Core i9-12900F vs M3 Max 14-Core
Core i9-12900F
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 i9-12900F
Performance Per Dollar M3 Max 14-Core
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i9-12900F | M3 Max 14-Core |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($370) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake-S (2022) / Intel 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Legacy / 3 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i9-12900F | M3 Max 14-Core |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($370) | ✅ 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 i9-12900F and M3 Max 14-Core
Core i9-12900F
The Core i9-12900F is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 January 2022 (3 years ago). It is based on the Alder Lake-S (2022) architecture. It features 16 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 5.1 GHz. L3 cache: 30 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1700. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 35,873 points. Launch price was $499.
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 i9-12900F packs 16 cores / 24 threads, while the M3 Max 14-Core offers 14 cores / 14 threads — the Core i9-12900F has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.1 GHz on the Core i9-12900F versus 4.06 GHz on the M3 Max 14-Core — a 22.7% clock advantage for the Core i9-12900F (base: 2.4 GHz vs 2.748 GHz). The Core i9-12900F is built on the Alder Lake-S (2022) architecture. In PassMark, the Core i9-12900F scores 35,873 against the M3 Max 14-Core's 36,529 — a 1.8% lead for the M3 Max 14-Core.
| Feature | Core i9-12900F | M3 Max 14-Core |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 16 / 24+14% | 14 / 14 |
| Boost Clock | 5.1 GHz+26% | 4.06 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.4 GHz | 2.748 GHz+15% |
| L3 Cache | 30 MB (total) | — |
| L2 Cache | 1.25 MB (per core) | — |
| Process | Intel 7 nm | 3 nm-57% |
| Architecture | Alder Lake-S (2022) | — |
| PassMark | 35,873 | 36,529+2% |
Memory & Platform
The Core i9-12900F uses the LGA1700 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 4800 on the Core i9-12900F versus 6400 on the M3 Max 14-Core — the M3 Max 14-Core supports 28.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i9-12900F supports up to 128 of RAM compared to 96 — 28.6% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i9-12900F) vs 0 (M3 Max 14-Core). PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i9-12900F) vs 0 (M3 Max 14-Core) — the Core i9-12900F offers 20 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Z690,B660 (Core i9-12900F) and Apple M3 (M3 Max 14-Core).
| Feature | Core i9-12900F | M3 Max 14-Core |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1700 | none |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0+25% | PCIe 4.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 4800 | 6400+33% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128+33% | 96 |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 0 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 20 | 0 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i9-12900F) vs VT-x, VT-d (macOS) (M3 Max 14-Core). The M3 Max 14-Core includes integrated graphics (Apple M3 Max GPU (30-core)), while the Core i9-12900F requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i9-12900F rivals Ryzen 9 5900X; M3 Max 14-Core rivals Core i9-13900HX.
| Feature | Core i9-12900F | M3 Max 14-Core |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | None | Apple M3 Max GPU (30-core) |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x, VT-d (macOS) |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
You May Also Compare
Similar CPU comparisons based on Core i9-12900F and M3 Max 14-Core
