Is Apple's M2 Max Good for Machine Learning?

Summary

The video discusses the release of Apple's M2 chips, focusing on whether they are worth purchasing. It recommends the M2 for Apple devotees needing mobility and large models, but suggests alternatives for others. Benchmarks show the M1 Max's performance, and the expected generational uplift for the M2 Max is compared to the Nvidia 3090. The video also explores the cost-effectiveness of Apple products versus comparable Windows and Linux options, highlighting the value of desktop systems for those not needing mobility.

Takeaways

• 🍏 The M2 chip is a powerful upgrade, but the decision to buy should be based on individual needs and preferences.
• 💼 For Apple devotees who require mobility and work with large models, the M2 chip could be a good investment.
• 🔋 The M1 Max's unified memory architecture is beneficial for those working with large models that demand substantial RAM.
• 📈 Benchmarks suggest the M1 Max offers about an eighth of the performance of a 3090 GPU, with the M2 expected to close this gap somewhat.
• 💰 The cost of a high-spec MacBook Pro with M2 Max can be significant, and there may be more cost-effective alternatives available.
• 🛠️ If mobility isn't a requirement, a desktop setup could offer better performance for the price.
• 🖥️ Non-Apple users needing mobility might consider Windows or Linux laptops with dedicated Nvidia GPUs for better performance.
• 📊 The M2 Max is expected to have a performance uplift of about 30-40% over the M1 Max, but still falls short of high-end desktop GPUs.
• 💡 The script laments the lack of unbiased benchmarks and the demise of trusted review sources, highlighting the difficulty in obtaining reliable performance data.
• 🛍️ The new Mac Mini with M2 Pro is not considered a great value outside of the Apple ecosystem, especially considering the lack of peripherals.
• 🔬 For those not tied to the Apple ecosystem, a desktop or a Windows laptop with a dedicated GPU may offer superior performance and value.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video script?

The main topic of the video script is an analysis of Apple's new M2 chip, discussing whether it's a worthwhile purchase and comparing its performance with other options.

Who is the target audience for the M2 chip according to the script?

The target audience for the M2 chip includes Apple devotees who run large models and need mobility, and those who are convinced they want the chip regardless of the analysis.

What are the independent benchmarks mentioned in the script?

The independent benchmarks mentioned in the script are from a user on GitHub, which the author uses due to the difficulty of finding unbiased benchmarks in the popular media.

Why does the script mention the M1 Max chip in the context of the M2 chip?

The M1 Max chip is mentioned because its performance can be used to extrapolate the potential performance of the M2 Max chip, given the expected generational gains.

What is the significance of the unified memory architecture for users working with large models?

The unified memory architecture is significant for users working with large models because it provides access to large amounts of memory (up to 21 GB), which is beneficial for such models and not commonly available in mobile GPUs.

How does the script compare the performance of the M1 Max chip to the Nvidia RTX 3090?

The script compares the performance by stating that the M1 Max chip has an eighth of the performance of the RTX 3090 and consumes about the same amount of power for that speed gain.

What is the estimated performance improvement of the M2 Max over the M1 Max according to the script?

The script estimates a performance improvement of around 30 to 50 percent for the M2 Max over the M1 Max, based on Apple's benchmarks and assumptions.

Why does the script suggest that the M2 chip might not be a great buy for some users?

The script suggests that the M2 chip might not be a great buy for users who do not need the large unified memory, are not devoted to Apple, and do not require mobility, as there are more cost-effective and higher-performing alternatives available.

What alternative options are presented in the script for users who do not need the M2 chip's specific features?

The script presents alternative options such as last-gen laptops with Nvidia GPUs, Windows or Linux laptops, and high-end desktop systems as more cost-effective and higher-performing alternatives.

What is the script's stance on the value of the new Mac Mini with the M2 Pro chip?

The script's stance is that the new Mac Mini with the M2 Pro chip is not a great value for those outside the Apple ecosystem, as it lacks peripherals and offers less performance per dollar compared to building a custom system with a comparable GPU.