The unified memory bandwidth of the MacBook Pro M4 models varies significantly depending on the specific chip used. The base M4 model offers a memory bandwidth of 120 GB/s, which is an improvement over its predecessors but still much lower than the higher-end models like the M4 Pro and M4 Max[1][4]. The M4 Pro models have a memory bandwidth of 273 GB/s, while the M4 Max models offer even higher bandwidths, with the slower version providing 410 GB/s and the faster version reaching up to 546 GB/s[1][5].
In comparison, Intel Core i9 models, such as the i9-13900F, have a memory bandwidth of about 89.6 GB/s, which is significantly lower than all the M4 models[2]. This difference highlights the advantage of Apple's unified memory architecture, where both the CPU and GPU can access the same memory pool at high speeds, which is particularly beneficial for tasks that require fast data transfer between these components.
The higher memory bandwidth in the M4 Pro and M4 Max models makes them more suitable for demanding tasks like video editing, 3D modeling, and AI workloads, where fast memory access is crucial. In contrast, Intel Core i9 processors, while powerful in their own right, rely on traditional RAM architectures that may not offer the same level of integration and speed as Apple's unified memory system.
Overall, the MacBook Pro M4 models, especially the M4 Pro and M4 Max, offer significantly higher memory bandwidth compared to Intel Core i9 processors, which can be a decisive factor for users requiring high-performance computing capabilities.
Citations:[1] https://appleosophy.com/2024/11/01/top-tidbits-about-the-macbook-pro-m4-m4-pro-m4-max-you-may-have-missed/
[2] https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=38602804
[3] https://www.reddit.com/r/macgaming/comments/1b1vztz/64_gb_2667_mhz_ddr4_vs_48gb_unified_memory/
[4] https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2024/10/new-macbook-pro-features-m4-family-of-chips-and-apple-intelligence/
[5] https://support.apple.com/en-us/121553
[6] https://support.apple.com/en-us/111932
[7] https://vi-control.net/community/threads/macbook-pro-m1-what-is-memory-bandwidth.115947/
[8] https://manofmany.com/tech/apple/macbook-pro-m4-review
[9] https://www.justjosh.tech/articles/m4-announcement-our-thoughts
[10] https://en.wikichip.org/wiki/intel/core_i9/i9-9900k
[11] https://www.apple.com/macbook-pro/specs/
[12] https://www.apple.com/by/macbook-pro-14-and-16/