Apple M2 Pro and M2 Max Benchmark Results Show Strengths of New MacBook Pros
Our first reviews of Apple’s revamped MacBook Pro and Mac Mini are here, and you can see our impressions of Apple’s new M2 Pro and M2 Max processors. All the big changes are in the silicon, as the design of the machines is virtually the same (aside from the port changes on the Mac Mini).
We’d love to get a new processor and run at that pace, but we’re pouring in the existing results to see what reviewers think of the new chip. , performance and battery life. It’s not that the design of the new system isn’t important — I own an M1 Pro MacBook Pro and I love it, except for the notch — but we’re focused on what’s changed and improved. I’m guessing
The general consensus is that the new chips offer some solid performance upgrades, especially for those looking to upgrade from older Intel-based systems.
The M2 Pro is in all three of Apple’s new computers: the Mac Mini, the 14-inch, and the 16-inch MacBook Pro. The base model has a 10-core CPU and 16-core GPU, but most reviews out there step up to a full 12-core CPU and 19-core GPU. The 16-core neural engine is the same for both chips. Some reviewers saw the M2 Pro on a laptop, others on a Mac Mini.
The M2 Max is only found in laptops (14″ and 16″ MacBook Pros). It starts with a 12-core CPU and 30-core GPU and upgrades to a 38-core GPU. Both are powered by a 16-core neural engine.
Collated some scores from sister sites laptop mug When Tom’s guideand some previous 2021 model review data.
| Geekbench 5 single core | Geekbench 5 multicore | handbrake | battery life | Rise of the Tomb Raider | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MacBook Pro 14″, M2 Pro (12 core CPU, 19 core GPU, 32 GB RAM, 2 TB SSD) | 1,941 | 14,965 | 4:03 | 14:02 | 48.6 fps |
| MacBook Pro 14″ M2 Max (12 core CPU, 38 core GPU, 64 GB RAM, 2 TB SSD) | 1,925 | 14,939 | 4:06 | 12:51 | 73fps |
| MacBook Pro 16″, M1 Max (10 core CPU, 32 core GPU, 64 GB RAM, 2 TB SSD) | 1,781 | 12,683 | 4:48 | 15:31 | 73fps |
| MacBook Pro 14″, M1 Pro, (8 core CPU, 14 core GPU, 16 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD) | 1,768 | 12,477 | 4:51 | 14:08 | 24.9fps |
The performance scores published by these sites are compelling. Both CPUs have 12 cores, but the M2 Pro has 32GB of RAM and the M2 Max has 64GB. Another big difference is the GPU. The M2 Pro has a 19-core GPU, while the M2 Max has a 38-core GPU.
We were initially surprised that these chips produced the scores we did in Geekbench 5, with the M2 Pro slightly ahead of the M2 Max. My guess is that these scores are pretty close and Apple should be using the same CPU cores here. The M2 Max’s 64GB of RAM should help a bit, but these are likely within standard errors. The M2 Max has so much going on on the chip that it’s also possible that it was slightly hampered by multi-core when the GPU cores weren’t being used. I would like to see what I can learn about.
When it comes to battery life, the M2 Pro-based machine seems to be on par with the 2021 model, while the M2 Max machine is a shocking drop. Of course, battery life depends on what you do with your device.
of Rise of the Tomb Raider, Max shines at a top frame rate of 1920 x 1200. Please note that this is an older game and was not designed for Apple silicon or metal. M2 Max can also play at 2024 x 1964, 34 fps.
Other new features
As an M1 Pro owner, the most attractive feature is the upgraded Wi-Fi and HDMI standards. The M2 chip enables these laptops with Wi-Fi 6E, HDMI 2.1 and Bluetooth 5.3. Do you use them all? Probably not, but I’d like to look to the future (and I have a Wi-Fi 6E router).
HDMI 2.1 means you can even push 8K monitors at 60Hz. For most people the advantage is that at 60 fps and above he can get 4K. Apple claims he can reach 240 Hz, but it can be difficult to find a monitor that actually supports it.
I’d love to get my hands on these laptops soon and see for myself, but first impressions are good.Apple’s second round of pro-grade Apple Silicon could compete with other high-end chips. seems to have a nature If the new MacBooks had the same great displays, keyboards, and speakers, they would be great for Mac users willing to pay (and deal with the notch).
