Core i9-13900HX vs M3 Max 16-Core

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 i9-13900HX vs M3 Max 16-Core 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 i9-13900HX vs M3 Max 16-Core: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i9-13900HX

2023

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +29.4% 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 M3 Max 16-Core.

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

M3 Max 16-Core

2023

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i9-13900HX across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (41,257 vs 42,437).
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i9-13900HX.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i9-13900HX better than M3 Max 16-Core?

Yes. Core i9-13900HX is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 29.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 2.9% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i9-13900HX is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 29.4% 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 i9-13900HX 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 i9-13900HX still makes the most sense overall. Core i9-13900HX comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 29.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

Core i9-13900HX makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting more multi-core headroom with 24 cores / 32 threads instead of 16/16. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i9-13900HX vs M3 Max 16-Core Technical Specifications

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

Core i9-13900HX

The Core i9-13900HX 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 24 cores and 32 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 5.4 GHz. L3 cache: 36 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: 42,437 points. Launch price was $668.

M3 Max 16-Core

The M3 Max 16-Core is manufactured by Apple. It was released in 30 October 2023 (2 years ago). It features 16 cores and 16 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, LPDDR5X. Passmark benchmark score: 41,257 points. Launch price was $499.

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Processing Power

The Core i9-13900HX packs 24 cores / 32 threads, while the M3 Max 16-Core offers 16 cores / 16 threads — the Core i9-13900HX has 8 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.4 GHz on the Core i9-13900HX versus 4.06 GHz on the M3 Max 16-Core — a 28.3% clock advantage for the Core i9-13900HX (base: 2.2 GHz vs 2.748 GHz). The Core i9-13900HX is built on the Raptor Lake-HX (2023) architecture. In PassMark, the Core i9-13900HX scores 42,437 against the M3 Max 16-Core's 41,257 — a 2.8% lead for the Core i9-13900HX.

Feature	Core i9-13900HX	M3 Max 16-Core
Cores / Threads	24 / 32+50%	16 / 16
Boost Clock	5.4 GHz+33%	4.06 GHz
Base Clock	2.2 GHz	2.748 GHz+25%
L3 Cache	36 MB (total)	—
L2 Cache	2 MB (per core)	—
Process	Intel 7 nm	3 nm-57%
Architecture	Raptor Lake-HX (2023)	—
PassMark	42,437+3%	41,257
Cinebench R23 Multi	29,493	—
Geekbench 6 Single	2,878	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	14,944	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i9-13900HX uses the FCBGA1964 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the M3 Max 16-Core uses none (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-5600, DDR4-3200 on the Core i9-13900HX versus 6400 on the M3 Max 16-Core — the M3 Max 16-Core supports 14.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i9-13900HX supports up to 192 GB of RAM compared to 128 GB — 50% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i9-13900HX) vs 4 (M3 Max 16-Core). PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i9-13900HX) vs 0 (M3 Max 16-Core) — the Core i9-13900HX offers 20 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: HM770,WM790 (Core i9-13900HX) and Apple M3 (M3 Max 16-Core).

Feature	Core i9-13900HX	M3 Max 16-Core
Socket	FCBGA1964	none
PCIe Generation	PCIe 5.0+25%	PCIe 4.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR5-5600, DDR4-3200	6400+14%
Max RAM Capacity	192 GB+50%	128 GB
RAM Channels	2	4+100%
ECC Support	Yes	No
PCIe Lanes	20	0

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Advanced Features

Only the Core i9-13900HX has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i9-13900HX) vs VT-x, VT-d (macOS) (M3 Max 16-Core). Both include integrated graphics — UHD Graphics 770 (Core i9-13900HX) and Apple M3 Max GPU (40-core) (M3 Max 16-Core) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i9-13900HX targets Performance Gaming / Mobile Workstation. Direct competitor: Core i9-13900HX rivals Ryzen 9 7945HX; M3 Max 16-Core rivals Core i9-13950HX.

Feature	Core i9-13900HX	M3 Max 16-Core
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	UHD Graphics 770	Apple M3 Max GPU (40-core)
Unlocked	Yes	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d, EPT	VT-x, VT-d (macOS)
Target Use	Performance Gaming / Mobile Workstation	—