There are several differences between the MAX2870 and MAX2871, outlined below:
| Specification | Condition | MAX2870 | MAX2871 |
| Reference Input Frequency (MHz) | Max. | 200 | 210 |
| Maximum PFD Frequency (MHz) | INT mode FRAC mode | 105 50 | 140 125 |
| 3.0 GHZ VCO Open Loop Phase Noise (dBc/Hz) | @ 10MHz offset | -155.0 | -158.0 |
| 4.5 GHz VCO Open Loop Phase Noise | @ 10MHz offset | -151.0 | -153.0 |
| 6.0 GHz VCO Open Loop Phase Noise | @ 10 MHz offset | -150.0 | -151.0 |
| Integrated RMS Jitter (ps) | 0.250 | 0.200 | |
| Normalized In-Band Noise Floor (dBc/Hz) | -266 int | -230 int | |
| 1/f Noise (dBc/Hz) | -95.0 | -122.0 | |
| 2nd Harmonics (VCO/2) dBc | -20 | -25 | |
| Temperature Sensor & ADC | NO | YES | |
| Temperature Compensation from -40C to +85C | NO | YES | |
| Phase Synchronization | NO | YES | |
| Cycle-Slip Reduction and Fast Lock | NO | YES | |
| Mute Until Lock | NO | YES | |
| Muted Output Power | -31.0 | -40.0 | |
| Total Supply Current at Highest Frequency (mA) | 162 | 182 |