CPU
GPU
M2 Max
Ryzen 5 7600
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 Ryzen 5 7600
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | M2 Max | Ryzen 5 7600 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($185) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Legacy / 5 nm) | ✨ Modern (Raphael (Zen4) (2022−2023) / 5 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | M2 Max | Ryzen 5 7600 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($185) |
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 Ryzen 5 7600
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.
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 |
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. Both support up to LPDDR5-6400 memory speed. The Ryzen 5 7600 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 (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 | DDR5-5200 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 96 GB | 128 GB+33% |
| RAM Channels | 4+100% | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 0 | 28 |
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 |
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 Ryzen 5 7600
