Core i7-13850HX vs M3 Max 14-Core

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 i7-13850HX vs M3 Max 14-Core 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 i7-13850HX vs M3 Max 14-Core: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-13850HX

2023

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +17.5% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (20 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (36,409 vs 36,529).

M3 Max 14-Core

2023

Why buy it

✅+0.3% higher PassMark.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-13850HX across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-13850HX better than M3 Max 14-Core?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i7-13850HX is ahead with a 17.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, M3 Max 14-Core pulls ahead with 0.3% better PassMark.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, M3 Max 14-Core is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% better PassMark, backed by 14 cores and 14 threads.

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

Core i7-13850HX still makes the most sense overall. Core i7-13850HX comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 17.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

M3 Max 14-Core is the safer long-term CPU choice because it gives you more room to grow and a better platform outlook.

Core i7-13850HX vs M3 Max 14-Core Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-13850HX

The Core i7-13850HX is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 January 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Raptor Lake-HX (2023) architecture. It features 20 cores and 28 threads. Base frequency is 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 5.3 GHz. L3 cache: 30 MB (total). L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1964. Thermal design power (TDP): 55 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 36,409 points. Launch price was $428.

M3 Max 14-Core

The M3 Max 14-Core is manufactured by Apple. It was released in 30 October 2023 (2 years ago). It features 14 cores and 14 threads. Base frequency is 2.748 GHz, with boost up to 4.06 GHz. Built on 3 nm process technology. Socket: none. Memory support: LPDDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 36,529 points. Launch price was $499.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-13850HX packs 20 cores / 28 threads, while the M3 Max 14-Core offers 14 cores / 14 threads — the Core i7-13850HX has 6 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.3 GHz on the Core i7-13850HX versus 4.06 GHz on the M3 Max 14-Core — a 26.5% clock advantage for the Core i7-13850HX (base: 2.1 GHz vs 2.748 GHz). The Core i7-13850HX is built on the Raptor Lake-HX (2023) architecture. In PassMark, the Core i7-13850HX scores 36,409 against the M3 Max 14-Core's 36,529 — a 0.3% lead for the M3 Max 14-Core.

Feature	Core i7-13850HX	M3 Max 14-Core
Cores / Threads	20 / 28+43%	14 / 14
Boost Clock	5.3 GHz+31%	4.06 GHz
Base Clock	2.1 GHz	2.748 GHz+31%
L3 Cache	30 MB (total)	—
L2 Cache	2 MB (per core)	—
Process	Intel 7 nm	3 nm-57%
Architecture	Raptor Lake-HX (2023)	—
PassMark	36,409	36,529

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-13850HX uses the FCBGA1964 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the M3 Max 14-Core uses none (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 5600 on the Core i7-13850HX versus 6400 on the M3 Max 14-Core — the M3 Max 14-Core supports 14.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i7-13850HX supports up to 192 of RAM compared to 96 — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i7-13850HX) vs 0 (M3 Max 14-Core). PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i7-13850HX) vs 0 (M3 Max 14-Core) — the Core i7-13850HX offers 20 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Raptor Lake-HX (Core i7-13850HX) and Apple M3 (M3 Max 14-Core).

Feature	Core i7-13850HX	M3 Max 14-Core
Socket	FCBGA1964	none
PCIe Generation	PCIe 5.0+25%	PCIe 4.0
Max RAM Speed	5600	6400+14%
Max RAM Capacity	192+100%	96
RAM Channels	2	0
ECC Support	Yes	No
PCIe Lanes	20	0

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Advanced Features

Only the Core i7-13850HX has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Only the Core i7-13850HX supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-13850HX) vs VT-x, VT-d (macOS) (M3 Max 14-Core). Both include integrated graphics — Intel UHD Graphics (Core i7-13850HX) and Apple M3 Max GPU (30-core) (M3 Max 14-Core) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i7-13850HX rivals Ryzen 7 8845HS; M3 Max 14-Core rivals Core i9-13900HX.