M2 Pro vs M2 Max: Major Differences

Similar to the M1 Pro and M1 Max chips introduced in 2021, there are significant distinctions between the M2 Pro and M2 Max.

Let’s explore these differences.

Pricing

The M2 Pro MacBook Pro begins at £2,149 ($1,999) for the 14-inch version, with the highest configuration costing £5,299 ($5,099) without entering M2 Max territory. In contrast, the M2 Max MacBook Pro starts at £3,349 ($3,099) for the 14-inch model, reaching up to £6,549 ($6,299) when fully configured.

CPU Cores

The M2 Pro offers two options for CPU cores: 10 in the base model and 12 in the upgraded version. The M2 Max, however, is available only with 12 cores, regardless of the chosen configuration.

GPU

There are notable differences in the GPU. The M2 Pro can be equipped with either 16 or 19 GPU cores, while the M2 Max starts at 30 cores and can be expanded to 38. This represents the highest number of GPU cores available in Apple silicon to date. Additionally, the M2 Max features a more robust media engine and can support up to four external displays, while the M2 Pro is limited to two.

Unified Memory

The M2 Pro comes with 16GB of unified memory by default, with a single upgrade option to 32GB. In contrast, the M2 Max offers three memory options: 32GB, 64GB, and 96GB, though the latter is only available when opting for the 38-core GPU variant. The M2 Pro has a memory speed of 200GB/s, while the M2 Max doubles that at 400GB/s.

Storage

Both models can accommodate up to 8TB of internal storage. However, the M2 Pro starts at 512GB, while the M2 Max begins at 1TB. It's also important to note that the base model of the M2 Pro featuring the 10-core CPU and 12-core GPU is not available in the 16-inch version; it’s limited to the 14-inch configuration.

Who Should Consider the M2 Pro MacBook Pro?

While exact sales figures for each model are not disclosed, it’s likely that the M1 Pro MacBook Pro outsold the M1 Max version. This conclusion is based not just on price, but also on the M1 Pro’s ability to cater to a broader audience compared to the M1 Max. The same holds true for the M2 series, which simplifies my recommendations.

I’ve always maintained that if you know you require more memory in your next Mac, you already understand your needs. The same logic applies to the M2 Pro versus M2 Max discussion; those in need of the latter likely stopped reading this guide some time ago.

As highlighted in the pricing section, there’s a considerable gap between these two chips. In the UK, upgrading from the M2 Pro to the M2 Max costs an additional £1,200. For that price, you gain two extra CPU cores, 14 additional GPU cores, and both unified memory and internal storage are doubled.

Is the upgrade justifiable? The additional CPU cores may not significantly impact your daily tasks. While the extra unified memory is beneficial, 16GB of Apple silicon memory is vastly more efficient than 16GB from previous models. As for storage, external SSDs offer a more cost-effective upgrade option in the future, as purchasing additional storage directly from Apple can be quite pricey.

This is why the M2 Pro MacBook Pro should be the go-to choice for the majority of buyers. It’s an excellent machine that will serve you well for years.

The primary distinction between these chips lies in the GPU, making the M2 Pro versus M2 Max discussion largely about your graphical requirements.

Who Is the M2 Max MacBook Pro For?

I’ve ordered an M2 Max 14-inch MacBook Pro to replace my M1 Max 16-inch model.

Why the switch to the Max version? I need maximum speed for video rendering and exporting. The quicker I can process and finalize projects in Final Cut Pro, the sooner I can move on to the next task—it's as simple as that.

This encapsulates my view of the M2 Max. The ability to configure it with up to 38 GPU cores, combined with double the memory bandwidth of the M2 Pro and a more powerful media engine, alongside support for four external displays, speaks volumes.

The M2 Max is tailored for professionals who rely on graphics-intensive tasks or require substantial unified memory. If that describes you, you’ll already be aware of it.

In terms of graphics work—be it video editing, 3D rendering, or complex artistry—if your creative output is directly linked to your income, investing in the M2 Max is a smart decision.

My M1 Max MacBook Pro has significantly enhanced my efficiency as a video creator, allowing me to meet deadlines consistently.

Conclusion

I appreciate when an Apple purchasing decision yields a straightforward conclusion—though that’s not always the case!

The M2 Pro MacBook Pro is suitable for all but the most demanding graphics users. Whether you’re a developer, musician, or someone in need of a powerful MacBook Pro for diverse tasks, spending extra on the M2 Max is unnecessary.

The only exception arises when upgrading the M2 Pro to the extent that it encroaches upon M2 Max territory. In such cases, and if your budget allows, practicality must take precedence.

The M2 Max MacBook Pro is designed for users needing additional graphics cores or extensive unified memory. If your profitability hinges on how quickly you can render and export projects, choosing the M2 Max is a no-brainer.

I hope this information proves helpful. Feel free to share your choice in the comments section below.

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Originally published at https://markellisreviews.com on January 20, 2023.