The first benchmarks of Apple’s M3 Max processor have just leaked, and it looks like it’ll be a fast chip. Found in the new 16-inch MacBook Pro, the M3 Max takes the capabilities of Apple silicon to new heights – so much so that it can keep up with Intel’s best desktop processors, while consuming much less power.
The Geekbench 6 test produced exciting results. The chip, listed under Apple M3 Max, scored 2,943 in single-core and 21,084 in multi-core tests respectively. These are numbers that wouldn’t have been quite accessible for a thin and light laptop just a few years ago, but they’re comparable to those found in the latest Mac Pro (21,182 multi-core) and the Mac Studio (21,316 multi-core). are equal. main).
While the M3 Max is comparable to the M2 Ultra, it outperforms its predecessor by a wide margin. That’s about 45% faster than the M2 Max found in the previous-generation 16-inch MacBook Pro, which scored 14,495 on the multi-core Geekbench test. Apple initially claimed that the M3 Max would be about 50% faster than the M2 Max, and it looks to be living up to that expectation.
Another interesting comparison is between Apple and Intel, as the M2 Max is actually on par with one of Intel’s top CPUs, the Core i9-13900KS. On average, that desktop chip scores 3,096 in single-core tests and 21,734 in multi-core operations. Sure, the M3 Max is a little behind, but it’s a negligible difference when you consider that Apple silicon is found inside an ultra-thin laptop, while the Intel CPU is a bulky, power-hungry beast built for desktops.
Announced during Apple’s recent Scary Fast event, the M3 chip is coming in three configurations right off the bat, which most of us weren’t expecting. The company unveiled the M3, M3 Pro and M3 Max and promises more than just a minor upgrade over the M2. Based on these benchmarks this now seems true.
However, you’ll have to pay a premium price for a MacBook with the M3 Max chip, but that shouldn’t be a surprise. The 16-inch MacBook Pro will start at $3,500, but there’s a wide range of options with all three M3 chips, where the cheapest 14-inch MacBook with a base M3 chip starts at $1,600. At the other end of the spectrum, the fully maxed-out 16-inch MacBook Pro costs $7,200. If you’re not sure which configuration is best for you we have a handy buying guide.
As always with early benchmark results, take the above numbers with a grain of salt. Once laptops arrive and the M3 Max becomes widely available, these averages may change. However, even if the M2 Max’s lead is lost by a few percent here or there, it’s safe to say that the M3 Max is further proof that Apple made the right move by switching to its own silicon. The generational leap is there, and it sounds pretty impressive.