Apple has introduced two new chip systems for the new models of the MacBook Pro as well as for the demands of the users. The first SoC (System on Chip) is called M1 Pro and offers either an 8-core CPU and 14-core GPU or a 10-core CPU and 16-core GPU. The second SoC is the Max M1, which offers either 10 or 24 cores for the GPU with 32 CPU cores. In addition to other elements, both models have integrated a 16-core neural engine. Up to 64 GB of RAM can also be used.
- The new Apple MacBook Pro 14 ″: Technical data and prices
- The new Apple MacBook Pro 16 ″: Technical data and prices
Chapter in this post:
Apple M1 Pro
The Apple M1 Pro is a powerful further development of the M1 chip introduced last year. The new MacBook Pro models can access over 1 billion transistors when using the M33,7 Pro, more than twice as many as on the M1. The SoC, which combines the processor, graphics unit, neural engine, ProRes acceleration and other components, is compatible with 16 GB and 32 GB of RAM. This is used as "Unified Memory", ie shared memory for all elements, which is quick and efficient.
The M1 Pro also offers a memory bandwidth of up to 200 GB / s for extremely fast data exchange and an undisturbed workflow. Whether video editing, music creation, programming or other computationally intensive tasks - with the M1 Pro Apple has once again expanded the mobile options for professional users. Thanks to the eight high-performance cores and two highly efficient cores of the CPU, the SoC is up to 70% faster than the M1.
"Compared to the latest 8-core chips for PC notebooks, the M1 Pro delivers 1,7 times more CPU performance with the same power consumption and achieves the top performance of PC chips with 70 percent less power consumption“, It also says in the official press release on the subject. And also during the Apple October Event 2021 Many comparisons were made on Monday that show that the new MacBook Pros with the new M1 versions are far superior to the mobile Windows machines.
The M1 Pro can be used with up to 16 cores in the GPU, which are up to twice faster than those in the M1 chip and seven times faster than the fastest integrated graphics in an 8-core chip in a PC notebook. The M1 Pro delivers more power with much less power consumption. In conjunction with up to 32 GB of RAM and a memory bandwidth of 200 GB / s, even 3D art and game development can be realized, and that in battery mode.
Apple M1 Max
According to the manufacturer, the new Apple M1 Max is "the world's most powerful chip for a pro notebook". This SoC uses the same powerful 10-core CPU as the M1 Pro and also a huge 24-core or 32-core GPU for up to four times faster graphics performance than the M1 chip. With 57 billion transistors, 70% more than the M1 Pro and 3,5 times more than the M1, the M1 Max is the largest chip from Apple.
"The performance is comparable to that of the high-end graphics processor in the largest PC notebooks, while the M1 Max consumes 100 watts less power“, It says in the press release linked above. This not only means that you can work on the wildest film effects, the new 3D video game or extensive picture compositions for longer in battery operation. It also ensures less heat generation and rarely used or quiet fans.
Oh yes, the new M1 Max also offers twice as fast a data bandwidth as the M1 Pro, namely 400 GB / s. That's almost six times the M1 chip. This speed enables the use of either 32 or even 64 GB RAM memory. In addition, both chips (M1 Pro and M1 Max) offer an efficient media engine that can handle multiple 4K and 8K videos in ProRes. The M1 Max offers twice as fast video coding as the M1 Pro.
The 16-core neural engine on both chips also accelerates machine learning and works to improve camera performance. A special display engine ensures that up to four external, extremely high-resolution screens can be connected and used without restricting the performance of the MacBook Pro. An integrated Thunderbolt 4 controller results in more I / O bandwidth. Further details can be found in the linked press release from Apple.
Is the M1 Max faster than the PlayStation 5?
Keyword “Teraflops” - this value is used again and again when it comes to the processor and graphics performance of computers or other devices, for example video game consoles or new components for gaming PCs. A FLOP denotes the value "Floating Point Operations Per Second", ie the floating point number operations per second.
Put simply, this value is composed of the clock frequency, CPU socket, CPU cores per socket, commands per clock, data words per calculation register and numerical operations per command ( ). The example given by Wikipedia for 2,5 GHz, 2 sockets, 24 cores, 2 commands per clock, 8 data words and 2 numerical operations should provide a value of 7,68 teraflops. So much for orientation ...
Now, after the M1-Pro and M1-Max presentations, I have one Post found by the Macerkopf, in which a few related data and information from various sources have been summarized. The following overview was created for the different versions of the M1, M1 Pro and M1 Max (the latter with their different numbers of GPU cores):
- M1 chip with 8-core GPU: 2,6 teraflops
- M1 Pro with 14-core GPU: 4,5 teraflops
- M1 Pro with 16-core GPU: 5,2 teraflops
- M1 Max with 24-core GPU: 7,8 teraflops
- M1 Max with 32-core GPU: 10,4 teraflops
The comparison with the PlayStation 5, currently the newest game console model from Sony, became one Tweet Taken from @ZONEofTECH. It compares three values of the M1 Max and the PS5. The M5 Max comes close to the PS1 in terms of data bandwidth: the Apple M1 Max offers 400 GB / s and the Sony PS5 achieves 448 GB / s. The iPhone manufacturer triumphs in the other two values. Its Max chip offers 10,4 teraflops, while the PS5 comes to 10,3 teraflops. And finally the SSD speed: 7,4 GB / s with Apple, 5,5 GB / s with Sony.
