M3 Max 16-Core vs Ryzen AI Max 390

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.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.•
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar M3 Max 16-Core

#210

M3 Max 16-Core

MSRP: N/A|Avg: N/A

100%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Performance Per Dollar

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Performance Comparison

About PassMark

🏆 Chipversus Verdict

🚀 Performance Leadership

Performance Leadership: The Ryzen AI Max 390 delivers superior performance across the board. It outperforms the M3 Max 16-Core in both compute-intensive tasks (1.4% faster) and gaming workloads.

Insight	M3 Max 16-Core	Ryzen AI Max 390
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 (Strix Halo (2025) / 4 nm)

💎 Value Proposition

Insight	M3 Max 16-Core	Ryzen AI Max 390
Cost Efficiency	❌ Lower cost efficiency	❌ Lower cost efficiency
Upfront Cost	Equivalent pricing	Equivalent pricing

Performance Check

Paired with RTX 4090

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.

M3 Max 16-Core Benchmark Check

Ryzen AI Max 390 Benchmark Check

Technical Specifications

Side-by-side comparison of M3 Max 16-Core and Ryzen AI Max 390

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 AI Max 390

The Ryzen AI Max 390 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 6 January 2025 (less than a year ago). It is based on the Strix Halo (2025) architecture. It features 12 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 5 GHz. L3 cache: 64 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 4 nm process technology. Socket: FP11. Thermal design power (TDP): 55 Watt. Memory support: DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 41,834 points. Launch price was $499.

⚡

Processing Power

The M3 Max 16-Core packs 16 cores / 16 threads, while the Ryzen AI Max 390 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 GHz on the Ryzen AI Max 390 — a 20.8% clock advantage for the Ryzen AI Max 390 (base: 2.748 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). The Ryzen AI Max 390 is built on the Strix Halo (2025) architecture. In PassMark, the M3 Max 16-Core scores 41,257 against the Ryzen AI Max 390's 41,834 — a 1.4% lead for the Ryzen AI Max 390.

Feature	M3 Max 16-Core	Ryzen AI Max 390
Cores / Threads	16 / 16+33%	12 / 24
Boost Clock	4.06 GHz	5 GHz+23%
Base Clock	2.748 GHz	3.2 GHz+16%
L3 Cache	—	64 MB (total)
L2 Cache	—	1 MB (per core)
Process	3 nm-25%	4 nm
Architecture	—	Strix Halo (2025)
PassMark	41,257	41,834+1%

🧠

Memory & Platform

The M3 Max 16-Core uses the none socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Ryzen AI Max 390 uses FP11 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 6400 on the M3 Max 16-Core versus 8000 on the Ryzen AI Max 390 — the Ryzen AI Max 390 supports 22.2% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 128 of RAM. Both feature 4-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 0 (M3 Max 16-Core) vs 28 (Ryzen AI Max 390) — the Ryzen AI Max 390 offers 28 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Apple M3 (M3 Max 16-Core) and Strix Halo (Ryzen AI Max 390).

Feature	M3 Max 16-Core	Ryzen AI Max 390
Socket	none	FP11
PCIe Generation	PCIe 4.0	PCIe 4.0
Max RAM Speed	6400	8000+25%
Max RAM Capacity	128	128
RAM Channels	4	4
ECC Support	❌	✅
PCIe Lanes	0	28

🔧

Advanced Features

Only the Ryzen AI Max 390 has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Only the Ryzen AI Max 390 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 AI Max 390). Both include integrated graphics — Apple M3 Max GPU (40-core) (M3 Max 16-Core) and AMD Radeon 8050S (Ryzen AI Max 390) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: M3 Max 16-Core rivals Core i9-13950HX; Ryzen AI Max 390 rivals Apple M4 Max.