Core i5-13600K vs M2 Max
Core i5-13600K
M2 Max
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 i5-13600K
Performance Per Dollar M2 Max
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-13600K | M2 Max |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($319) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Raptor Lake, Raptor Cove, Gracemont (2022) / Intel 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Legacy / 5 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-13600K | M2 Max |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($319) | ✅ 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 i5-13600K and M2 Max
Core i5-13600K
The Core i5-13600K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 27 September 2022 (3 years ago). It is based on the Raptor Lake, Raptor Cove, Gracemont (2022) architecture. It features 14 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 5.1 GHz. L3 cache: 24 MB. L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1700. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 37,655 points. Launch price was $319.
M2 Max
The M2 Max is manufactured by Apple. It was released in 17 January 2023 (2 years ago). It features 12 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 2.424 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 48 MB. L2 cache: 36 MB. Built on 5 nm process technology. Socket: none. Thermal design power (TDP): 36 MB + 48 MB. Memory support: LPDDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 26,824 points. Launch price was $299.
Processing Power
The Core i5-13600K packs 14 cores / 20 threads, while the M2 Max offers 12 cores / 12 threads — the Core i5-13600K has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.1 GHz on the Core i5-13600K versus 3.7 GHz on the M2 Max — a 31.8% clock advantage for the Core i5-13600K (base: 3.5 GHz vs 2.424 GHz). The Core i5-13600K is built on the Raptor Lake, Raptor Cove, Gracemont (2022) architecture. In PassMark, the Core i5-13600K scores 37,655 against the M2 Max's 26,824 — a 33.6% lead for the Core i5-13600K. L3 cache: 24 MB on the Core i5-13600K vs 48 MB on the M2 Max.
| Feature | Core i5-13600K | M2 Max |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 14 / 20+17% | 12 / 12 |
| Boost Clock | 5.1 GHz+38% | 3.7 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.5 GHz+44% | 2.424 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 24 MB | 48 MB+100% |
| L2 Cache | 2 MB (per core) | 36 MB+1700% |
| Process | Intel 7 nm | 5 nm-29% |
| Architecture | Raptor Lake, Raptor Cove, Gracemont (2022) | — |
| PassMark | 37,655+40% | 26,824 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-13600K uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the M2 Max uses none (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR5-5600 memory speed. The Core i5-13600K supports up to 192 GB of RAM compared to 96 GB — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i5-13600K) vs 4 (M2 Max). PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i5-13600K) vs 0 (M2 Max) — the Core i5-13600K offers 20 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.
| Feature | Core i5-13600K | M2 Max |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1700 | none |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0+25% | PCIe 4.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR5-5600 | LPDDR5-6400 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 192 GB+100% | 96 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 4+100% |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 20 | 0 |
Advanced Features
Only the Core i5-13600K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-13600K) vs Virtualization (M2 Max). Both include integrated graphics — UHD Graphics 770 (Core i5-13600K) and Apple M2 Max GPU (M2 Max) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-13600K targets Desktop, M2 Max targets Mobile.
| Feature | Core i5-13600K | M2 Max |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | UHD Graphics 770 | Apple M2 Max GPU |
| Unlocked | Yes | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | Virtualization |
| Target Use | Desktop | Mobile |
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