As is written in the linked Macerkopf source, so "[...] these claims are only on paper. Proper performance and speed tests will certainly follow shortly after the new MacBook Pros are shipped to customers in the next week". What do you think about it? Are you power users buying one of the new MacBook Pro models? Feel free to leave a comment on the topic.
Related Articles
Apple Vision Pro – the price? WTF... or ok?- Apple Vision Pro Dimensions - How big is the headset?
- WWDC23 Keynote Leak: macOS 14 Skyline, Reality Pro, Mac Pro, M2 Extreme, and more!
- Watch WWDC23 keynote live: These possibilities are there!
- Apple announces three winners of the WWDC23 Swift Student Challenge
- Apple announces the program for WWDC23
- Dozens of vulnerabilities: You should install the latest Apple updates!
- How Apple locates internal leak sources
After graduating from high school, Johannes completed an apprenticeship as a business assistant specializing in foreign languages. But then he decided to research and write, which resulted in his independence. For several years he has been working for Sir Apfelot, among others. His articles include product introductions, news, manuals, video games, consoles, and more. He follows Apple keynotes live via stream.
I got the MBP 16 with M1Max with 24 core GPU. The latter because of the higher bandwidth, but above all because of the 64 GB unified memory. It will replace my MBP15 from mid-2017, with a 3,1 GHz Quad Core i7 replacing 16 GB and Radeon Pro 560 replacing 4 GB, the second best MacBook at the time. I had already got the MacMini M1 with 16 GB in February because my MBP15 went to its knees during certain tasks - while the m1 didn't give me enough time to get fresh coffee - the colorful beach ball only came very rarely .
I will then possibly sell the MacMini, as well as the MBP15. Actually a very good workhorse, but you can tell that the silicone chips from Apple are in a different universe than the Intel chips.
BTO takes time, but with a lot of luck I will have the new MBP in three weeks
Hi wolf! But you've gotten yourself a nifty device. I reckon this will lap the M1 MacMini several times over. 😂 I "only" have the MacBook Pro 14 inch with 32 GB and M1 Max. I hardly need the 16 inch because I work in clamshell mode most of the time. I'm curious to see how nice it will be to work with the device... everything I'll get in the future will probably be way too fast. 😂
Hi Jens, yes, I treated myself to a fast racehorse. I only saved on storage, so I use an external SSD or HDD - I usually don't need that high speed here. But I am assuming that there will be no application that is important to me in the next 5 years that will be slowed down by the computer. And the unified memory in particular gives it all the power. That's why the small M1Max, because you can order the 64 GB with it. And since I mainly use it for work, it costs me relatively little - net, it's only € 1.900 after deduction of sales tax, trade tax and income tax. Then the surcharges are also bearable.
I'm just - usually - on the road a lot, 16 ″ is pretty good there. And in the office I still have a 40 ″ on it, but use the MBP's keyboard and the screen as an extension. And in the home office the same thing with a 32 ″ and the MBP screen as a secondary screen.
And I'm really looking forward to it - I will report in the forum as soon as I have had the first experience.
That would be great if you reported about it. I'm starting to ponder whether I shouldn't have taken the 64 GB as well. :) But you still have 2 weeks to give it back if it's still bitchy about the RAM. But I can hardly imagine it... But another question: Which 40 inch monitor do you have??? I'm considering upgrading my monitor again. But at the moment there are rumors that Apple is releasing an external monitor for "normal" people. I would also be interested in that...
It was a 40 “TV, 4K, got it very cheaply from a friend of ours 4 years ago (transport packaging was damaged and there was a small impression in the plastic in the area of the bracket).
Is from Panasonic, ie very good color rendering. I got it mainly for use at trade fairs.
I'm not rushing to find the invoice online, and I won't be able to find out the exact type until next week.
However, no USB-C PD connection, I got it this spring for the home office monitor - Philips 4K 32 "
Thanks for the feedback! I don't think I would do a television to my eyes. : D But I saw there is one 40 inch monitor from Dell - maybe that would be an alternative. But unfortunately it costs over 1600 euros.
Is a very good one from Panasonic, 4K UHD, with a very good panel. I also have it at a slightly greater distance than with my monitor at home. And looks very good, the picture, I mean. It was primarily intended for an exhibition stand, but so good that I use it in the office!
Then it has to be good. : D If you look at it every day, you don't want scrap. : D