Core i7-13800H vs M2 Max

PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.

Core i7-13800H vs M2 Max FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

Core i7-13800H vs M2 Max: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Core i7-13800H

2023

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +10.4% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (26,349 vs 26,824).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (24 MB vs 48 MB).
❌25% higher power demand at 45W vs 36W.
❌No integrated graphics, while M2 Max can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

M2 Max

2023

Why buy it

✅+1.8% higher PassMark.
✅+100% larger total L3 cache (48 MB vs 24 MB).
✅Draws 36W instead of 45W, a 9W reduction.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Apple M2 Max GPU, while Core i7-13800H needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-13800H across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.

Quick Answers

So, is M2 Max better than Core i7-13800H?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i7-13800H is ahead with a 10.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, M2 Max pulls ahead with 1.8% better PassMark. M2 Max also has the bigger cache pool with 100% larger total L3 cache (48 MB vs 24 MB).

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, M2 Max is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.8% better PassMark, backed by 12 cores and 12 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 100% larger total L3 cache (48 MB vs 24 MB).

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

M2 Max still makes the most sense overall. M2 Max comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 1.8% better PassMark.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

M2 Max is the safer long-term CPU choice because it gives you more room to grow and a better platform outlook.

Core i7-13800H vs M2 Max Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

Core i7-13800H

The Core i7-13800H is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 January 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Raptor Lake-H (2023−2024) architecture. It features 14 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 5.2 GHz. L3 cache: 24 MB (total). L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1744. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-5200, DDR4-3200, LPDDR4x-4267. Passmark benchmark score: 26,349 points. Launch price was $457.

M2 Max

The M2 Max is manufactured by Apple. It was released in 17 January 2023 (2 years ago). It features 12 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 2.424 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 48 MB. L2 cache: 36 MB. Built on 5 nm process technology. Socket: none. Thermal design power (TDP): 36 MB + 48 MB. Memory support: LPDDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 26,824 points. Launch price was $299.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-13800H packs 14 cores / 20 threads, while the M2 Max offers 12 cores / 12 threads — the Core i7-13800H has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.2 GHz on the Core i7-13800H versus 3.7 GHz on the M2 Max — a 33.7% clock advantage for the Core i7-13800H (base: 2.5 GHz vs 2.424 GHz). The Core i7-13800H is built on the Raptor Lake-H (2023−2024) architecture. In PassMark, the Core i7-13800H scores 26,349 against the M2 Max's 26,824 — a 1.8% lead for the M2 Max. L3 cache: 24 MB (total) on the Core i7-13800H vs 48 MB on the M2 Max.

Feature	Core i7-13800H	M2 Max
Cores / Threads	14 / 20+17%	12 / 12
Boost Clock	5.2 GHz+41%	3.7 GHz
Base Clock	2.5 GHz+3%	2.424 GHz
L3 Cache	24 MB (total)	48 MB+100%
L2 Cache	2 MB (per core)	36 MB+1700%
Process	Intel 7 nm	5 nm-29%
Architecture	Raptor Lake-H (2023−2024)	—
PassMark	26,349	26,824+2%

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-13800H uses the FCBGA1744 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the M2 Max uses none (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i7-13800H	M2 Max
Socket	FCBGA1744	none
PCIe Generation	PCIe 5.0+25%	PCIe 4.0
Max RAM Speed	—	LPDDR5-6400
Max RAM Capacity	—	96 GB
RAM Channels	—	4
ECC Support	—	No
PCIe Lanes	—	0

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Core i7-13800H) / Virtualization (M2 Max). The M2 Max includes integrated graphics (Apple M2 Max GPU), while the Core i7-13800H requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: M2 Max targets Mobile.