M2 Max vs Ryzen 5 7600

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.

M2 Max vs Ryzen 5 7600 FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

M2 Max vs Ryzen 5 7600: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

M2 Max

2023

Why buy it

✅+50% larger total L3 cache (48 MB vs 32 MB).
✅Draws 36W instead of 65W, a 29W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Ryzen 5 7600 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (26,824 vs 27,013).
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Ryzen 5 7600.

Ryzen 5 7600

2023

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +11.0% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (28 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike M2 Max.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (32 MB vs 48 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $229 MSRP, while M2 Max mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌80.6% higher power demand at 65W vs 36W.

Quick Answers

So, is Ryzen 5 7600 better than M2 Max?

Yes. Ryzen 5 7600 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 11.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.7% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Ryzen 5 7600 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 11.0% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Ryzen 5 7600 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.7% better PassMark, backed by 6 cores and 12 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Ryzen 5 7600 is the better buy right now. Ryzen 5 7600 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $229 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 11.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (118.0 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper. That said, if you already own a compatible none + DDR5 setup, M2 Max can still make sense as a platform-matched option because it avoids a motherboard and RAM swap.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Ryzen 5 7600 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting more multi-core headroom with 6 cores / 12 threads instead of 12/12. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

M2 Max vs Ryzen 5 7600 Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

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.

Ryzen 5 7600

The Ryzen 5 7600 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 14 January 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Raphael (Zen4) (2022−2023) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.8 GHz, with boost up to 5.1 GHz. L3 cache: 32 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 5 nm process technology. Socket: AM5. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-5200. Passmark benchmark score: 27,013 points. Launch price was $229.

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Processing Power

The M2 Max packs 12 cores / 12 threads, while the Ryzen 5 7600 offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the M2 Max has 6 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.7 GHz on the M2 Max versus 5.1 GHz on the Ryzen 5 7600 — a 31.8% clock advantage for the Ryzen 5 7600 (base: 2.424 GHz vs 3.8 GHz). The Ryzen 5 7600 is built on the Raphael (Zen4) (2022−2023) architecture. In PassMark, the M2 Max scores 26,824 against the Ryzen 5 7600's 27,013 — a 0.7% lead for the Ryzen 5 7600. L3 cache: 48 MB on the M2 Max vs 32 MB (total) on the Ryzen 5 7600.

Feature	M2 Max	Ryzen 5 7600
Cores / Threads	12 / 12+100%	6 / 12
Boost Clock	3.7 GHz	5.1 GHz+38%
Base Clock	2.424 GHz	3.8 GHz+57%
L3 Cache	48 MB+50%	32 MB (total)
L2 Cache	36 MB+3500%	1 MB (per core)
Process	5 nm	5 nm
Architecture	—	Raphael (Zen4) (2022−2023)
PassMark	26,824	27,013
Cinebench R23 Multi	—	14,500
Geekbench 6 Single	—	2,800
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	12,000

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Memory & Platform

The M2 Max uses the none socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Ryzen 5 7600 uses AM5 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches LPDDR5-6400 on the M2 Max versus DDR5-5200 on the Ryzen 5 7600 — the M2 Max supports 23.1% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Ryzen 5 7600 supports up to 128 GB of RAM compared to 96 GB — 33.3% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 4 (M2 Max) vs 2 (Ryzen 5 7600). PCIe lanes: 0 (M2 Max) vs 28 (Ryzen 5 7600) — the Ryzen 5 7600 offers 28 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.

Feature	M2 Max	Ryzen 5 7600
Socket	none	AM5
PCIe Generation	PCIe 4.0	PCIe 5.0+25%
Max RAM Speed	LPDDR5-6400+23%	DDR5-5200
Max RAM Capacity	96 GB	128 GB+33%
RAM Channels	4+100%	2
ECC Support	No	Yes
PCIe Lanes	0	28

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Advanced Features

Only the Ryzen 5 7600 has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Only the Ryzen 5 7600 supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: Virtualization (M2 Max) vs AMD-V (Ryzen 5 7600). Both include integrated graphics — Apple M2 Max GPU (M2 Max) and Radeon Graphics (2-core) (Ryzen 5 7600) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: M2 Max targets Mobile, Ryzen 5 7600 targets Gaming. Direct competitor: Ryzen 5 7600 rivals Core i5-13400.

Feature	M2 Max	Ryzen 5 7600
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	Apple M2 Max GPU	Radeon Graphics (2-core)
Unlocked	No	Yes
AVX-512	No	Yes
Virtualization	Virtualization	AMD-V
Target Use	Mobile	Gaming