CPU
GPU
M3 Max 16-Core
Ryzen 7 8840HX
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 Ryzen 7 8840HX
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | M3 Max 16-Core | Ryzen 7 8840HX |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | Equivalent pricing | Equivalent pricing |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Legacy / 3 nm) | ✨ Modern (Dragon Range (2025) / 5 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | M3 Max 16-Core | Ryzen 7 8840HX |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | Equivalent pricing | Equivalent pricing |
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 Ryzen 7 8840HX
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.
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% |
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 13.3% 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 — 66.7% 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 | ❌ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 0 | 28 |
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.
| Feature | M3 Max 16-Core | Ryzen 7 8840HX |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Apple M3 Max GPU (40-core) | AMD Radeon 780M |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | Yes |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d (macOS) | VT-x, VT-d, AMD-V |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
You May Also Compare
Similar CPU comparisons based on M3 Max 16-Core and Ryzen 7 8840HX
