Core i9-13900 vs M4 Max (16 cores)

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 i9-13900 vs M4 Max (16 cores) 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 i9-13900 vs M4 Max (16 cores): Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i9-13900

2023

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +23.0% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $549 MSRP, while M4 Max (16 cores) mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌3025% higher power demand at 125W vs 4W.

M4 Max (16 cores)

2024

Why buy it

✅Draws 4W instead of 125W, a 121W reduction.
✅100% more PCIe lanes (40 vs 20) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i9-13900 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (43,985 vs 45,252).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i9-13900 better than M4 Max (16 cores)?

Yes. Core i9-13900 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 23.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 2.9% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i9-13900 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 23.0% 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 i9-13900 is the stronger fit. You are getting 2.9% better PassMark, backed by 24 cores and 32 threads.

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

Core i9-13900 is the better buy right now. Core i9-13900 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $549 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 23.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (82.4 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper. That said, if you already own a compatible none + DDR5 setup, M4 Max (16 cores) can still make sense as a platform-matched option because it avoids a motherboard and RAM swap.

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

M4 Max (16 cores) makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2024 vs 2023). That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Core i9-13900 vs M4 Max (16 cores) Technical Specifications

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

Core i9-13900

The Core i9-13900 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 January 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) architecture. It features 24 cores and 32 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 5.5 GHz. L3 cache: 36 MB (total). L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1700. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-5600, DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 45,252 points. Launch price was $549.

M4 Max (16 cores)

The M4 Max (16 cores) is manufactured by Apple. It was released in 30 October 2024 (1 year ago). It features 16 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 2.75 GHz, with boost up to 4.51 GHz. Built on 3 nm process technology. Socket: none. Thermal design power (TDP): 4 MB. Memory support: LPDDR5X. Passmark benchmark score: 43,985 points. Launch price was $499.

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Processing Power

The Core i9-13900 packs 24 cores / 32 threads, while the M4 Max (16 cores) offers 16 cores / 16 threads — the Core i9-13900 has 8 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.5 GHz on the Core i9-13900 versus 4.51 GHz on the M4 Max (16 cores) — a 19.8% clock advantage for the Core i9-13900 (base: 2 GHz vs 2.75 GHz). The Core i9-13900 is built on the Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) architecture. In PassMark, the Core i9-13900 scores 45,252 against the M4 Max (16 cores)'s 43,985 — a 2.8% lead for the Core i9-13900.

Feature	Core i9-13900	M4 Max (16 cores)
Cores / Threads	24 / 32+50%	16 / 16
Boost Clock	5.5 GHz+22%	4.51 GHz
Base Clock	2 GHz	2.75 GHz+38%
L3 Cache	36 MB (total)	—
L2 Cache	2 MB (per core)	—
Process	Intel 7 nm	3 nm-57%
Architecture	Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024)	—
PassMark	45,252+3%	43,985
Geekbench 6 Single	—	4,060
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	26,675

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Memory & Platform

The Core i9-13900 uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the M4 Max (16 cores) uses none (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to 5600 memory speed. Both support up to 128 GB of RAM. Memory channels: 2 (Core i9-13900) vs 8 (M4 Max (16 cores)). PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i9-13900) vs 40 (M4 Max (16 cores)) — the M4 Max (16 cores) offers 20 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Z790,B760 (Core i9-13900) and Apple Silicon (M4 Max (16 cores)).

Feature	Core i9-13900	M4 Max (16 cores)
Socket	LGA1700	none
PCIe Generation	PCIe 5.0+25%	PCIe 4.0
Max RAM Speed	5600	Unified Memory
Max RAM Capacity	128 GB	128 GB
RAM Channels	2	8+300%
ECC Support	No	Yes
PCIe Lanes	20	40+100%

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Advanced Features

Only the Core i9-13900 has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i9-13900) vs Apple Virtualization (M4 Max (16 cores)). Both include integrated graphics — Intel UHD Graphics 770 (Core i9-13900) and Apple 40-core GPU (M4 Max (16 cores)) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: M4 Max (16 cores) targets Professional Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i9-13900 rivals Ryzen 9 7900X; M4 Max (16 cores) rivals Ryzen AI Max PRO 390.

Feature	Core i9-13900	M4 Max (16 cores)
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	Intel UHD Graphics 770	Apple 40-core GPU
Unlocked	Yes	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	Apple Virtualization
Target Use	—	Professional Laptop