M3 Max 14-Core vs Core Ultra 9 285T
M3 Max 14-Core
Core Ultra 9 285T
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 M3 Max 14-Core
Performance Per Dollar Core Ultra 9 285T
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | M3 Max 14-Core | Core Ultra 9 285T |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($549) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Legacy / 3 nm) | ✨ Modern (Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) / 3 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | M3 Max 14-Core | Core Ultra 9 285T |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($549) |
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 M3 Max 14-Core and Core Ultra 9 285T
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 Ultra 9 285T
The Core Ultra 9 285T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 7 January 2025 (less than a year ago). It is based on the Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) architecture. It features 24 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 1.4 GHz, with boost up to 5.4 GHz. L3 cache: 36 MB (total). L2 cache: 3 MB (per core). Built on 3 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1851. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-6400. Passmark benchmark score: 36,916 points. Launch price was $549.
Processing Power
The M3 Max 14-Core packs 14 cores / 14 threads, while the Core Ultra 9 285T offers 24 cores / 24 threads — the Core Ultra 9 285T has 10 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.06 GHz on the M3 Max 14-Core versus 5.4 GHz on the Core Ultra 9 285T — a 28.3% clock advantage for the Core Ultra 9 285T (base: 2.748 GHz vs 1.4 GHz). The Core Ultra 9 285T is built on the Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) architecture. In PassMark, the M3 Max 14-Core scores 36,529 against the Core Ultra 9 285T's 36,916 — a 1.1% lead for the Core Ultra 9 285T.
| Feature | M3 Max 14-Core | Core Ultra 9 285T |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 14 / 14 | 24 / 24+71% |
| Boost Clock | 4.06 GHz | 5.4 GHz+33% |
| Base Clock | 2.748 GHz+96% | 1.4 GHz |
| L3 Cache | — | 36 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | — | 3 MB (per core) |
| Process | 3 nm | 3 nm |
| Architecture | — | Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) |
| PassMark | 36,529 | 36,916+1% |
Memory & Platform
The M3 Max 14-Core uses the none socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Core Ultra 9 285T uses LGA1851 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to 6400 memory speed. The Core Ultra 9 285T supports up to 256 of RAM compared to 96 — 90.9% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 0 (M3 Max 14-Core) vs 2 (Core Ultra 9 285T). PCIe lanes: 0 (M3 Max 14-Core) vs 20 (Core Ultra 9 285T) — the Core Ultra 9 285T offers 20 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Apple M3 (M3 Max 14-Core) and Z890,B860 (Core Ultra 9 285T).
| Feature | M3 Max 14-Core | Core Ultra 9 285T |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | none | LGA1851 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe 5.0+25% |
| Max RAM Speed | 6400 | 6400 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 96 | 256+167% |
| RAM Channels | 0 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 0 | 20 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (macOS) (M3 Max 14-Core) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core Ultra 9 285T). Both include integrated graphics — Apple M3 Max GPU (30-core) (M3 Max 14-Core) and Intel Arc Xe-LPG Graphics (Core Ultra 9 285T) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: M3 Max 14-Core rivals Core i9-13900HX; Core Ultra 9 285T rivals Ryzen 9 7900.
| Feature | M3 Max 14-Core | Core Ultra 9 285T |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Apple M3 Max GPU (30-core) | Intel Arc Xe-LPG Graphics |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d (macOS) | VT-x, VT-d |
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