Core i7-13700K vs M3 Max 16-Core
Core i7-13700K
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 i7-13700K
Performance Per Dollar M3 Max 16-Core
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-13700K | M3 Max 16-Core |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($400) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Raptor Lake, Raptor Cove, Gracemont (2022) / Intel 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Legacy / 3 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-13700K | M3 Max 16-Core |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($400) | ✅ 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 i7-13700K and M3 Max 16-Core
Core i7-13700K
The Core i7-13700K 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 16 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 3.4 GHz, with boost up to 5.4 GHz. L3 cache: 30 MB (total). 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: 45,784 points. Launch price was $409.
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 i7-13700K packs 16 cores / 24 threads, matching the M3 Max 16-Core's 16 cores. Boost clocks reach 5.4 GHz on the Core i7-13700K versus 4.06 GHz on the M3 Max 16-Core — a 28.3% clock advantage for the Core i7-13700K (base: 3.4 GHz vs 2.748 GHz). The Core i7-13700K is built on the Raptor Lake, Raptor Cove, Gracemont (2022) architecture. In PassMark, the Core i7-13700K scores 45,784 against the M3 Max 16-Core's 41,257 — a 10.4% lead for the Core i7-13700K.
| Feature | Core i7-13700K | M3 Max 16-Core |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 16 / 24 | 16 / 16 |
| Boost Clock | 5.4 GHz+33% | 4.06 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.4 GHz+24% | 2.748 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 30 MB (total) | — |
| L2 Cache | 2 MB (per core) | — |
| Process | Intel 7 nm | 3 nm-57% |
| Architecture | Raptor Lake, Raptor Cove, Gracemont (2022) | — |
| PassMark | 45,784+11% | 41,257 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 31,000 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 2,846 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 18,980 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core i7-13700K uses the LGA1700 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 on the Core i7-13700K versus 6400 on the M3 Max 16-Core — the M3 Max 16-Core supports 199.7% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i7-13700K supports up to 192 GB of RAM compared to 128 — 40% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i7-13700K) vs 4 (M3 Max 16-Core). PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i7-13700K) vs 0 (M3 Max 16-Core) — the Core i7-13700K offers 20 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Intel Z790,Intel H770,Intel B760,Intel Z690,Intel H670,Intel B660,Intel H610 (Core i7-13700K) and Apple M3 (M3 Max 16-Core).
| Feature | Core i7-13700K | M3 Max 16-Core |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1700 | none |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0+25% | PCIe 4.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR5-5600 | 6400+127900% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 192 GB+157286300% | 128 |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 4+100% |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 20 | 0 |
Advanced Features
Only the Core i7-13700K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: true (Core i7-13700K) vs VT-x, VT-d (macOS) (M3 Max 16-Core). Both include integrated graphics — Intel UHD Graphics 770 (Core i7-13700K) 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 i7-13700K rivals Ryzen 9 7900X; M3 Max 16-Core rivals Core i9-13950HX.
| Feature | Core i7-13700K | M3 Max 16-Core |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Intel UHD Graphics 770 | Apple M3 Max GPU (40-core) |
| Unlocked | Yes | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | true | VT-x, VT-d (macOS) |
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