M3 Max 14-Core vs Core i7-12700K
M3 Max 14-Core
Core i7-12700K
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 i7-12700K
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | M3 Max 14-Core | Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($285) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Legacy / 3 nm) | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) / 10 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | M3 Max 14-Core | Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($285) |
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 i7-12700K
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 i7-12700K
The Core i7-12700K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 November 2021 (4 years ago). It is based on the Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) architecture. It features 12 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 5 GHz. L3 cache: 25 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1700. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 34,347 points. Launch price was $409.
Processing Power
The M3 Max 14-Core packs 14 cores / 14 threads, while the Core i7-12700K offers 12 cores / 20 threads — the M3 Max 14-Core has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.06 GHz on the M3 Max 14-Core versus 5 GHz on the Core i7-12700K — a 20.8% clock advantage for the Core i7-12700K (base: 2.748 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Core i7-12700K is built on the Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) architecture. In PassMark, the M3 Max 14-Core scores 36,529 against the Core i7-12700K's 34,347 — a 6.2% lead for the M3 Max 14-Core.
| Feature | M3 Max 14-Core | Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 14 / 14+17% | 12 / 20 |
| Boost Clock | 4.06 GHz | 5 GHz+23% |
| Base Clock | 2.748 GHz | 3.6 GHz+31% |
| L3 Cache | — | 25 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | — | 1.25 MB (per core) |
| Process | 3 nm-70% | 10 nm |
| Architecture | — | Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) |
| PassMark | 36,529+6% | 34,347 |
Memory & Platform
The M3 Max 14-Core uses the none socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Core i7-12700K uses LGA1700 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 6400 on the M3 Max 14-Core versus 4800 on the Core i7-12700K — the M3 Max 14-Core supports 28.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i7-12700K supports up to 128 of RAM compared to 96 — 28.6% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 0 (M3 Max 14-Core) vs 2 (Core i7-12700K). PCIe lanes: 0 (M3 Max 14-Core) vs 20 (Core i7-12700K) — the Core i7-12700K offers 20 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Apple M3 (M3 Max 14-Core) and Z690,B660 (Core i7-12700K).
| Feature | M3 Max 14-Core | Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | none | LGA1700 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe 5.0+25% |
| Max RAM Speed | 6400+33% | 4800 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 96 | 128+33% |
| RAM Channels | 0 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 0 | 20 |
Advanced Features
Only the Core i7-12700K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (macOS) (M3 Max 14-Core) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-12700K). Both include integrated graphics — Apple M3 Max GPU (30-core) (M3 Max 14-Core) and Intel UHD Graphics 770 (Core i7-12700K) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: M3 Max 14-Core rivals Core i9-13900HX; Core i7-12700K rivals Ryzen 7 5800X.
| Feature | M3 Max 14-Core | Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Apple M3 Max GPU (30-core) | Intel UHD Graphics 770 |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d (macOS) | VT-x, VT-d |
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