M3 Max 14-Core vs Core i7-13850HX

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.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.•
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar M3 Max 14-Core

#184

Core Ultra 7 266V

MSRP: $520|Avg: $520

122%

#185

Ryzen 7 5825C

MSRP: $400|Avg: $400

120%

#187

Core Ultra 9 288V

MSRP: $600|Avg: $600

111%

#188

Core i7-10870H

MSRP: $417|Avg: N/A

111%

#196

M3 Max 14-Core

MSRP: N/A|Avg: N/A

100%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Performance Per Dollar Core i7-13850HX

#31

Ryzen 5 230

MSRP: $200|Avg: $190

119%

#36

Core i5-11500B

MSRP: $185|Avg: $185

108%

#42

Ryzen 9 9955HX3D

MSRP: $749|Avg: N/A

103%

#46

Core i7-13850HX

MSRP: N/A|Avg: N/A

100%

#49

Core i9-12900HX

MSRP: $606|Avg: N/A

97%

#57

Ryzen AI 9 365

MSRP: $400|Avg: $400

89%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Performance Comparison

About PassMark

🏆 Chipversus Verdict

🚀 Performance Leadership

Performance Trade-off: The Core i7-13850HX leads in gaming performance. However, the M3 Max 14-Core is the stronger candidate for professional workloads, offering 0.3% greater multi-core processing power.

Insight	M3 Max 14-Core	Core i7-13850HX
Gaming	❌ Lower gaming performance	✅ Superior gaming performance
Workstation	✅ Better multi-core power	❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks
Price	Equivalent pricing	Equivalent pricing
Longevity	✨ Modern (Legacy / 3 nm)	✨ Modern (Raptor Lake-HX (2023) / Intel 7 nm)

💎 Value Proposition

Insight	M3 Max 14-Core	Core i7-13850HX
Cost Efficiency	❌ Lower cost efficiency	❌ Lower cost efficiency
Upfront Cost	Equivalent pricing	Equivalent pricing

Performance Check

Paired with RTX 4090

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.

M3 Max 14-Core Benchmark Check

Core i7-13850HX Benchmark Check

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Technical Specifications

Side-by-side comparison of M3 Max 14-Core and Core i7-13850HX

M3 Max 14-Core

The M3 Max 14-Core is manufactured by Apple. It was released in 30 October 2023 (2 years ago). It features 14 cores and 14 threads. Base frequency is 2.748 GHz, with boost up to 4.06 GHz. Built on 3 nm process technology. Socket: none. Memory support: LPDDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 36,529 points. Launch price was $499.

Core i7-13850HX

The Core i7-13850HX is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 January 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Raptor Lake-HX (2023) architecture. It features 20 cores and 28 threads. Base frequency is 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 5.3 GHz. L3 cache: 30 MB (total). L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1964. Thermal design power (TDP): 55 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 36,409 points. Launch price was $428.

⚡

Processing Power

The M3 Max 14-Core packs 14 cores / 14 threads, while the Core i7-13850HX offers 20 cores / 28 threads — the Core i7-13850HX has 6 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.06 GHz on the M3 Max 14-Core versus 5.3 GHz on the Core i7-13850HX — a 26.5% clock advantage for the Core i7-13850HX (base: 2.748 GHz vs 2.1 GHz). The Core i7-13850HX is built on the Raptor Lake-HX (2023) architecture. In PassMark, the M3 Max 14-Core scores 36,529 against the Core i7-13850HX's 36,409 — a 0.3% lead for the M3 Max 14-Core.

Feature	M3 Max 14-Core	Core i7-13850HX
Cores / Threads	14 / 14	20 / 28+43%
Boost Clock	4.06 GHz	5.3 GHz+31%
Base Clock	2.748 GHz+31%	2.1 GHz
L3 Cache	—	30 MB (total)
L2 Cache	—	2 MB (per core)
Process	3 nm-57%	Intel 7 nm
Architecture	—	Raptor Lake-HX (2023)
PassMark	36,529	36,409

🧠

Memory & Platform

The M3 Max 14-Core uses the none socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Core i7-13850HX uses FCBGA1964 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 6400 on the M3 Max 14-Core versus 5600 on the Core i7-13850HX — the M3 Max 14-Core supports 13.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i7-13850HX supports up to 192 of RAM compared to 96 — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 0 (M3 Max 14-Core) vs 2 (Core i7-13850HX). PCIe lanes: 0 (M3 Max 14-Core) vs 20 (Core i7-13850HX) — the Core i7-13850HX offers 20 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Apple M3 (M3 Max 14-Core) and Raptor Lake-HX (Core i7-13850HX).

Feature	M3 Max 14-Core	Core i7-13850HX
Socket	none	FCBGA1964
PCIe Generation	PCIe 4.0	PCIe 5.0+25%
Max RAM Speed	6400+14%	5600
Max RAM Capacity	96	192+100%
RAM Channels	0	2
ECC Support	❌	✅
PCIe Lanes	0	20

🔧

Advanced Features

Only the Core i7-13850HX has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Only the Core i7-13850HX supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (macOS) (M3 Max 14-Core) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-13850HX). Both include integrated graphics — Apple M3 Max GPU (30-core) (M3 Max 14-Core) and Intel UHD Graphics (Core i7-13850HX) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: M3 Max 14-Core rivals Core i9-13900HX; Core i7-13850HX rivals Ryzen 7 8845HS.