Core i9-11980HK vs M1 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 i9-11980HK vs M1 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 i9-11980HK vs M1 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 i9-11980HK

2021

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +9.8% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (20 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Laptop Integrated), unlike M1 Max.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (24 MB vs 48 MB).
❌60.7% higher power demand at 45W vs 28W.
❌Older platform position on FCBGA1787 with DDR4, while M1 Max moves to none and DDR5.

M1 Max

2021

Why buy it

✅+100% larger total L3 cache (48 MB vs 24 MB).
✅Draws 28W instead of 45W, a 17W reduction.
✅Newer platform on none with DDR5 support instead of FCBGA1787 and DDR4.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i9-11980HK across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (22,146 vs 22,244).
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i9-11980HK.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i9-11980HK better than M1 Max?

Yes. Core i9-11980HK is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 9.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.4% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i9-11980HK is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 9.8% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i9-11980HK is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.4% better PassMark, backed by 8 cores and 16 threads.

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

Core i9-11980HK still makes the most sense overall. Core i9-11980HK comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 9.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

M1 Max makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a healthier platform with none and DDR5 instead of FCBGA1787 and 100% larger total L3 cache (48 MB vs 24 MB). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i9-11980HK vs M1 Max Technical Specifications

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

Core i9-11980HK

The Core i9-11980HK is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 11 May 2021 (4 years ago). It is based on the Tiger Lake-HK (2021) architecture. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 5 GHz. L3 cache: 24 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on 10 nm SuperFin process technology. Socket: FCBGA1787. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 22,244 points. Launch price was $583.

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.

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Processing Power

The Core i9-11980HK packs 8 cores / 16 threads, while the M1 Max offers 10 cores / 10 threads — the M1 Max has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5 GHz on the Core i9-11980HK versus 3.22 GHz on the M1 Max — a 43.3% clock advantage for the Core i9-11980HK (base: 2.6 GHz vs 2.06 GHz). The Core i9-11980HK is built on the Tiger Lake-HK (2021) architecture. In PassMark, the Core i9-11980HK scores 22,244 against the M1 Max's 22,146 — a 0.4% lead for the Core i9-11980HK. L3 cache: 24 MB (total) on the Core i9-11980HK vs 48 MB on the M1 Max.

Feature	Core i9-11980HK	M1 Max
Cores / Threads	8 / 16	10 / 10+25%
Boost Clock	5 GHz+55%	3.22 GHz
Base Clock	2.6 GHz+26%	2.06 GHz
L3 Cache	24 MB (total)	48 MB+100%
L2 Cache	1.25 MB (per core)	28 MB+2140%
Process	10 nm SuperFin	5 nm-50%
Architecture	Tiger Lake-HK (2021)	—
PassMark	22,244	22,146
Cinebench R23 Multi	14,029	—
Geekbench 6 Single	2,129	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	9,766	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i9-11980HK uses the FCBGA1787 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the M1 Max uses none (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-3200 on the Core i9-11980HK versus LPDDR5-6400 on the M1 Max — the M1 Max supports 100% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i9-11980HK supports up to 128 GB of RAM compared to 64 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i9-11980HK) vs 8 (M1 Max). PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i9-11980HK) vs 0 (M1 Max) — the Core i9-11980HK offers 20 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.

Feature	Core i9-11980HK	M1 Max
Socket	FCBGA1787	none
PCIe Generation	PCIe 4.0	PCIe 4.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-3200	LPDDR5-6400+100%
Max RAM Capacity	128 GB+100%	64 GB
RAM Channels	2	8+300%
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	20	0

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Advanced Features

Only the Core i9-11980HK has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Only the Core i9-11980HK supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i9-11980HK) vs ARM-V (M1 Max). Both include integrated graphics — UHD Graphics 32EUs (Core i9-11980HK) and M1 Max GPU (M1 Max) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i9-11980HK targets Enthusiast Gaming Laptop, M1 Max targets Mobile Workstation. Direct competitor: Core i9-11980HK rivals Ryzen 9 5900HX.

Feature	Core i9-11980HK	M1 Max
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	UHD Graphics 32EUs	M1 Max GPU
Unlocked	Yes	No
AVX-512	Yes	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d, EPT	ARM-V
Target Use	Enthusiast Gaming Laptop	Mobile Workstation