M3 Max 14-Core vs Ryzen 5 3600
M3 Max 14-Core
Ryzen 5 3600
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 Ryzen 5 3600
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | M3 Max 14-Core | Ryzen 5 3600 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($80) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Legacy / 3 nm) | ✨ Modern (Matisse (2019−2020) / 7 nm, 12 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | M3 Max 14-Core | Ryzen 5 3600 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($80) |
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 Ryzen 5 3600
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.
Ryzen 5 3600
The Ryzen 5 3600 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 7 July 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Matisse (2019−2020) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 4.2 GHz. L3 cache: 32 MB (total). L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm, 12 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4 Dual-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 17,685 points. Launch price was $199.
Processing Power
The M3 Max 14-Core packs 14 cores / 14 threads, while the Ryzen 5 3600 offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the M3 Max 14-Core has 8 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.06 GHz on the M3 Max 14-Core versus 4.2 GHz on the Ryzen 5 3600 — a 3.4% clock advantage for the Ryzen 5 3600 (base: 2.748 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Ryzen 5 3600 is built on the Matisse (2019−2020) architecture. In PassMark, the M3 Max 14-Core scores 36,529 against the Ryzen 5 3600's 17,685 — a 69.5% lead for the M3 Max 14-Core.
| Feature | M3 Max 14-Core | Ryzen 5 3600 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 14 / 14+133% | 6 / 12 |
| Boost Clock | 4.06 GHz | 4.2 GHz+3% |
| Base Clock | 2.748 GHz | 3.6 GHz+31% |
| L3 Cache | — | 32 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | — | 512K (per core) |
| Process | 3 nm-57% | 7 nm, 12 nm |
| Architecture | — | Matisse (2019−2020) |
| PassMark | 36,529+107% | 17,685 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 9,500 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 1,295 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 1,898 |
Memory & Platform
The M3 Max 14-Core uses the none socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Ryzen 5 3600 uses AM4 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 6400 on the M3 Max 14-Core versus DDR4-3200 on the Ryzen 5 3600 — the M3 Max 14-Core supports 199.8% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Ryzen 5 3600 supports up to 128 GB of RAM compared to 96 — 28.6% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 0 (M3 Max 14-Core) vs 2 (Ryzen 5 3600). PCIe lanes: 0 (M3 Max 14-Core) vs 24 (Ryzen 5 3600) — the Ryzen 5 3600 offers 24 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Apple M3 (M3 Max 14-Core) and AMD B550,AMD X570,AMD B450,AMD X470 (Ryzen 5 3600).
| Feature | M3 Max 14-Core | Ryzen 5 3600 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | none | AM4 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe 4.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 6400+159900% | DDR4-3200 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 96 | 128 GB+139810033% |
| RAM Channels | 0 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 0 | 24 |
Advanced Features
Only the Ryzen 5 3600 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 Yes (Ryzen 5 3600). The M3 Max 14-Core includes integrated graphics (Apple M3 Max GPU (30-core)), while the Ryzen 5 3600 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Ryzen 5 3600 targets Gaming/Budget Workstation. Direct competitor: M3 Max 14-Core rivals Core i9-13900HX; Ryzen 5 3600 rivals Core i5-10400.
| Feature | M3 Max 14-Core | Ryzen 5 3600 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Apple M3 Max GPU (30-core) | — |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d (macOS) | Yes |
| Target Use | — | Gaming/Budget Workstation |
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