M5 Max GPU Performance Exceeds M3 Ultra with 80-Core Setup, Surpassing M4 Max by 34%

As we approach the midpoint of January, anticipation builds for the upcoming launches of the M5 Pro, M5 Max, and M5 Ultra chipsets, expected to debut in the first half of the year. Early insights into the M5 Max’s gaming capabilities reveal impressive performance, outpacing the laptop’s RTX 5070 Ti GPU while significantly surpassing its predecessor, the M4 Max. Recent Geekbench 6 Metal scores indicate that the 80-core configuration of the M3 Ultra is unable to match the prowess of the M5 Max, with the M5 Pro also delivering notable performance metrics.

Performance Gains: M5 Pro and M5 Max Outshine the M4 Max

According to benchmarks from Macworld utilizing Geekbench 6 Metal, the early scores present an encouraging prospect for consumers contemplating an upgrade to the M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pro models. However, it’s important to temper excitement with the knowledge of a redesigned M6 MacBook Pro on the horizon. While we initially focus on GPU performance, further analysis will encompass CPU scores in due course. It’s essential to note that these figures are preliminary and may vary upon the chipsets’ official release, so users should keep performance expectations in mind while reviewing the scores below.

M5 Max's GPU performance beats the M3 Ultra and runs circles around the M4 Max — M5 Pro & M5 Max Geekbench 6 Metal scores from Macworld

Starting with the M5 Pro, the 20-core GPU configuration significantly outperforms the M4 Pro, establishing it as an appealing option for buyers who prefer not to incur excessive costs for Apple’s high-end laptops. Meanwhile, the M5 Max boasts a 40-core GPU that not only exceeds the M4 Max’s benchmark by 34.73%, but also eclipses the performance of the M3 Ultra and its 80-core GPU. This positions the M5 Max as potentially Apple’s most powerful silicon in its current lineup, although the ongoing memory shortage may lead to a notable price increase.

Detailed Geekbench 6 Metal Benchmark Results

M4 Pro (20-core GPU): 112, 304
M5 Pro (20-core GPU): 151, 307 (34.73% faster than M4 Pro)
M4 Max (40-core GPU): 191, 465
M5 Max (40-core GPU): 257, 960 (34.73% faster than M4 Max, 2.58% faster than M3 Ultra)
M3 Ultra (80-core GPU): 251, 466

Apple is expected to maintain its unified RAM architecture in the M5 Max, likely enhancing the memory capacity even in base models. Consequently, consumers should be prepared for a higher price tag if they wish to get their hands on Apple’s latest chipset. Additionally, in the competition against Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme, which is touted as their fastest SoC, Apple already gained an advantage when the M4 Max outperformed it in single-core and multi-core tests in Cinebench 2024. Given this context, it’s reasonable to anticipate that the M5 Max will continue to expand this lead as it makes its debut.

For further insights, you can refer to the original article from Macworld.

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