What are the differences in render speeds between the MacBook Pro M4 and the 16-inch MacBook Pro with Intel Core i9

MacBook Pro M4

The MacBook Pro M4, particularly the M4 Max model, is designed to deliver exceptional performance for demanding tasks such as video editing and 3D rendering. It features a powerful 10-core CPU with four performance cores and six efficiency cores, along with a faster 10-core GPU. This setup provides substantial improvements over previous models, including up to 7.8 times faster scene rendering performance in Maxon Redshift compared to the Intel Core i9 MacBook Pro[7]. Additionally, the M4 Max offers enhanced unified memory bandwidth and a more powerful Neural Engine, which significantly boosts AI-related tasks and overall system efficiency[7].

In real-world tests, the M4 MacBook Pro has shown impressive rendering speeds. For example, it can handle video retiming speeds that are significantly faster than Intel-based models, making it ideal for content creators[11]. The M4 chip also supports advanced graphics and AI capabilities, further enhancing its rendering performance.

16-inch MacBook Pro with Intel Core i9

The 16-inch MacBook Pro with Intel Core i9, while powerful in its own right, generally lags behind the M4 models in terms of rendering speed. Intel Core i9 processors are known for their high performance in multi-threaded tasks, but they often rely on external graphics cards for optimal performance in graphics-intensive applications like video editing and 3D rendering. In comparison to the M4 models, the Intel i9 MacBook Pro tends to be slower in rendering tasks, especially when using software optimized for Apple's M-series chips[7][11].

In specific tests, the M4 Max MacBook Pro has been shown to outperform the Intel Core i9 model by a significant margin. For instance, in scene rendering with Maxon Redshift, the M4 Max is up to 7.8 times faster than the Intel Core i9 MacBook Pro[7]. This disparity highlights the efficiency and optimization of Apple's M-series chips for tasks that heavily utilize GPU and AI capabilities.

Key Differences

- Performance Optimization: The M4 chip is optimized for Apple's ecosystem, providing better integration with software like Final Cut Pro and other Apple applications, which can lead to faster rendering times compared to Intel-based systems running similar software.
- GPU and AI Capabilities: The M4 Max offers a more powerful GPU and Neural Engine, which are crucial for tasks like video editing and 3D rendering. This results in faster rendering speeds and more efficient processing of complex visual effects.
- Power Consumption and Heat Management: The M4 models tend to manage power consumption and heat more efficiently, which can impact performance during prolonged rendering tasks. However, as noted in some cases, the M4 might not always utilize its full power capacity, potentially limiting performance in certain scenarios[1][4].

Overall, the MacBook Pro M4, especially the M4 Max, offers superior rendering speeds compared to the 16-inch MacBook Pro with Intel Core i9, thanks to its optimized chip architecture and enhanced GPU capabilities.