Core i7-13850HX vs M3 Max 14-Core
Core i7-13850HX
M3 Max 14-Core
Performance Spectrum - CPU
About PassMark
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-13850HX
Performance Per Dollar M3 Max 14-Core
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-13850HX | M3 Max 14-Core |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | Equivalent pricing | Equivalent pricing |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Raptor Lake-HX (2023) / Intel 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Legacy / 3 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-13850HX | M3 Max 14-Core |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | Equivalent pricing | Equivalent pricing |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i7-13850HX and M3 Max 14-Core
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.
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 |
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 13.3% 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 — 66.7% 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 | ✅ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 20 | 0 |
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.
| Feature | Core i7-13850HX | M3 Max 14-Core |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Intel UHD Graphics | Apple M3 Max GPU (30-core) |
| Unlocked | Yes | No |
| AVX-512 | Yes | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x, VT-d (macOS) |
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