Apple M3 Max
- Boost/Base Clock:
- 4.05 GHz / 2.75 GHz
- Core/Thread Count:
- 16 Core / 16 Thread (12 Performance + 4 Efficiency)
- Cache:
- 36MB L2 + 4MB L1
- TDP:
- 40 Watts
- CPU Process Node:
- 3 Nanometers
- CPU Series:
- Apple Silicon
- Form Factor:
- Laptop
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Manufacturer: Apple Last updated:
Apple M3 Max Review
Launched in late 2023, the Apple M3 Max is a 16-core System-on-Chip (12 performance cores plus 4 efficiency cores) built on TSMC's first-generation 3nm process within a 40 Watt TDP, found in the top-spec 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro and the Mac Studio.
Unlike the M1 Max and M2 Max, which reused their Pro sibling's CPU cluster unchanged, the M3 Max ships with a genuinely different and larger 16-core CPU configuration alongside its GPU. It pairs with either the 30-core or 40-core GPU configuration (covered separately in this catalog's graphics-cards listings).
A CPU Upgrade This Time, Not Just a Bigger GPU
Breaking from the M1 and M2 Max pattern of an identical CPU to the Pro tier, the M3 Max adds four extra performance cores over the M3 Pro, a genuine CPU-side differentiator alongside its larger GPU and memory bandwidth.
Two GPU Configurations, One CPU
Both the 30-core and 40-core GPU variants of the M3 Max ship with this same 16-core CPU configuration.
Benchmarks
Geekbench 6 multi-core scores around 21,000 reflect the larger core count and the M3 generation's architectural gains, putting the M3 Max ahead of the M2 Max by a wider margin than a same-core-count comparison would suggest.
Specifications
Identity
| Brand | Apple |
|---|---|
| Product Line | Apple Silicon |
| Product Line | Other |
| Model Number | M3 Max |
| Release Year | 2023 |
Segment and platform
| Market Segment | Laptop |
|---|---|
| Microarchitecture | Apple Silicon, Third Generation |
| Socket | Soldered |
| Socket Status | End of Life |
| Process Node | 3 nm |
| Process Node | 3 nm |
Core configuration
| Total Cores | 16 |
|---|---|
| Performance Cores | 12 |
| Efficiency Cores | 4 |
| Total Threads | 16 |
| SMT Enabled | No |
Clock speeds
| P-Core Boost Clock | 4.05 GHz |
|---|---|
| E-Core Boost Clock | 2.75 GHz |
Cache
| L2 Cache | 36 MB |
|---|
Power and thermal
| Base Power | 40 W |
|---|
Memory
| Memory Type | On-Package LPDDR5X |
|---|---|
| Max Memory Capacity | 128 GB |
| ECC Support | No |
Graphics and AI
| Integrated Graphics | Yes |
|---|---|
| Copilot Plus Certified | No |
Commercial
| Retail Availability | Soldered Only |
|---|
| Form Factor | Laptop |
|---|---|
| Core/Thread Count | 16 Core / 16 Thread (12 Performance + 4 Efficiency) |
| TDP | 40 W |
| Cache | 36MB L2 + 4MB L1 |
| Boost/Base Clock | 4.05 GHz / 2.75 GHz |
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 M3 Max's larger CPU, GPU, and memory bandwidth, in either the 30-core or 40-core GPU configuration.
Not for
- Buyers who only need M3 Pro-level CPU performance — the M3 Max's extra cost isn't justified for lighter workloads.
- Native Windows gaming or CUDA-dependent workloads.
FAQs
What are the key specifications of the Apple M3 Max?
The Apple M3 Max is a processor from Apple. Key specs: Boost/Base Clock 4.05 GHz / 2.75 GHz, Core/Thread Count 16 Core / 16 Thread (12 Performance + 4 Efficiency), Cache 36MB L2 + 4MB L1, TDP 40 Watts, CPU Process Node 3 Nanometers.
Who is the Apple M3 Max best suited to?
It suits 14-inch/16-inch macbook pro or mac studio buyers who need the m3 max's larger cpu, gpu, and memory bandwidth, in either the 30-core or 40-core gpu configuration..
What are the drawbacks of the Apple M3 Max?
It is a poor fit for buyers who only need m3 pro-level cpu performance — the m3 max's extra cost isn't justified for lighter workloads., native windows gaming or cuda-dependent workloads..