M3 Max 16-Core vs Ryzen 7 8840HX

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.

M3 Max 16-Core vs Ryzen 7 8840HX FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

M3 Max 16-Core vs Ryzen 7 8840HX: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

M3 Max 16-Core

2023

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Ryzen 7 8840HX across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (41,257 vs 42,275).

Ryzen 7 8840HX

2025

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +21.5% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (28 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Quick Answers

So, is Ryzen 7 8840HX better than M3 Max 16-Core?

Yes. Ryzen 7 8840HX is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 21.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 2.5% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Ryzen 7 8840HX is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 21.5% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Ryzen 7 8840HX is the stronger fit. You are getting 2.5% better PassMark, backed by 12 cores and 24 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Ryzen 7 8840HX still makes the most sense overall. Ryzen 7 8840HX comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 21.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Ryzen 7 8840HX makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2025 vs 2023) and more multi-core headroom with 12 cores / 24 threads instead of 16/16. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

M3 Max 16-Core vs Ryzen 7 8840HX Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

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.

Ryzen 7 8840HX

The Ryzen 7 8840HX is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 23 April 2025 (less than a year ago). It is based on the Dragon Range (2025) architecture. It features 12 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 2.9 GHz, with boost up to 5.1 GHz. L3 cache: 64 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 5 nm process technology. Socket: FL1. Thermal design power (TDP): 55 Watt. Memory support: DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 42,275 points. Launch price was $499.

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Processing Power

The M3 Max 16-Core packs 16 cores / 16 threads, while the Ryzen 7 8840HX offers 12 cores / 24 threads — the M3 Max 16-Core has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.06 GHz on the M3 Max 16-Core versus 5.1 GHz on the Ryzen 7 8840HX — a 22.7% clock advantage for the Ryzen 7 8840HX (base: 2.748 GHz vs 2.9 GHz). The Ryzen 7 8840HX is built on the Dragon Range (2025) architecture. In PassMark, the M3 Max 16-Core scores 41,257 against the Ryzen 7 8840HX's 42,275 — a 2.4% lead for the Ryzen 7 8840HX.

Feature	M3 Max 16-Core	Ryzen 7 8840HX
Cores / Threads	16 / 16+33%	12 / 24
Boost Clock	4.06 GHz	5.1 GHz+26%
Base Clock	2.748 GHz	2.9 GHz+6%
L3 Cache	—	64 MB (total)
L2 Cache	—	1 MB (per core)
Process	3 nm-40%	5 nm
Architecture	—	Dragon Range (2025)
PassMark	41,257	42,275+2%

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Memory & Platform

The M3 Max 16-Core uses the none socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Ryzen 7 8840HX uses FL1 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 6400 on the M3 Max 16-Core versus 5600 on the Ryzen 7 8840HX — the M3 Max 16-Core supports 14.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The M3 Max 16-Core supports up to 128 of RAM compared to 64 — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 4 (M3 Max 16-Core) vs 2 (Ryzen 7 8840HX). PCIe lanes: 0 (M3 Max 16-Core) vs 28 (Ryzen 7 8840HX) — the Ryzen 7 8840HX offers 28 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Apple M3 (M3 Max 16-Core) and FP8,FP7 (Ryzen 7 8840HX).

Feature	M3 Max 16-Core	Ryzen 7 8840HX
Socket	none	FL1
PCIe Generation	PCIe 4.0	PCIe 5.0+25%
Max RAM Speed	6400+14%	5600
Max RAM Capacity	128+100%	64
RAM Channels	4+100%	2
ECC Support	No	Yes
PCIe Lanes	0	28

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Only the Ryzen 7 8840HX supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (macOS) (M3 Max 16-Core) vs VT-x, VT-d, AMD-V (Ryzen 7 8840HX). Both include integrated graphics — Apple M3 Max GPU (40-core) (M3 Max 16-Core) and AMD Radeon 780M (Ryzen 7 8840HX) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: M3 Max 16-Core rivals Core i9-13950HX; Ryzen 7 8840HX rivals Core i7-13700H.