Apple M2 Max
- Boost/Base Clock:
- 3.49 GHz / 2.42 GHz
- Core/Thread Count:
- 12 Core / 12 Thread (8 Performance + 4 Efficiency)
- Cache:
- 36MB L2 + 4MB L1
- TDP:
- 30 Watts
- CPU Process Node:
- 5 Nanometers
- CPU Series:
- Apple Silicon
- Form Factor:
- Laptop
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Manufacturer: Apple Last updated:
Apple M2 Max Review
Launched in early 2023, the Apple M2 Max shares the M2 Pro's 12-core (8 performance plus 4 efficiency) CPU configuration on an enhanced 5nm process within a 30 Watt CPU TDP, found in the top-spec 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro and the Mac Studio.
As with the M1 generation, the M2 Max reuses its Pro sibling's CPU cluster and puts the generational difference into GPU cores, cache, and memory bandwidth. It pairs with either the 30-core or 38-core GPU configuration (covered separately in this catalog's graphics-cards listings), and was also the first Max-tier chip to appear in the Mac Studio's lower-tier configuration.
Same CPU as the M2 Pro, a Larger GPU Behind It
The M2 Max's CPU cluster is identical to the M2 Pro's; the extra die area and cost buys a larger GPU and roughly double the memory bandwidth, not additional CPU cores.
Two GPU Configurations, One CPU
Both the 30-core and 38-core GPU variants of the M2 Max ship with this same CPU configuration, matching the pattern set by the M1 Max generation.
Benchmarks
CPU-side Geekbench 5 multi-core scores match the M2 Pro's roughly 14,500 figure, since core counts and clocks are identical between the two chips.
Specifications
Identity
| Brand | Apple |
|---|---|
| Product Line | Apple Silicon |
| Product Line | Other |
| Model Number | M2 Max |
| Release Year | 2023 |
Segment and platform
| Market Segment | Laptop |
|---|---|
| Microarchitecture | Apple Silicon, Second Generation |
| Socket Status | Mature |
| Process Node | 5 nm |
| Process Node | 5 nm |
Core configuration
| Total Cores | 12 |
|---|---|
| Performance Cores | 8 |
| Efficiency Cores | 4 |
| Total Threads | 12 |
| SMT Enabled | No |
Clock speeds
| P-Core Base Clock | 2.42 GHz |
|---|---|
| P-Core Boost Clock | 3.49 GHz |
Power and thermal
| Base Power | 30 W |
|---|
Memory
| Memory Type | LPDDR5X |
|---|---|
| Memory Channels | 8 |
| Max Memory Capacity | 96 GB |
| ECC Support | No |
Graphics and AI
| Integrated Graphics | Yes |
|---|
Commercial
| Retail Availability | Soldered Only |
|---|
| Form Factor | Laptop |
|---|---|
| Core/Thread Count | 12 Core / 12 Thread (8 Performance + 4 Efficiency) |
| TDP | 30 W |
| Cache | 36MB L2 + 4MB L1 |
Expert Review
Reviewed by Burooj Alam. Rated by us, not by users.
Best for
- 14-inch/16-inch MacBook Pro or Mac Studio buyers who need the M2 Max's larger GPU and memory bandwidth, in either the 30-core or 38-core GPU configuration.
Not for
- Buyers who only need CPU performance, not the larger GPU and memory bandwidth — the M2 Pro offers the same CPU for less.
- Native Windows gaming or CUDA-dependent workloads.
FAQs
What are the key specifications of the Apple M2 Max?
The Apple M2 Max is a processor from Apple. Key specs: Boost/Base Clock 3.49 GHz / 2.42 GHz, Core/Thread Count 12 Core / 12 Thread (8 Performance + 4 Efficiency), Cache 36MB L2 + 4MB L1, TDP 30 Watts, CPU Process Node 5 Nanometers.
Who is the Apple M2 Max best suited to?
It suits 14-inch/16-inch macbook pro or mac studio buyers who need the m2 max's larger gpu and memory bandwidth, in either the 30-core or 38-core gpu configuration..
What are the drawbacks of the Apple M2 Max?
It is a poor fit for buyers who only need cpu performance, not the larger gpu and memory bandwidth — the m2 pro offers the same cpu for less., native windows gaming or cuda-dependent workloads..