M4 Max (16 cores) vs Ryzen 9 7845HX
M4 Max (16 cores)
Ryzen 9 7845HX
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 (16 cores)
Performance Per Dollar Ryzen 9 7845HX
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | M4 Max (16 cores) | Ryzen 9 7845HX |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower 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-HX (Zen 4) (2023−2024) / CCD = 5 nm, I/O = 6 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | M4 Max (16 cores) | Ryzen 9 7845HX |
|---|---|---|
| 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 M4 Max (16 cores) and Ryzen 9 7845HX
M4 Max (16 cores)
The M4 Max (16 cores) is manufactured by Apple. It was released in 30 October 2024 (1 year ago). It features 16 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 2.75 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: 43,985 points. Launch price was $499.
Ryzen 9 7845HX
The Ryzen 9 7845HX is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 4 January 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Dragon Range-HX (Zen 4) (2023−2024) architecture. It features 12 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 5.2 GHz. L3 cache: 64 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on CCD = 5 nm, I/O = 6 nm process technology. Socket: FL1. Thermal design power (TDP): 55 Watt. Memory support: DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 44,940 points. Launch price was $499.
Processing Power
The M4 Max (16 cores) packs 16 cores / 16 threads, while the Ryzen 9 7845HX offers 12 cores / 24 threads — the M4 Max (16 cores) has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.51 GHz on the M4 Max (16 cores) versus 5.2 GHz on the Ryzen 9 7845HX — a 14.2% clock advantage for the Ryzen 9 7845HX (base: 2.75 GHz vs 3 GHz). The Ryzen 9 7845HX is built on the Dragon Range-HX (Zen 4) (2023−2024) architecture. In PassMark, the M4 Max (16 cores) scores 43,985 against the Ryzen 9 7845HX's 44,940 — a 2.1% lead for the Ryzen 9 7845HX. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 4,060 vs 2,697, a 40.3% lead for the M4 Max (16 cores) that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 26,675 vs 15,039 (55.8% advantage for the M4 Max (16 cores)).
| Feature | M4 Max (16 cores) | Ryzen 9 7845HX |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 16 / 16+33% | 12 / 24 |
| Boost Clock | 4.51 GHz | 5.2 GHz+15% |
| Base Clock | 2.75 GHz | 3 GHz+9% |
| L3 Cache | — | 64 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | — | 1 MB (per core) |
| Process | 3 nm-40% | CCD = 5 nm, I/O = 6 nm |
| Architecture | — | Dragon Range-HX (Zen 4) (2023−2024) |
| PassMark | 43,985 | 44,940+2% |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 26,654 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 4,060+51% | 2,697 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 26,675+77% | 15,039 |
Memory & Platform
The M4 Max (16 cores) uses the none socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Ryzen 9 7845HX uses FL1 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to Unified Memory memory speed. The M4 Max (16 cores) supports up to 128 GB of RAM compared to 64 GB — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 8 (M4 Max (16 cores)) vs 2 (Ryzen 9 7845HX). PCIe lanes: 40 (M4 Max (16 cores)) vs 28 (Ryzen 9 7845HX) — the M4 Max (16 cores) offers 12 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Apple Silicon (M4 Max (16 cores)) and FL1 (Ryzen 9 7845HX).
| Feature | M4 Max (16 cores) | Ryzen 9 7845HX |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | none | FL1 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe 5.0+25% |
| Max RAM Speed | Unified Memory | DDR5-5200 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 GB+100% | 64 GB |
| RAM Channels | 8+300% | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 40+43% | 28 |
Advanced Features
Only the Ryzen 9 7845HX has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Only the Ryzen 9 7845HX supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: Apple Virtualization (M4 Max (16 cores)) vs AMD-V (Ryzen 9 7845HX). Both include integrated graphics — Apple 40-core GPU (M4 Max (16 cores)) and Radeon 610M (Ryzen 9 7845HX) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: M4 Max (16 cores) targets Professional Laptop, Ryzen 9 7845HX targets High-end Gaming / Content Creation. Direct competitor: M4 Max (16 cores) rivals Ryzen AI Max PRO 390; Ryzen 9 7845HX rivals Core i9-13900HX.
| Feature | M4 Max (16 cores) | Ryzen 9 7845HX |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Apple 40-core GPU | Radeon 610M |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | Yes |
| Virtualization | Apple Virtualization | AMD-V |
| Target Use | Professional Laptop | High-end Gaming / Content Creation |
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