Core Ultra 5 245HX vs M4 Max (14 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 Ultra 5 245HX vs M4 Max (14 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 Ultra 5 245HX vs M4 Max (14 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 Ultra 5 245HX

2025

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +13.1% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (24 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌1275% higher power demand at 55W vs 4W.

M4 Max (14 cores)

2024

Why buy it

✅Draws 4W instead of 55W, a 51W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core Ultra 5 245HX across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (38,558 vs 39,605).

Quick Answers

So, is Core Ultra 5 245HX better than M4 Max (14 cores)?

Yes. Core Ultra 5 245HX is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 13.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 2.7% 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 Ultra 5 245HX is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 13.1% 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 Ultra 5 245HX is the stronger fit. You are getting 2.7% better PassMark, backed by 14 cores and 14 threads.

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

Core Ultra 5 245HX still makes the most sense overall. Core Ultra 5 245HX comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 13.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

Core Ultra 5 245HX makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2025 vs 2024) and more multi-core headroom with 14 cores / 14 threads instead of 14/14. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core Ultra 5 245HX vs M4 Max (14 cores) Technical Specifications

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

Core Ultra 5 245HX

The Core Ultra 5 245HX is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 13 January 2025 (less than a year ago). It is based on the Arrow Lake-HX (2025) architecture. It features 14 cores and 14 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 5.1 GHz. L3 cache: 24 MB (total). L2 cache: 3 MB (per core). Built on 3 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA2114. Thermal design power (TDP): 55 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-6400. Passmark benchmark score: 39,605 points. Launch price was $499.

M4 Max (14 cores)

The M4 Max (14 cores) is manufactured by Apple. It was released in 30 November 2024 (1 year ago). It features 14 cores and 14 threads. Base frequency is 2.59 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: 38,558 points. Launch price was $499.

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Processing Power

Both the Core Ultra 5 245HX and M4 Max (14 cores) share an identical 14-core/14-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 5.1 GHz on the Core Ultra 5 245HX versus 4.51 GHz on the M4 Max (14 cores) — a 12.3% clock advantage for the Core Ultra 5 245HX (base: 3.1 GHz vs 2.59 GHz). The Core Ultra 5 245HX is built on the Arrow Lake-HX (2025) architecture. In PassMark, the Core Ultra 5 245HX scores 39,605 against the M4 Max (14 cores)'s 38,558 — a 2.7% lead for the Core Ultra 5 245HX.

Feature	Core Ultra 5 245HX	M4 Max (14 cores)
Cores / Threads	14 / 14	14 / 14
Boost Clock	5.1 GHz+13%	4.51 GHz
Base Clock	3.1 GHz+20%	2.59 GHz
L3 Cache	24 MB (total)	—
L2 Cache	3 MB (per core)	—
Process	3 nm	3 nm
Architecture	Arrow Lake-HX (2025)	—
PassMark	39,605+3%	38,558

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Memory & Platform

The Core Ultra 5 245HX uses the FCBGA2114 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the M4 Max (14 cores) uses none (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 6400 on the Core Ultra 5 245HX versus 8533 on the M4 Max (14 cores) — the M4 Max (14 cores) supports 33.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core Ultra 5 245HX supports up to 256 of RAM compared to 128 — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core Ultra 5 245HX) vs 0 (M4 Max (14 cores)). PCIe lanes: 24 (Core Ultra 5 245HX) vs 0 (M4 Max (14 cores)) — the Core Ultra 5 245HX offers 24 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Arrow Lake-HX (Core Ultra 5 245HX) and Apple M4 (M4 Max (14 cores)).

Feature	Core Ultra 5 245HX	M4 Max (14 cores)
Socket	FCBGA2114	none
PCIe Generation	PCIe 5.0+25%	PCIe 4.0
Max RAM Speed	6400	8533+33%
Max RAM Capacity	256+100%	128
RAM Channels	2	0
ECC Support	Yes	No
PCIe Lanes	24	0

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Advanced Features

Only the Core Ultra 5 245HX has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core Ultra 5 245HX) vs VT-x, VT-d (macOS) (M4 Max (14 cores)). Both include integrated graphics — Intel Arc Xe-LPG Graphics (Core Ultra 5 245HX) and Apple M4 Max GPU (32-core) (M4 Max (14 cores)) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core Ultra 5 245HX rivals Ryzen 7 8845HS; M4 Max (14 cores) rivals Ryzen AI Max PRO 390.