MacBook Pro M4 Max vs MacBook Pro M5 Max: which is better for gaming?
Compared across 35 Mac games · High preset · no MetalFX
In short
The MacBook Pro M5 Max (Apple M5 Max) is 5% faster on average than the MacBook Pro M4 Max (Apple M4 Max): 146 vs 139 FPS at 1080p High across the games both can run. It clears 60 FPS in 34 games versus 34.
For gaming the gap is small: if you already own the MacBook Pro M4 Max, upgrading is not worth it. If you are buying, pick whichever has more memory for the money.
34 games at 60+ FPS · wins 0 of 35
34 games at 60+ FPS · wins 33 of 35
Average FPS by resolution
| Resolution | MacBook Pro M4 Max | MacBook Pro M5 Max | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1080p | 139FPS | 146FPS | +5 % |
| 1440p | 114FPS | 127FPS | +11 % |
| 4K | 68FPS | 82FPS | +21 % |
Which one for your resolution?
- 1080p: MacBook Pro M5 Max, at 146 FPS on average, smooth.
- 1440p: MacBook Pro M5 Max, at 127 FPS on average, smooth.
- 4K: MacBook Pro M5 Max, at 82 FPS on average, smooth.
Specifications
| MacBook Pro M4 Max | MacBook Pro M5 Max | |
|---|---|---|
| Chip | Apple M4 Max | Apple M5 Max |
| Generation | M4 | M5 |
| GPU cores | 32 / 40 | 32 / 40 |
| Geekbench Metal | 161,219 | 195,368 |
| Unified memory | 36 / 48 / 64 / 128 GB | 36 / 48 / 64 / 128 GB |
| Cooling | Fan | Fan |
| Gaming score | 44/100 | 53/100 |
| Year | 2024 | 2026 |
Game performance
Estimate1080p · High
The MacGameFPS verdict
Calibrated on real Mac benchmarks, not spec sheets
Verdict
The MacBook Pro M5 Max wins in 33 of 35 games. For gaming the gap is small: if you already own the MacBook Pro M4 Max, upgrading is not worth it. If you are buying, pick whichever has more memory for the money.
FAQ
Which is better for gaming, the MacBook Pro M4 Max or the MacBook Pro M5 Max?
The MacBook Pro M5 Max: it wins in 33 of 35 games and is 5% faster on average at 1080p High.
Is upgrading from the MacBook Pro M4 Max to the MacBook Pro M5 Max worth it for gaming?
For gaming the gap is small: if you already own the MacBook Pro M4 Max, upgrading is not worth it. If you are buying, pick whichever has more memory for the money.
How big is the FPS gap in Assassin's Creed Shadows?
At 1080p High, the MacBook Pro M4 Max gets about 43 FPS and the MacBook Pro M5 Max about 52 FPS.
Which one for 1440p or 4K gaming?
At 1440p the average is 114 vs 127 FPS, and at 4K 68 vs 82 FPS (MacBook Pro M4 Max vs MacBook Pro M5 Max).
How much memory should I get?
For gaming, 16 GB is the sensible minimum and 24 GB leaves headroom. The MacBook Pro M4 Max ships with 36, 48, 64, 128 GB and the MacBook Pro M5 Max with 36, 48, 64, 128 GB.
