Apple M4 Max
- Boost/Base Clock:
- 4.5 GHz / 2.9 GHz
- Core/Thread Count:
- 16 Core / 16 Thread (12 Performance + 4 Efficiency)
- Cache:
- 40MB L2 + 4MB L1
- TDP:
- 50 Watts
- CPU Process Node:
- 3 Nanometers
- CPU Series:
- Apple Silicon
- Form Factor:
- Laptop
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Manufacturer: Apple Last updated:
Apple M4 Max Review
Launched in late 2024, the Apple M4 Max is a 16-core System-on-Chip (12 performance cores plus 4 efficiency cores) built on TSMC's second-generation, enhanced 3nm process within a 50 Watt TDP, found in the top-spec 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro and the Mac Studio.
The M4 Max adds two more performance cores over the M4 Pro's already performance-core-heavy layout, and pairs with a substantially larger GPU and memory bandwidth (covered separately in this catalog's graphics-cards listings). Notably, Apple did not release an M4 Ultra — the M4 generation's top-tier Mac Studio and Mac Pro configurations instead shipped with the M3 Ultra, skipping an Ultra tier for this generation entirely.
The Largest Max-Tier CPU Yet
At 12 performance plus 4 efficiency cores, the M4 Max's CPU cluster is the largest of any Max-tier chip to date, continuing the M4 generation's theme of pushing performance-core counts higher across the board.
No M4 Ultra
Unlike every prior generation, Apple skipped an M4 Ultra entirely; buyers wanting Ultra-tier performance in an M4-era Mac Studio or Mac Pro instead got the separately-listed M3 Ultra, built on the older M3 architecture but at a larger fused-die scale.
Benchmarks
Geekbench 6 multi-core scores around 26,000 make the M4 Max Apple's fastest single-die CPU to date, trailing only the fused-die M3 Ultra in raw multi-core throughput.
Specifications
Identity
| Brand | Apple |
|---|---|
| Product Line | Apple Silicon |
| Product Line | Other |
| Model Number | M4 Max |
| Release Year | 2024 |
Segment and platform
| Market Segment | Laptop |
|---|---|
| Microarchitecture | Apple Silicon, Fourth Generation |
| Socket Status | Current |
| 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 Base Clock | 2.9 GHz |
|---|---|
| P-Core Boost Clock | 4.5 GHz |
Cache
| L2 Cache | 40 MB |
|---|
Power and thermal
| Base Power | 50 W |
|---|
Memory
| Memory Type | LPDDR5X |
|---|---|
| Max Memory Speed | 8533 MT/s |
| Memory Channels | 8 |
| Max Memory Capacity | 128 GB |
| ECC Support | No |
Graphics and AI
| Integrated Graphics | Yes |
|---|
Commercial
| Retail Availability | Soldered Only |
|---|
| Form Factor | Laptop |
|---|---|
| Core/Thread Count | 16 Core / 16 Thread (12 Performance + 4 Efficiency) |
| TDP | 50 W |
| Cache | 40MB L2 + 4MB L1 |
| Boost/Base Clock | 4.5 GHz / 2.9 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 M4 Max's larger CPU, GPU, and memory bandwidth.
Not for
- Buyers wanting an M4-generation Ultra-tier chip — none exists; the M3 Ultra fills that role for this generation instead.
- Native Windows gaming or CUDA-dependent workloads.
FAQs
What are the key specifications of the Apple M4 Max?
The Apple M4 Max is a processor from Apple. Key specs: Boost/Base Clock 4.5 GHz / 2.9 GHz, Core/Thread Count 16 Core / 16 Thread (12 Performance + 4 Efficiency), Cache 40MB L2 + 4MB L1, TDP 50 Watts, CPU Process Node 3 Nanometers.
Who is the Apple M4 Max best suited to?
It suits 14-inch/16-inch macbook pro or mac studio buyers who need the m4 max's larger cpu, gpu, and memory bandwidth..
What are the drawbacks of the Apple M4 Max?
It is a poor fit for buyers wanting an m4-generation ultra-tier chip — none exists; the m3 ultra fills that role for this generation instead., native windows gaming or cuda-dependent workloads..