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.

M3 Max 16-Core vs Ryzen AI Max 390 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 AI Max 390: 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 AI Max 390 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (41,257 vs 41,834).

Ryzen AI Max 390

2025

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +18.9% 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 AI Max 390 better than M3 Max 16-Core?

Yes. Ryzen AI Max 390 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 18.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 1.4% 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 AI Max 390 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 18.9% 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 AI Max 390 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.4% better PassMark, backed by 12 cores and 24 threads.

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

Ryzen AI Max 390 still makes the most sense overall. Ryzen AI Max 390 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 18.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

Ryzen AI Max 390 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 AI Max 390 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 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.

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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%

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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 25% 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	No	Yes
PCIe Lanes	0	28

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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.