M3 vs M4 vs M5 Generation Comparison
This guide does not quote prices: they change daily. Current fair values for every configuration are on the Market Index and each model's value page. macOS support lengths here are estimates; Apple does not publish end dates.
In short
The M5 generation offers significant improvements over the M3 and M4 generations, particularly in terms of memory bandwidth, storage speed, and Thunderbolt connectivity. For most users, the M5 Pro is the recommended choice, offering a balance between performance and price. However, for heavy users who require maximum performance, the M5 Max is the best option, targeting professionals and heavy users who prioritize performance and features like Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6, with a key tradeoff being the higher cost for the best performance. The price range for these devices is significantly higher than the M4 Max, but the M4 Max is a suitable choice for those on a budget.
The details
The M3, M4, and M5 generations have distinct architectures and specifications.
Specifications Comparison
| Specification | M3 | M4 | M5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| CPU Cores | 8-core | 8-core | 10-core |
| Memory Bandwidth | 200 GB/s | 409 GB/s | 614 GB/s |
| GPU Cores | 16-core | 40-core | 40-core |
| Storage Speed | 2.2 GB/s | 6.6 GB/s | 12.8 GB/s |
The M5 generation features a 10-core CPU with 4 Super and 6 Efficiency cores, while the M4 generation has an 8-core CPU with 4 Super and 4 Efficiency cores. The M5 generation also offers improved memory bandwidth, with up to 614 GB/s on the M5 Max, compared to up to 409 GB/s on the M4 Max. In terms of benchmarks, the M5 Pro outperforms the M4 Pro in multi-core performance, with a 45% increase in GPU performance and a 30% increase in CPU performance.
Which one to buy
- Professional Users: If you are a professional user who requires high-performance computing for tasks like video editing, 3D modeling, or software development → M5 Max.
- Heavy Users: If you are a heavy user who requires a balance between performance and price → M5 Pro.
- General Users: If you are a general user who prioritizes battery life and cost-effectiveness → M4 Max.
Buying on eBay
When interpreting marketplace signals for this configuration, consider the following:
- Watch count thresholds: 100+ watches indicate high demand.
- Seller feedback minimums: 95%+ positive feedback.
- Price deviation alerts: Be cautious of prices significantly lower than market value.
Risk and longevity
- macOS Support Timeline: The M4 Max and M5 Pro are expected to receive macOS updates for at least 5-7 years, with the M5 Pro likely receiving support for a longer period.
- Resale Value: The M5 Pro is expected to retain its value better than the M4 Max.
Sources
- https://www.sentisight.ai/macbook-m3-vs-m4-vs-m5-chip-comparison/
- https://medium.com/@kellyshephard/apple-m1-vs-m2-vs-m3-vs-m4-vs-m5-022a79e38962
- https://www.sentisight.ai/macbook-m3-vs-m4-vs-m5-chip-comparison
- https://doesitmac.com/guides/m4-vs-m3-gaming-performance
- https://www.cpu-monkey.com/en/compare_cpu-apple_m3-vs-apple_m4
- https://laptopmedia.com/comparisons/apple-m4-vs-m3-pro-max-vs-m2-pro-max-ultra-vs-m1-pro-max-ultra-the-ultimate-benchmark-comparison/