M4 Pro (14 cores) vs M4 Max (14 cores)
M4 Pro (14 cores)
M4 Max (14 cores)
Performance Spectrum - CPU
About PassMark
PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar M4 Pro (14 cores)
Performance Per Dollar M4 Max (14 cores)
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | M4 Pro (14 cores) | M4 Max (14 cores) |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | Equivalent pricing | Equivalent pricing |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Legacy / 3 nm) | ✨ Modern (Legacy / 3 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | M4 Pro (14 cores) | M4 Max (14 cores) |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | Equivalent pricing | Equivalent pricing |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of M4 Pro (14 cores) and M4 Max (14 cores)
M4 Pro (14 cores)
The M4 Pro (14 cores) is manufactured by Apple. It was released in 30 October 2024 (1 year ago). It features 14 cores and 14 threads. Base frequency is 2.59 GHz, with boost up to 4.5 GHz. Built on 3 nm process technology. Socket: none. Thermal design power (TDP): 4 MB. Memory support: LPDDR5X. Passmark benchmark score: 38,127 points. Launch price was $499.
M4 Max (14 cores)
The M4 Max (14 cores) is manufactured by Apple. It was released in 30 November 2024 (1 year ago). It features 14 cores and 14 threads. Base frequency is 2.59 GHz, with boost up to 4.51 GHz. Built on 3 nm process technology. Socket: none. Thermal design power (TDP): 4 MB. Memory support: LPDDR5X. Passmark benchmark score: 38,558 points. Launch price was $499.
Processing Power
Both the M4 Pro (14 cores) and M4 Max (14 cores) share an identical 14-core/14-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 4.5 GHz on the M4 Pro (14 cores) versus 4.51 GHz on the M4 Max (14 cores) — a 0.2% clock advantage for the M4 Max (14 cores) (base: 2.59 GHz vs 2.59 GHz). In PassMark, the M4 Pro (14 cores) scores 38,127 against the M4 Max (14 cores)'s 38,558 — a 1.1% lead for the M4 Max (14 cores).
| Feature | M4 Pro (14 cores) | M4 Max (14 cores) |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 14 / 14 | 14 / 14 |
| Boost Clock | 4.5 GHz | 4.51 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.59 GHz | 2.59 GHz |
| Process | 3 nm | 3 nm |
| PassMark | 38,127 | 38,558+1% |
Memory & Platform
Both processors use the none socket with PCIe 4.0. Both support up to 8533 memory speed. The M4 Max (14 cores) supports up to 128 of RAM compared to 64 — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 0-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 0 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: Apple M4 (M4 Pro (14 cores)) and Apple M4 (M4 Max (14 cores)).
| Feature | M4 Pro (14 cores) | M4 Max (14 cores) |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | none | none |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe 4.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 8533 | 8533 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 64 | 128+100% |
| RAM Channels | 0 | 0 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 0 | 0 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support VT-x, VT-d (macOS) virtualization. Both include integrated graphics — Apple M4 Pro GPU (20-core) (M4 Pro (14 cores)) and Apple M4 Max GPU (32-core) (M4 Max (14 cores)) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: M4 Pro (14 cores) rivals Core Ultra 7 258V; M4 Max (14 cores) rivals Ryzen AI Max PRO 390.
| Feature | M4 Pro (14 cores) | M4 Max (14 cores) |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Apple M4 Pro GPU (20-core) | Apple M4 Max GPU (32-core) |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d (macOS) | VT-x, VT-d (macOS) |
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