In the realm of cutting-edge technology, Apple’s M3 Max chip has been making headlines for its exceptional CPU and GPU performance, positioning itself as a powerhouse within the Apple Silicon lineup. The real question on everyone’s mind: Can it outpace the fastest Windows laptops? To answer this, we set the M3 Max head-to-head with the Lenovo Legion 9i and the Asus ROG Strix Scar 17, both formidable contenders in the Windows ecosystem.
A Glimpse into Architectures
Apple M3 Max:
- ARM-based system on a chip (SoC).
- Utilizes a groundbreaking 3nm process with a redesigned GPU architecture.
- Enhanced CPU performance with a 15% boost in performance cores and 30% in efficiency cores.
- Promises an overall performance improvement of 20% to 25%.
- GPU features Dynamic Caching, mesh shading, and hardware-accelerated ray tracing.
Intel Core i9-13980HX:
- 55-watt processor with 24 cores (eight Performance cores and 16 Efficient cores) and 32 threads.
- Performance cores clocked at up to 5.60GHz, while Efficient cores run at up to 4.0GHz.
- Focuses on high clock speeds and increased cores for performance gains.
AMD Ryzen 9 7945HX:
- 55-watt CPU with 16 cores and 32 threads running at up to 5.4GHz.
- Top-tier AMD mobile CPU based on the Zen 4 architecture.
- Offers incredibly fast performance with the ability to ramp up to 75 watts.
Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090:
- The fastest mobile GPU with features like Shader Execution Reordering and DLSS 3.
- Provides potent gaming performance and accelerates tasks in creative, design, and engineering applications.
You may be interested in our other articles about technology if you enjoyed this one:
- Windows 11 KB5031455 Update Woes: Installation Failures and Game Crashes
- How to Unlock UK Netflix with the Best VPN?
Synthetic Benchmarks Unveiled
Geekbench 6
- MacBook Pro (M3 Max): 3,174 (single-core) / 21,137 (multi-core)
- Lenovo Legion 9i (Core i9-13980HX/RTX 4090): 2,959 / 17,367
- Asus ROG Strix Scar 17 (Not Tested):
Cinebench R24
- MacBook Pro (M3 Max): 139 (single-core) / 1522 (multi-core) / 12,765 (GPU)
- Lenovo Legion 9i (Core i9-13980HX/RTX 4090): 125 / 1665 / 23,212
- Asus ROG Strix Scar 17 (Not Tested):
Note: Results from synthetic benchmarks showcase the M3 Max as the fastest laptop CPU in Geekbench 6. However, Cinebench R24 results demonstrate a mixed performance, with the M3 Max excelling in multi-core CPU but falling behind in GPU performance.
Real-life Benchmarks: The Application Test
Adobe Premiere Pro (PugetBench Benchmark)
- ROG Strix Scar 17 (AMD Ryzen 9 7945HX/RTX 4090): 928 (Overall Score)
- MacBook Pro (M3 Max): 889
- Lenovo Legion 9i (Core i9-13980HX/RTX 4090): 838
- Dell XPS 17 (Core i7-13700H/RTX 4070): 568
- MacBook Pro 14 (M1 Pro): 467
In the real-world scenario of Adobe Premiere Pro, the ROG Strix Scar 17 claims the top spot with an impressive score. The M3 Max MacBook Pro secures the second position, surpassing the Legion 9i and showcasing Apple’s optimization for professional creative tasks.
Conclusion: The M3 Max – A Class of Its Own
As we navigate the realm of comparisons, it’s crucial to acknowledge the distinctive nature of each device. The M3 Max MacBook Pro, while not a direct competitor to gaming laptops like the Legion 9i and ROG Strix Scar 17, emerges as a game-changer in its own right.
With unparalleled optimization for professional creative tasks, the M3 Max remains in a class of its own, setting a new standard for performance and efficiency. As we anticipate future developments from Intel, AMD, Nvidia, and other manufacturers, the M3 Max stands as a testament to Apple’s commitment to innovation and technological prowess.