CPU
GPU
M2 Max
Core i9-12900H
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 i9-12900H
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | M2 Max | Core i9-12900H |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | Equivalent pricing | Equivalent pricing |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Legacy / 5 nm) | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake-H (2022) / Intel 7 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | M2 Max | Core i9-12900H |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | Equivalent pricing | Equivalent pricing |
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 i9-12900H
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 i9-12900H
The Core i9-12900H is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 January 2022 (3 years ago). It is based on the Alder Lake-H (2022) architecture. It features 14 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 5 GHz. L3 cache: 24 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1744. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 27,079 points. Launch price was $299.
Processing Power
The M2 Max packs 12 cores / 12 threads, while the Core i9-12900H offers 14 cores / 20 threads — the Core i9-12900H has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.7 GHz on the M2 Max versus 5 GHz on the Core i9-12900H — a 29.9% clock advantage for the Core i9-12900H (base: 2.424 GHz vs 2.5 GHz). The Core i9-12900H is built on the Alder Lake-H (2022) architecture. In PassMark, the M2 Max scores 26,824 against the Core i9-12900H's 27,079 — a 0.9% lead for the Core i9-12900H. L3 cache: 48 MB on the M2 Max vs 24 MB (total) on the Core i9-12900H.
| Feature | M2 Max | Core i9-12900H |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 12 / 12 | 14 / 20+17% |
| Boost Clock | 3.7 GHz | 5 GHz+35% |
| Base Clock | 2.424 GHz | 2.5 GHz+3% |
| L3 Cache | 48 MB+100% | 24 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 36 MB+2780% | 1.25 MB (per core) |
| Process | 5 nm-29% | Intel 7 nm |
| Architecture | — | Alder Lake-H (2022) |
| PassMark | 26,824 | 27,079 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 16,500 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 2,400 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 12,900 |
Memory & Platform
The M2 Max uses the none socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Core i9-12900H uses FCBGA1744 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to LPDDR5-6400 memory speed. The M2 Max supports up to 96 GB of RAM compared to 64 GB — 40% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 4 (M2 Max) vs 2 (Core i9-12900H). PCIe lanes: 0 (M2 Max) vs 20 (Core i9-12900H) — the Core i9-12900H offers 20 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.
| Feature | M2 Max | Core i9-12900H |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | none | FCBGA1744 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe 5.0+25% |
| Max RAM Speed | LPDDR5-6400 | DDR5-4800 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 96 GB+50% | 64 GB |
| RAM Channels | 4+100% | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 0 | 20 |
Advanced Features
Only the Core i9-12900H has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: Virtualization (M2 Max) vs Yes (Core i9-12900H). Both include integrated graphics — Apple M2 Max GPU (M2 Max) and Iris Xe Graphics 96EU (Core i9-12900H) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: M2 Max targets Mobile, Core i9-12900H targets Mobile.
| Feature | M2 Max | Core i9-12900H |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Apple M2 Max GPU | Iris Xe Graphics 96EU |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | Virtualization | Yes |
| Target Use | Mobile | Mobile |
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