CPU
GPU
M3 Max 16-Core
Core Ultra 7 265T
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 16-Core
Performance Per Dollar Core Ultra 7 265T
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | M3 Max 16-Core | Core Ultra 7 265T |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($362) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Legacy / 3 nm) | ✨ Modern (Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) / 3 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | M3 Max 16-Core | Core Ultra 7 265T |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($362) |
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 16-Core and Core Ultra 7 265T
M3 Max 16-Core
The M3 Max 16-Core is manufactured by Apple. It was released in 30 October 2023 (2 years ago). It features 16 cores and 16 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, LPDDR5X. Passmark benchmark score: 41,257 points. Launch price was $499.
Core Ultra 7 265T
The Core Ultra 7 265T 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 20 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 1.5 GHz, with boost up to 5.3 GHz. L3 cache: 30 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: 40,681 points. Launch price was $384.
Processing Power
The M3 Max 16-Core packs 16 cores / 16 threads, while the Core Ultra 7 265T offers 20 cores / 20 threads — the Core Ultra 7 265T has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.06 GHz on the M3 Max 16-Core versus 5.3 GHz on the Core Ultra 7 265T — a 26.5% clock advantage for the Core Ultra 7 265T (base: 2.748 GHz vs 1.5 GHz). The Core Ultra 7 265T is built on the Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) architecture. In PassMark, the M3 Max 16-Core scores 41,257 against the Core Ultra 7 265T's 40,681 — a 1.4% lead for the M3 Max 16-Core.
| Feature | M3 Max 16-Core | Core Ultra 7 265T |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 16 / 16 | 20 / 20+25% |
| Boost Clock | 4.06 GHz | 5.3 GHz+31% |
| Base Clock | 2.748 GHz+83% | 1.5 GHz |
| L3 Cache | — | 30 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | — | 3 MB (per core) |
| Process | 3 nm | 3 nm |
| Architecture | — | Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) |
| PassMark | 41,257+1% | 40,681 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 34,000 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 2,954 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 16,455 |
Memory & Platform
The M3 Max 16-Core uses the none socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Core Ultra 7 265T uses LGA1851 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 6400 on the M3 Max 16-Core versus DDR5-6400 on the Core Ultra 7 265T — the M3 Max 16-Core supports 199.7% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core Ultra 7 265T supports up to 192 GB of RAM compared to 128 — 40% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 4 (M3 Max 16-Core) vs 2 (Core Ultra 7 265T). PCIe lanes: 0 (M3 Max 16-Core) vs 24 (Core Ultra 7 265T) — the Core Ultra 7 265T offers 24 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Apple M3 (M3 Max 16-Core) and Z890,H870,B860 (Core Ultra 7 265T).
| Feature | M3 Max 16-Core | Core Ultra 7 265T |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | none | LGA1851 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe 5.0+25% |
| Max RAM Speed | 6400+127900% | DDR5-6400 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 | 192 GB+157286300% |
| RAM Channels | 4+100% | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 0 | 24 |
Advanced Features
Only the Core Ultra 7 265T has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (macOS) (M3 Max 16-Core) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core Ultra 7 265T). Both include integrated graphics — Apple M3 Max GPU (40-core) (M3 Max 16-Core) and Intel Graphics (Xe-LPG 4-core) (Core Ultra 7 265T) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core Ultra 7 265T targets High End Desktop. Direct competitor: M3 Max 16-Core rivals Core i9-13950HX.
| Feature | M3 Max 16-Core | Core Ultra 7 265T |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Apple M3 Max GPU (40-core) | Intel Graphics (Xe-LPG 4-core) |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d (macOS) | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | — | High End Desktop |
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