I can’t address your post specifically in the manner you asked for comparisons between different Apple Silicon models and the software you’re using. With that said, I’ll offer a few comments about my experience. Take it for what it’s worth.
When the M1 MacBook Pro‘s (14 in. and 16 in. models came out around Jan. 2022), after some research and listening to some ArtIsRight videos about M1 spec comparisons and suggestions I bought a 14 in. M1 MBP with just the base processor but upgraded the RAM to 32gb. I also upgraded the SSD storage to 2TB. The 14 in. M1 MBP is my only computer (notwithstanding my wife's M1 mini and our iPad Pros) - the M1 is my travel laptop (love the size) and my at-home desktop which I use in ‘clamshell’ mode, i.e., LCD closed and connected to an Eizo CS-2731.
I remain 100% happy and satisfied with this setup. So, some disclosures. I really don’t do any batch processing. I am not a prolific shooter meaning I don’t come home with hundreds or thousands of raw images each day. I enjoy tinkering around with one or two images at a time. I’m an old retired guy and this is my ‘at-home‘ entertainment. Such is life. My M1 is plenty fast enough for what I do. For example, I use Capture One Pro exclusively for Nikon NEF raw processing. I used to own two Z9’s but now own two Z 6III's. Also, I used to use Topaz DeNoise for NR as a CP-1 plug in. On my M1 a 45mp Z9 NEF Lossless Comp. ‘sent’ to DeNoise as an uncompressed Tiff for NR would take about 10 seconds for DeNoise to do its ‘thing’. Now I use DXo DeepPrimeXD for NR. I’ve measured the processing time in DeepPrimeXD for a 45mp Z9 NEF and it’s consistently 58 seconds. I simply don’t feel compelled to spend a couple of thousand dollars on a new Apple Silicon model to save an extra 10 or 15 seconds. And, I’ve never heard the M1 MBP fans run. Maybe they do, but I’ve never heard them. So, I hope this small sampling of stats means something to you.
Thus. a few bottom line thoughts … what is the benefit to you to spend what would be a substantial amount of money for a little extra speed? Of course, I really don’t know how you shoot and what your ‘needs’ and wishes are for a bit more speed. Your needs might be much more significant than my simple processing operation. I’ve followed with interest the various trends and advancements of the Apple Silicon laptop models and new releases. And, I admit, like the rest of us, I get tempted to get out the credit card and go shopping. But I don’t need to, because I bought the right machine for me to start with.
If there’s one piece of advice I can offer with confidence it’s this. You’re going to reap more performance benefit by increasing RAM with an Apple Silicon system rather than shelling out a lot of money for a faster processor. Of course, one cannot upgrade the ram afterwards. So, get it right to start with.
