M4 Max (14 cores) vs Core Ultra 5 235
M4 Max (14 cores)
Core Ultra 5 235
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 Ultra 5 235
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | M4 Max (14 cores) | Core Ultra 5 235 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($269) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Legacy / 3 nm) | ✨ Modern (Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) / 3 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | M4 Max (14 cores) | Core Ultra 5 235 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($269) |
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 Ultra 5 235
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 Ultra 5 235
The Core Ultra 5 235 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 7 January 2025 (less than a year ago). It is based on the Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) architecture. It features 14 cores and 14 threads. Base frequency is 3.4 GHz, with boost up to 5 GHz. L3 cache: 24 MB (total). L2 cache: 3 MB (per core). Built on 3 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1851. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-6400. Passmark benchmark score: 39,924 points. Launch price was $257.
Processing Power
Both the M4 Max (14 cores) and Core Ultra 5 235 share an identical 14-core/14-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 4.51 GHz on the M4 Max (14 cores) versus 5 GHz on the Core Ultra 5 235 — a 10.3% clock advantage for the Core Ultra 5 235 (base: 2.59 GHz vs 3.4 GHz). The Core Ultra 5 235 is built on the Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) architecture. In PassMark, the M4 Max (14 cores) scores 38,558 against the Core Ultra 5 235's 39,924 — a 3.5% lead for the Core Ultra 5 235.
| Feature | M4 Max (14 cores) | Core Ultra 5 235 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 14 / 14 | 14 / 14 |
| Boost Clock | 4.51 GHz | 5 GHz+11% |
| Base Clock | 2.59 GHz | 3.4 GHz+31% |
| L3 Cache | — | 24 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | — | 3 MB (per core) |
| Process | 3 nm | 3 nm |
| Architecture | — | Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) |
| PassMark | 38,558 | 39,924+4% |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 2,600 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 13,000 |
Memory & Platform
The M4 Max (14 cores) uses the none socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Core Ultra 5 235 uses LGA1851 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 8533 on the M4 Max (14 cores) versus DDR5-6400 on the Core Ultra 5 235 — the M4 Max (14 cores) supports 199.8% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core Ultra 5 235 supports up to 256 GB of RAM compared to 128 — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 0 (M4 Max (14 cores)) vs 2 (Core Ultra 5 235). PCIe lanes: 0 (M4 Max (14 cores)) vs 20 (Core Ultra 5 235) — the Core Ultra 5 235 offers 20 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Apple M4 (M4 Max (14 cores)) and Z890,B860 (Core Ultra 5 235).
| Feature | M4 Max (14 cores) | Core Ultra 5 235 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | none | LGA1851 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe 5.0+25% |
| Max RAM Speed | 8533+170560% | DDR5-6400 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 | 256 GB+209715100% |
| RAM Channels | 0 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 0 | 20 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (macOS) (M4 Max (14 cores)) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core Ultra 5 235). Both include integrated graphics — Apple M4 Max GPU (32-core) (M4 Max (14 cores)) and Arc Xe-LPG Graphics 24EU (Core Ultra 5 235) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core Ultra 5 235 targets Mainstream Desktop. Direct competitor: M4 Max (14 cores) rivals Ryzen AI Max PRO 390; Core Ultra 5 235 rivals Ryzen 5 8600G.
| Feature | M4 Max (14 cores) | Core Ultra 5 235 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Apple M4 Max GPU (32-core) | Arc Xe-LPG Graphics 24EU |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d (macOS) | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | — | Mainstream Desktop |
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