M4 Max MacBook Pro: Time to upgrade from M1?
Science & Technology
Introduction
After four years of Apple Silicon Macs, we’ve reached a pinnacle in Mac performance, particularly with the introduction of the M4 Max chip. The MacBook Pro 16-inch with the M4 Max and nanotexture display raises the question: Should current M1 Max users consider upgrading? While the M1 Max has served users well, the M4 Max offers performance enhancements that might justify an upgrade.
Real-World Testing: Final Cut Pro
To understand the M4 Max's capabilities, I started with Final Cut Pro, a staple in my editing workflow. My latest YouTube project, which is moderately complex and shot in 4K, played back smoothly with color corrections applied. I then attempted to push the M4 Max further by using tracking and Roto AI tools from Motion VFX. I noticed an impressive performance, with near real-time tracking on a 60 fps clip, which reflected the chip's potential.
Comparing Performance: M4 Max, M1 Max, and M2 Ultra
With my project loaded onto three machines—the M1 Max, M2 Ultra, and M4 Max—I conducted tests in DaVinci Resolve, focusing on 6K Blackmagic RAW footage. The M4 Max handled noise reduction, color grading, and film effects efficiently. Full-resolution playback ran smoothly at 24 frames per second, even with added effects.
On the M1 Max, however, playback dropped to 14 frames per second, demonstrating a stark contrast. Though the M2 Ultra maintained full-speed playback at 24 fps, the performance differential evidenced the M4 Max's prowess, even surpassing the M1 Max when rendering intense effects.
Display and Connectivity Improvements
The introduction of the nanotexture option in the M4 Max enhances the viewing experience, particularly outdoors. While the M1 Max had a maximum brightness of 500 nits, the M4 maxes out at 1,000 nits, making it more suitable for varying lighting conditions. Additionally, all Thunderbolt ports now support Thunderbolt 5, offering three times the speed of Thunderbolt 4 and improving future-proofing for hardware connectivity.
Lightroom and AI Performance Benchmarks
To evaluate the M4 Max in a different light, I used Adobe Lightroom, processing a series of photos with smart masks and AI-enhanced retouching. The M4 Max completed the smart masks significantly faster than the earlier models, outperforming the M2 Ultra. However, while the M4 Max excelled in AI tasks, the M2 Ultra still maintained an edge in certain performance benchmarks.
Export and Video Processing
Exporting a complex one-minute project from DaVinci Resolve revealed stark differences in performance. The M1 Max took over five minutes for export, while the M4 Max completed it in roughly two minutes, showing a considerable jump in efficiency. Interestingly, the M4 Max outpaced the M2 Ultra while running entirely on battery, which is impressive for a laptop.
Conclusion: Is It Time to Upgrade?
The M4 Max has consistently showcased enhanced performance across applications like Final Cut Pro and Lightroom compared to the M1 Max, marking a significant upgrade path for users. Those utilizing Macs for video editing, intensive graphics, or professional-grade applications may find the M4 Max justifies the switch.
Keyword
M4 Max, MacBook Pro, M1 Max, upgrade, performance, Final Cut Pro, DaVinci Resolve, Lightroom, AI processing, Thunderbolt 5
FAQ
1. Should I upgrade from M1 Max to M4 Max?
The M4 Max offers significant performance improvements, especially for demanding tasks in video and photo editing, making it worth considering for heavy users.
2. How does M4 Max perform in video editing software?
The M4 Max has demonstrated substantial speed gains in software like Final Cut Pro and DaVinci Resolve, outperforming the M1 Max considerably.
3. What are the display improvements with M4 Max?
The M4 Max features a brighter display with a maximum of 1,000 nits, alongside the nanotexture option for better visibility in varying light conditions.
4. How does M4 Max compare to M2 Ultra?
While the M2 Ultra typically excels in benchmarks due to its higher specs, the M4 Max has shown impressive performance, particularly in laptop form—making it a strong contender.
5. What advantages does Thunderbolt 5 offer?
Thunderbolt 5 brings up to three times the speed of Thunderbolt 4, allowing for enhanced connectivity options and future-proofing for users requiring multiple high-resolution displays.
