Apple

Apple M2 Max 30-Core GPU

Expert rating7.3 / 10

GPU Brand:: Apple
Tier:: Integrated (binned config)
GPU Cores:: 30
Process Node:: 5nm enhanced (TSMC N5P)
Memory Type:: Unified
Max Unified Memory:: 96GB
Memory Bandwidth:: 400GB/s
PC-Installable:: No

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Manufacturer: Apple Last updated: September 12, 2026

Apple M2 Max 30-Core GPU Review

The Apple M2 Max 30-core GPU is the binned graphics configuration of the M2 Max chip, with 30 GPU cores, up to 96GB of unified memory, and the full 400GB/s memory bandwidth, found in mid-spec 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models from early 2023.

Unlike some other Apple binned parts, this variant keeps the same 400GB/s bandwidth and 96GB memory ceiling as the full 38-core M2 Max, the only thing Apple actually cut here is eight GPU cores. That makes it a reasonable middle-ground pick for buyers who want the M2 Max memory architecture without paying for the top GPU core count, though anything genuinely GPU-bound, dense 3D scenes, multi-layer color grading, will still notice the gap.

A Binned Chip That Keeps the Memory Architecture Intact

Apple's mid-spec early-2023 MacBook Pro configuration cuts GPU core count from 38 to 30 while leaving memory bandwidth and the maximum memory ceiling untouched, a narrower reduction than some other Apple binned SKUs.

Comparison to Alternatives

Against the full Apple M2 Max 38-Core GPU, this chip gives up about 21% of GPU cores for a lower price while keeping identical memory bandwidth, a good trade for memory-bound rather than shader-bound workloads. Against the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Laptop GPU, a similarly positioned Windows part from the same generation, the M2 Max 30-core wins on power efficiency and unified-memory flexibility for large creative files, while the RTX 4070 Laptop remains the stronger choice for native gaming and CUDA-based tools.

Our verdict

Reviewed by Burooj Alam. Rated by us, not by users.

Expert rating7.3 / 10

A sensible mid-tier pick that keeps the M2 Max's full memory bandwidth while trimming GPU core count, best suited to memory-heavy rather than pure shader-bound work.

Best for

Photo and video editors working with large RAW or ProRes files that benefit from the full 400GB/s bandwidth.
Software developers and data scientists running memory-hungry local tools within a 96GB ceiling.
Creative professionals who want M2 Max-class memory architecture without paying for the full 38-core GPU.

Not for

GPU-bound 3D rendering or multi-layer color grading, where the extra 8 cores of the 38-core M2 Max matter more.
Native Windows PC gaming.
Workloads specifically requiring CUDA acceleration.

Specifications

What these specs mean

Identity and type

Product Type	SoC GPU
GPU Brand	Apple
GPU Model	M2 Max 30-Core GPU
Series	Apple Silicon
Tier	High End

Performance

Memory Type	Unified LPDDR5
Ray Tracing Support	No

Silicon

Architecture	Apple Silicon
Process Node	5nm enhanced (TSMC N5P)

Memory

Memory Bandwidth	400 GB/s

Power

Power Connector	None

Host interface

PCIe Generation	Not Applicable

FAQs

What are the key specifications of the Apple M2 Max 30-Core GPU (Integrated Graphics/Apple Silicon 5nm/30-Core GPU/Up to 96GB Unified Memory/Not PC-Installable)?

Key specs for the Apple M2 Max 30-Core GPU: Memory Bandwidth 400 GB/s, GPU Apple M2 Max (integrated, binned config), Process Node 5nm enhanced (TSMC N5P), Paired CPU Config 12-core CPU (8P+4E), Memory Type Unified LPDDR5, Max Unified Memory 96GB.

Who is the Apple M2 Max 30-Core GPU (Integrated Graphics/Apple Silicon 5nm/30-Core GPU/Up to 96GB Unified Memory/Not PC-Installable) best suited to?

Best suited to: Photo and video editors working with large RAW or ProRes files that benefit from the full 400GB/s bandwidth; Software developers and data scientists running memory-hungry local tools within a 96GB ceiling; Creative professionals who want M2 Max-class memory architecture without paying for the full 38-core GPU.

What are the drawbacks of the Apple M2 Max 30-Core GPU (Integrated Graphics/Apple Silicon 5nm/30-Core GPU/Up to 96GB Unified Memory/Not PC-Installable)?

Not the best fit for: GPU-bound 3D rendering or multi-layer color grading, where the extra 8 cores of the 38-core M2 Max matter more; Native Windows PC gaming; Workloads specifically requiring CUDA acceleration.