M4 Max (14 cores) vs Core i5-14600K
M4 Max (14 cores)
Core i5-14600K
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 M4 Max (14 cores)
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-14600K
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | M4 Max (14 cores) | Core i5-14600K |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($275) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Legacy / 3 nm) | ✨ Modern (Raptor Lake-R (2023−2025) / Intel 7 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | M4 Max (14 cores) | Core i5-14600K |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($275) |
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 M4 Max (14 cores) and Core i5-14600K
M4 Max (14 cores)
The M4 Max (14 cores) is manufactured by Apple. It was released in 30 November 2024 (1 year ago). It features 14 cores and 14 threads. Base frequency is 2.59 GHz, with boost up to 4.51 GHz. Built on 3 nm process technology. Socket: none. Thermal design power (TDP): 4 MB. Memory support: LPDDR5X. Passmark benchmark score: 38,558 points. Launch price was $499.
Core i5-14600K
The Core i5-14600K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 17 October 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Raptor Lake-R (2023−2025) architecture. It features 14 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 5.3 GHz. L3 cache: 24 MB (total). L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1700. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 38,579 points. Launch price was $319.
Processing Power
The M4 Max (14 cores) packs 14 cores / 14 threads, matching the Core i5-14600K's 14 cores. Boost clocks reach 4.51 GHz on the M4 Max (14 cores) versus 5.3 GHz on the Core i5-14600K — a 16.1% clock advantage for the Core i5-14600K (base: 2.59 GHz vs 3.5 GHz). The Core i5-14600K is built on the Raptor Lake-R (2023−2025) architecture. In PassMark, the M4 Max (14 cores) scores 38,558 against the Core i5-14600K's 38,579 — a 0.1% lead for the Core i5-14600K.
| Feature | M4 Max (14 cores) | Core i5-14600K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 14 / 14 | 14 / 20 |
| Boost Clock | 4.51 GHz | 5.3 GHz+18% |
| Base Clock | 2.59 GHz | 3.5 GHz+35% |
| L3 Cache | — | 24 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | — | 2 MB (per core) |
| Process | 3 nm-57% | Intel 7 nm |
| Architecture | — | Raptor Lake-R (2023−2025) |
| PassMark | 38,558 | 38,579 |
Memory & Platform
The M4 Max (14 cores) uses the none socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Core i5-14600K uses LGA1700 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 8533 on the M4 Max (14 cores) versus 5600 on the Core i5-14600K — the M4 Max (14 cores) supports 41.5% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i5-14600K supports up to 192 of RAM compared to 128 — 40% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 0 (M4 Max (14 cores)) vs 2 (Core i5-14600K). PCIe lanes: 0 (M4 Max (14 cores)) vs 20 (Core i5-14600K) — the Core i5-14600K offers 20 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Apple M4 (M4 Max (14 cores)) and Z790,B760 (Core i5-14600K).
| Feature | M4 Max (14 cores) | Core i5-14600K |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | none | LGA1700 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe 5.0+25% |
| Max RAM Speed | 8533+52% | 5600 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 | 192+50% |
| RAM Channels | 0 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 0 | 20 |
Advanced Features
Only the Core i5-14600K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (macOS) (M4 Max (14 cores)) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-14600K). Both include integrated graphics — Apple M4 Max GPU (32-core) (M4 Max (14 cores)) and Intel UHD Graphics 770 (Core i5-14600K) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: M4 Max (14 cores) rivals Ryzen AI Max PRO 390; Core i5-14600K rivals Ryzen 7 7800X3D.
| Feature | M4 Max (14 cores) | Core i5-14600K |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Apple M4 Max GPU (32-core) | Intel UHD Graphics 770 |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d (macOS) | VT-x, VT-d |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
You May Also Compare
Similar CPU comparisons based on M4 Max (14 cores) and Core i5-14600K
