8
GPU graphics cores Up to 32 Up to 38
RAM 32 / 64 32 / 64 / 96
RAM Bandwidth 200 GB/s 400 GB/s

The M1 Max Chip was already powerful enough for the most demanding users, and the new M2 Max Chip opened up new possibilities. There will be no task you can't handle!

Do you need lower performance than the Apple M1 Max and M2 Max chipsets?

Check out our blog comparison between the M1 Pro Chip and M2 Pro Chip, here.