Core i9-10900KF vs M1 Max
Core i9-10900KF
M1 Max
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 i9-10900KF
Performance Per Dollar M1 Max
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i9-10900KF | M1 Max |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($336) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Comet Lake (2020−2025) / 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Legacy / 5 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i9-10900KF | M1 Max |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($336) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
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 i9-10900KF and M1 Max
Core i9-10900KF
The Core i9-10900KF is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 30 April 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Comet Lake (2020−2025) architecture. It features 10 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 3.7 GHz, with boost up to 5.2 GHz. L3 cache: 20 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1200. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2933. Passmark benchmark score: 22,231 points. Launch price was $509.
M1 Max
The M1 Max is manufactured by Apple. It was released in 18 October 2021 (4 years ago). It features 10 cores and 10 threads. Base frequency is 2.06 GHz, with boost up to 3.22 GHz. L3 cache: 48 MB. L2 cache: 28 MB. Built on 5 nm process technology. Socket: none. Thermal design power (TDP): 28 MB + 48 MB. Memory support: LPDDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 22,146 points. Launch price was $299.
Processing Power
The Core i9-10900KF packs 10 cores / 20 threads, matching the M1 Max's 10 cores. Boost clocks reach 5.2 GHz on the Core i9-10900KF versus 3.22 GHz on the M1 Max — a 47% clock advantage for the Core i9-10900KF (base: 3.7 GHz vs 2.06 GHz). The Core i9-10900KF is built on the Comet Lake (2020−2025) architecture. In PassMark, the Core i9-10900KF scores 22,231 against the M1 Max's 22,146 — a 0.4% lead for the Core i9-10900KF. L3 cache: 20 MB (total) on the Core i9-10900KF vs 48 MB on the M1 Max.
| Feature | Core i9-10900KF | M1 Max |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 10 / 20 | 10 / 10 |
| Boost Clock | 5.2 GHz+61% | 3.22 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.7 GHz+80% | 2.06 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 20 MB (total) | 48 MB+140% |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 28 MB+11100% |
| Process | 14 nm | 5 nm-64% |
| Architecture | Comet Lake (2020−2025) | — |
| PassMark | 22,231 | 22,146 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 1,767 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 9,261 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core i9-10900KF uses the LGA1200 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the M1 Max uses none (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2933 on the Core i9-10900KF versus LPDDR5-6400 on the M1 Max — the M1 Max supports 22.2% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i9-10900KF supports up to 128 GB of RAM compared to 64 GB — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i9-10900KF) vs 8 (M1 Max). PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i9-10900KF) vs 0 (M1 Max) — the Core i9-10900KF offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.
| Feature | Core i9-10900KF | M1 Max |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1200 | none |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 4.0+33% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-2933 | LPDDR5-6400+25% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 GB+100% | 64 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 8+300% |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 0 |
Advanced Features
Only the Core i9-10900KF has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i9-10900KF) vs ARM-V (M1 Max). The M1 Max includes integrated graphics (M1 Max GPU), while the Core i9-10900KF requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: M1 Max targets Mobile Workstation.
| Feature | Core i9-10900KF | M1 Max |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | M1 Max GPU |
| Unlocked | Yes | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | ARM-V |
| Target Use | — | Mobile Workstation |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
You May Also Compare
Similar CPU comparisons based on Core i9-10900KF and M1 Max
