Core i9-13950HX vs M3 Max 16-Core
Core i9-13950HX
M3 Max 16-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 i9-13950HX
Performance Per Dollar M3 Max 16-Core
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i9-13950HX | M3 Max 16-Core |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($199) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Raptor Lake-HX (2023) / Intel 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Legacy / 3 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i9-13950HX | M3 Max 16-Core |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($199) | ✅ 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 i9-13950HX and M3 Max 16-Core
Core i9-13950HX
The Core i9-13950HX 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 5.5 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: 41,012 points. Launch price was $590.
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.
Processing Power
The Core i9-13950HX packs 24 cores / 32 threads, while the M3 Max 16-Core offers 16 cores / 16 threads — the Core i9-13950HX has 8 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.5 GHz on the Core i9-13950HX versus 4.06 GHz on the M3 Max 16-Core — a 30.1% clock advantage for the Core i9-13950HX (base: 2.2 GHz vs 2.748 GHz). The Core i9-13950HX is built on the Raptor Lake-HX (2023) architecture. In PassMark, the Core i9-13950HX scores 41,012 against the M3 Max 16-Core's 41,257 — a 0.6% lead for the M3 Max 16-Core.
| Feature | Core i9-13950HX | M3 Max 16-Core |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 24 / 32+50% | 16 / 16 |
| Boost Clock | 5.5 GHz+35% | 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 | 41,012 | 41,257 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i9-13950HX 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 5600 on the Core i9-13950HX versus 6400 on the M3 Max 16-Core — the M3 Max 16-Core supports 13.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i9-13950HX supports up to 192 of RAM compared to 128 — 40% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i9-13950HX) vs 4 (M3 Max 16-Core). PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i9-13950HX) vs 0 (M3 Max 16-Core) — the Core i9-13950HX offers 20 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Raptor Lake-HX (Core i9-13950HX) and Apple M3 (M3 Max 16-Core).
| Feature | Core i9-13950HX | M3 Max 16-Core |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | FCBGA1964 | none |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0+25% | PCIe 4.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 5600 | 6400+14% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 192+50% | 128 |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 4+100% |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 20 | 0 |
Advanced Features
Only the Core i9-13950HX has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Only the Core i9-13950HX supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i9-13950HX) vs VT-x, VT-d (macOS) (M3 Max 16-Core). Both include integrated graphics — Intel UHD Graphics (Core i9-13950HX) and Apple M3 Max GPU (40-core) (M3 Max 16-Core) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i9-13950HX rivals M3 Max 16-Core; M3 Max 16-Core rivals Core i9-13950HX.
| Feature | Core i9-13950HX | M3 Max 16-Core |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Intel UHD Graphics | Apple M3 Max GPU (40-core) |
| Unlocked | Yes | No |
| AVX-512 | Yes | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x, VT-d (macOS) |
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