M5 Max MacBook Pro before release: Performance predictions

The M5 Max MacBook Pro is apparently nearing its release. Current performance estimates are already generating considerable interest. These estimates are based on projections that mirror previous performance leaps within Apple's chip generations. In particular, the anticipated Geekbench results suggest that Apple could make a significant step forward with the M5 Max, especially in graphics performance.

Since no official benchmarks have been released yet, the current figures are based on comparisons between previous models. The focus is primarily on the difference between the base M4 and the more powerful M4 Pro and M4 Max variants. This ratio is then applied to the new base M5. Based on this, fairly concrete predictions for the M5 Max MacBook Pro can be derived. This approach is considered sensible in the industry, as Apple has implemented its performance improvements relatively consistently across several generations.

Expected CPU performance of the M5 Max MacBook Pro

The detailed performance forecast comes from, among others, Jason Cross, who analyzed and extrapolated the known figures. According to him, the M5 Max MacBook Pro could achieve the following values:

approximately 4,500 points in the single-core test
more than 31,000 points in the multi-core test

The multi-core performance is particularly noteworthy. It would bring the M5 Max MacBook Pro to a level of performance previously reserved for very powerful desktop processors. Specifically, it's compared to 64-core CPUs from AMD's Threadripper series. For a notebook, that would be an extraordinary development.

Predicted GPU performance and Geekbench results

The estimates for graphics performance are even more striking. The M5 Max is said to be equipped with a 40-core GPU. According to the calculations, this graphics processor could be Apple's first to exceed 250,000 points in the Geekbench 6 GPU benchmark.

For comparison: The M3 Ultra with 80 GPU cores was only slightly below this value. The fact that Apple could reach this threshold with only half as many GPU cores and within two chip generations demonstrates the rapid pace of development.

Other benchmarks also provide a tangible indication of the graphics performance. In the Steel Nomad test, the base M5 already achieves a score of over 2,300 points. This is slightly higher than the laptop version of the GeForce RTX 4050. The larger M5 Max is expected to reach over 4,600 points, putting it roughly on par with a GeForce RTX 4070. NVIDIA considers these cards to offer a particularly strong overall package of performance and efficiency, especially for demanding applications and gaming.

Significance of the graphics improvements

The biggest performance gains from the M4 to the M5 are expected in the graphics department. If this trend continues with the M5 Pro and M5 Max, the M5 Max MacBook Pro should become particularly interesting for graphics-intensive workloads. These include 3D rendering, video editing, game development, and demanding real-time graphics.

New chip architecture and possible configurations

Another important point concerns the internal structure of the M5 Pro and M5 Max chips. Well-known Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo assumes that Apple is using a new packaging process from TSMC for the M5 Pro. This process is called SoIC-mH, short for System-on-Integrated-Chips-Molding-Horizontal.

This technology would allow for a greater separation of CPU and GPU than before. According to Jason Cross, this would enable Apple to offer more flexible configurations. Chips with more GPU cores and fewer CPU cores, or vice versa, would be conceivable, depending on the intended use.

It is considered unlikely, however, that Apple will offer every theoretically possible combination. Nevertheless, there could be future variants of the M5 Max MacBook Pro that are better suited to specific workloads. Whether and to what extent Apple will actually implement this flexibility remains to be seen.

M5 Max MacBook Pro with potentially historic graphics performance

Current projections paint a clear picture. The M5 Max MacBook Pro could set a new benchmark for mobile Apple systems in terms of CPU and, above all, GPU performance. The predicted Geekbench graphics performance results, in particular, elevate the chip to a performance class previously reserved for dedicated desktop and laptop graphics cards.

Should these estimates prove accurate, Apple would further solidify its position in the professional notebook segment and widen the gap with many competitors. However, the final assessment depends on the official benchmarks, which are expected to be released with the unveiling of the new models. (Image: Shutterstock / Dontree_M)