M3 Max 14-Core vs Ryzen 7 9700X
M3 Max 14-Core
Ryzen 7 9700X
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 7 9700X
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | M3 Max 14-Core | Ryzen 7 9700X |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($285) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Legacy / 3 nm) | ✨ Modern (Granite Ridge (2024−2025) / 4 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | M3 Max 14-Core | Ryzen 7 9700X |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Ryzen 7 9700X
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 7 9700X
The Ryzen 7 9700X is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 8 August 2024 (1 year ago). It is based on the Granite Ridge (2024−2025) architecture. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 3.8 GHz, with boost up to 5.5 GHz. L3 cache: 32 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 4 nm process technology. Socket: AM5. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 37,145 points. Launch price was $359.
Processing Power
The M3 Max 14-Core packs 14 cores / 14 threads, while the Ryzen 7 9700X offers 8 cores / 16 threads — the M3 Max 14-Core has 6 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.06 GHz on the M3 Max 14-Core versus 5.5 GHz on the Ryzen 7 9700X — a 30.1% clock advantage for the Ryzen 7 9700X (base: 2.748 GHz vs 3.8 GHz). The Ryzen 7 9700X is built on the Granite Ridge (2024−2025) architecture. In PassMark, the M3 Max 14-Core scores 36,529 against the Ryzen 7 9700X's 37,145 — a 1.7% lead for the Ryzen 7 9700X.
| Feature | M3 Max 14-Core | Ryzen 7 9700X |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 14 / 14+75% | 8 / 16 |
| Boost Clock | 4.06 GHz | 5.5 GHz+35% |
| Base Clock | 2.748 GHz | 3.8 GHz+38% |
| L3 Cache | — | 32 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | — | 1 MB (per core) |
| Process | 3 nm-25% | 4 nm |
| Architecture | — | Granite Ridge (2024−2025) |
| PassMark | 36,529 | 37,145+2% |
Memory & Platform
The M3 Max 14-Core uses the none socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Ryzen 7 9700X uses AM5 (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 Ryzen 7 9700X — the M3 Max 14-Core supports 13.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Ryzen 7 9700X 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 (Ryzen 7 9700X). PCIe lanes: 0 (M3 Max 14-Core) vs 24 (Ryzen 7 9700X) — the Ryzen 7 9700X offers 24 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Apple M3 (M3 Max 14-Core) and X870E,X670E,B650 (Ryzen 7 9700X).
| Feature | M3 Max 14-Core | Ryzen 7 9700X |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | none | AM5 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe 5.0+25% |
| Max RAM Speed | 6400+14% | 5600 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 96 | 256+167% |
| RAM Channels | 0 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 0 | 24 |
Advanced Features
Only the Ryzen 7 9700X has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Only the Ryzen 7 9700X 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, AMD-V (Ryzen 7 9700X). Both include integrated graphics — Apple M3 Max GPU (30-core) (M3 Max 14-Core) and AMD Radeon Graphics (2-core) (Ryzen 7 9700X) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: M3 Max 14-Core rivals Core i9-13900HX; Ryzen 7 9700X rivals Core i7-14700K.
| Feature | M3 Max 14-Core | Ryzen 7 9700X |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Apple M3 Max GPU (30-core) | AMD Radeon Graphics (2-core) |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | Yes |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d (macOS) | VT-x, VT-d, AMD-V |
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