CPU
GPU
M2 Max
Core i5-13400E
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 M2 Max
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-13400E
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | M2 Max | Core i5-13400E |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($221) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Legacy / 5 nm) | ✨ Modern (Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) / 10 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | M2 Max | Core i5-13400E |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($221) |
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 M2 Max and Core i5-13400E
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.
Core i5-13400E
The Core i5-13400E is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 January 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) architecture. It features 10 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 4.6 GHz. L3 cache: 20 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1700. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5 Dual-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 27,000 points. Launch price was $299.
Processing Power
The M2 Max packs 12 cores / 12 threads, while the Core i5-13400E offers 10 cores / 16 threads — the M2 Max has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.7 GHz on the M2 Max versus 4.6 GHz on the Core i5-13400E — a 21.7% clock advantage for the Core i5-13400E (base: 2.424 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). The Core i5-13400E is built on the Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) architecture. In PassMark, the M2 Max scores 26,824 against the Core i5-13400E's 27,000 — a 0.7% lead for the Core i5-13400E. L3 cache: 48 MB on the M2 Max vs 20 MB (total) on the Core i5-13400E.
| Feature | M2 Max | Core i5-13400E |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 12 / 12+20% | 10 / 16 |
| Boost Clock | 3.7 GHz | 4.6 GHz+24% |
| Base Clock | 2.424 GHz+1% | 2.4 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 48 MB+140% | 20 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 36 MB+2780% | 1.25 MB (per core) |
| Process | 5 nm-50% | 10 nm |
| Architecture | — | Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) |
| PassMark | 26,824 | 27,000 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 15,953 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 2,375 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 9,977 |
Memory & Platform
The M2 Max uses the none socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Core i5-13400E uses LGA1700 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to LPDDR5-6400 memory speed. The Core i5-13400E supports up to 128 GB of RAM compared to 96 GB — 28.6% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 4 (M2 Max) vs 2 (Core i5-13400E). PCIe lanes: 0 (M2 Max) vs 20 (Core i5-13400E) — the Core i5-13400E offers 20 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.
| Feature | M2 Max | Core i5-13400E |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | none | LGA1700 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe 5.0+25% |
| Max RAM Speed | LPDDR5-6400 | DDR5-4800 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 96 GB | 128 GB+33% |
| RAM Channels | 4+100% | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 0 | 20 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: Virtualization (M2 Max) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-13400E). Both include integrated graphics — Apple M2 Max GPU (M2 Max) and UHD 730 (Core i5-13400E) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: M2 Max targets Mobile, Core i5-13400E targets Productivity. Direct competitor: Core i5-13400E rivals Ryzen 5 7600.
| Feature | M2 Max | Core i5-13400E |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Apple M2 Max GPU | UHD 730 |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d, EPT |
| Target Use | Mobile | Productivity |
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