Core i9-13950HX vs Ryzen AI Max 390
Core i9-13950HX
Ryzen AI Max 390
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
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i9-13950HX | Ryzen AI Max 390 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 (Strix Halo (2025) / 4 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i9-13950HX | Ryzen AI Max 390 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Ryzen AI Max 390
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.
Ryzen AI Max 390
The Ryzen AI Max 390 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 6 January 2025 (less than a year ago). It is based on the Strix Halo (2025) architecture. It features 12 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 5 GHz. L3 cache: 64 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 4 nm process technology. Socket: FP11. Thermal design power (TDP): 55 Watt. Memory support: DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 41,834 points. Launch price was $499.
Processing Power
The Core i9-13950HX packs 24 cores / 32 threads, while the Ryzen AI Max 390 offers 12 cores / 24 threads — the Core i9-13950HX has 12 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.5 GHz on the Core i9-13950HX versus 5 GHz on the Ryzen AI Max 390 — a 9.5% clock advantage for the Core i9-13950HX (base: 2.2 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). The Core i9-13950HX uses the Raptor Lake-HX (2023) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Ryzen AI Max 390 uses Strix Halo (2025) (4 nm). In PassMark, the Core i9-13950HX scores 41,012 against the Ryzen AI Max 390's 41,834 — a 2% lead for the Ryzen AI Max 390. L3 cache: 36 MB (total) on the Core i9-13950HX vs 64 MB (total) on the Ryzen AI Max 390.
| Feature | Core i9-13950HX | Ryzen AI Max 390 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 24 / 32+100% | 12 / 24 |
| Boost Clock | 5.5 GHz+10% | 5 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.2 GHz | 3.2 GHz+45% |
| L3 Cache | 36 MB (total) | 64 MB (total)+78% |
| L2 Cache | 2 MB (per core)+100% | 1 MB (per core) |
| Process | Intel 7 nm | 4 nm-43% |
| Architecture | Raptor Lake-HX (2023) | Strix Halo (2025) |
| PassMark | 41,012 | 41,834+2% |
Memory & Platform
The Core i9-13950HX uses the FCBGA1964 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Ryzen AI Max 390 uses FP11 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 5600 on the Core i9-13950HX versus 8000 on the Ryzen AI Max 390 — the Ryzen AI Max 390 supports 35.3% 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 (Ryzen AI Max 390). PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i9-13950HX) vs 28 (Ryzen AI Max 390) — the Ryzen AI Max 390 offers 8 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Raptor Lake-HX (Core i9-13950HX) and Strix Halo (Ryzen AI Max 390).
| Feature | Core i9-13950HX | Ryzen AI Max 390 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | FCBGA1964 | FP11 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0+25% | PCIe 4.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 5600 | 8000+43% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 192+50% | 128 |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 4+100% |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 20 | 28+40% |
Advanced Features
Both processors feature an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. Both support AVX-512 instructions, benefiting scientific computing, AI inference, and encryption workloads. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i9-13950HX) vs VT-x, VT-d, AMD-V (Ryzen AI Max 390). Both include integrated graphics — Intel UHD Graphics (Core i9-13950HX) and AMD Radeon 8050S (Ryzen AI Max 390) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i9-13950HX rivals M3 Max 16-Core; Ryzen AI Max 390 rivals Apple M4 Max.
| Feature | Core i9-13950HX | Ryzen AI Max 390 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Intel UHD Graphics | AMD Radeon 8050S |
| Unlocked | Yes | Yes |
| AVX-512 | Yes | Yes |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x, VT-d, AMD-V |
Value Analysis
The Core i9-13950HX launched at $590 MSRP, while the Ryzen AI Max 390 debuted at $0. At current prices ($199 vs $0), the Ryzen AI Max 390 is $199 cheaper.
| Feature | Core i9-13950HX | Ryzen AI Max 390 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $590 | $0-100% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $199 | $0-100% |
| Performance per Dollar | 206.1 | — |
| Release Date | 2023 | 2025 |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
You May Also Compare
Similar CPU comparisons based on Core i9-13950HX and Ryzen AI Max 390
