18 Cores vs. 32: How the M5 Max Just Outperformed Apple’s Ultra Chip in Geekbench

New test results for the Apple M5 Max processor have surfaced online, and according to the data published in the benchmark's database, the 18-core chip has posted scores that throw the former hierarchy of the Apple Silicon line into question. The processor was tested on a 16-inch MacBook Pro, and in the multi-core test, the device scored 29,233 points. This result is higher than that of the professional desktop version—the Mac Studio with the M3 Ultra chip, which is equipped with 32 cores and typically scores around 27,726 points.

The mobile version of the M5 Max (even if it is the higher-end configuration) outpaces the previous generation's desktop Ultra in terms of speed. Compared to its direct predecessor, the M4 Max, the increase comes in at around 14-15%. In the single-core test, the newcomer also posted a strong result of 4,268 points, which aligns with the scores of the base M5 model introduced in the fall.

Graphics performance is also worth highlighting, where the M5 Max's 40-core GPU scored between 218,000 and 232,000 points. This is roughly 20% higher than the average scores for the M4 Max (around 190,000). It falls just slightly short of the M3 Ultra's result of 245,000 points, but considering these are results from different classes of devices (a laptop versus a stationary PC), the gap seems negligible.

The M5 Max results appeared in the database almost simultaneously with benchmarks of Qualcomm's new flagship (Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme). The comparison shows that Apple maintains its lead in multi-core mode: 29,233 points versus Qualcomm's 23,198. However, in the single-core scenario, the gap isn't as wide (4,268 for Apple versus 4,033 for Snapdragon), indicating growing competition in the market for ARM-based laptop processors.

At this point, MacBook Pros with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips are already available for pre-order. The first customers are set to receive their devices on March 11th. It's still too early to say how accurate these "leaked" results are, but if they hold up, the M5 Max will truly be the fastest solution from Apple to date.

So, what do you think? Should you grab a laptop with the M4 Max now that it's about to drop in price, or is it worth paying extra for that 15% performance boost from the M5? Or would you be better off with processors from Intel and AMD? Let us know in the comments.