CPU
GPU
M2 Max
Core Ultra 5 225T
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 Ultra 5 225T
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | M2 Max | Core Ultra 5 225T |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($180) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Legacy / 5 nm) | ✨ Modern (Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) / 3 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | M2 Max | Core Ultra 5 225T |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($180) |
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 Ultra 5 225T
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 Ultra 5 225T
The Core Ultra 5 225T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in Janeiro 2025 (recentemente). It is based on the Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) architecture. It features 10 cores and 10 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 4.9 GHz. L3 cache: 20 MB (total). L2 cache: 3 MB (per core). Built on 3 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1851. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-6400. Passmark benchmark score: 26,874 points. Launch price was $299.
Processing Power
The M2 Max packs 12 cores / 12 threads, while the Core Ultra 5 225T offers 10 cores / 10 threads — the M2 Max has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.7 GHz on the M2 Max versus 4.9 GHz on the Core Ultra 5 225T — a 27.9% clock advantage for the Core Ultra 5 225T (base: 2.424 GHz vs 2.5 GHz). The Core Ultra 5 225T is built on the Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) architecture. In PassMark, the M2 Max scores 26,824 against the Core Ultra 5 225T's 26,874 — a 0.2% lead for the Core Ultra 5 225T. L3 cache: 48 MB on the M2 Max vs 20 MB (total) on the Core Ultra 5 225T.
| Feature | M2 Max | Core Ultra 5 225T |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 12 / 12+20% | 10 / 10 |
| Boost Clock | 3.7 GHz | 4.9 GHz+32% |
| Base Clock | 2.424 GHz | 2.5 GHz+3% |
| L3 Cache | 48 MB+140% | 20 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 36 MB+1100% | 3 MB (per core) |
| Process | 5 nm | 3 nm-40% |
| Architecture | — | Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) |
| PassMark | 26,824 | 26,874 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 2,677 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 8,943 |
Memory & Platform
The M2 Max uses the none socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Core Ultra 5 225T uses LGA1851 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to LPDDR5-6400 memory speed. The Core Ultra 5 225T supports up to 256 GB of RAM compared to 96 GB — 90.9% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 4 (M2 Max) vs 2 (Core Ultra 5 225T). PCIe lanes: 0 (M2 Max) vs 24 (Core Ultra 5 225T) — the Core Ultra 5 225T offers 24 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.
| Feature | M2 Max | Core Ultra 5 225T |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | none | LGA1851 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe 5.0+25% |
| Max RAM Speed | LPDDR5-6400 | DDR5-6400 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 96 GB | 256 GB+167% |
| RAM Channels | 4+100% | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 0 | 24 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: Virtualization (M2 Max) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core Ultra 5 225T). Both include integrated graphics — Apple M2 Max GPU (M2 Max) and Arc Graphics (16EU) (Core Ultra 5 225T) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: M2 Max targets Mobile, Core Ultra 5 225T targets Budget. Direct competitor: Core Ultra 5 225T rivals Ryzen 5 9600X.
| Feature | M2 Max | Core Ultra 5 225T |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Apple M2 Max GPU | Arc Graphics (16EU) |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | Mobile | Budget |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
You May Also Compare
Similar CPU comparisons based on M2 Max and Core Ultra 5 225T
