CPU
GPU
Ryzen 7 8840HX
M3 Max 16-Core
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 Ryzen 7 8840HX
Performance Per Dollar M3 Max 16-Core
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Ryzen 7 8840HX | M3 Max 16-Core |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | Equivalent pricing | Equivalent pricing |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Dragon Range (2025) / 5 nm) | ✨ Modern (Legacy / 3 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Ryzen 7 8840HX | M3 Max 16-Core |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Ryzen 7 8840HX and M3 Max 16-Core
Ryzen 7 8840HX
The Ryzen 7 8840HX is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 23 April 2025 (less than a year ago). It is based on the Dragon Range (2025) architecture. It features 12 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 2.9 GHz, with boost up to 5.1 GHz. L3 cache: 64 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 5 nm process technology. Socket: FL1. Thermal design power (TDP): 55 Watt. Memory support: DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 42,275 points. Launch price was $499.
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.
Processing Power
The Ryzen 7 8840HX packs 12 cores / 24 threads, while the M3 Max 16-Core offers 16 cores / 16 threads — the M3 Max 16-Core has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.1 GHz on the Ryzen 7 8840HX versus 4.06 GHz on the M3 Max 16-Core — a 22.7% clock advantage for the Ryzen 7 8840HX (base: 2.9 GHz vs 2.748 GHz). The Ryzen 7 8840HX is built on the Dragon Range (2025) architecture. In PassMark, the Ryzen 7 8840HX scores 42,275 against the M3 Max 16-Core's 41,257 — a 2.4% lead for the Ryzen 7 8840HX.
| Feature | Ryzen 7 8840HX | M3 Max 16-Core |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 12 / 24 | 16 / 16+33% |
| Boost Clock | 5.1 GHz+26% | 4.06 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.9 GHz+6% | 2.748 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 64 MB (total) | — |
| L2 Cache | 1 MB (per core) | — |
| Process | 5 nm | 3 nm-40% |
| Architecture | Dragon Range (2025) | — |
| PassMark | 42,275+2% | 41,257 |
Memory & Platform
The Ryzen 7 8840HX uses the FL1 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the M3 Max 16-Core uses none (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 5600 on the Ryzen 7 8840HX versus 6400 on the M3 Max 16-Core — the M3 Max 16-Core supports 13.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The M3 Max 16-Core supports up to 128 of RAM compared to 64 — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Ryzen 7 8840HX) vs 4 (M3 Max 16-Core). PCIe lanes: 28 (Ryzen 7 8840HX) vs 0 (M3 Max 16-Core) — the Ryzen 7 8840HX offers 28 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: FP8,FP7 (Ryzen 7 8840HX) and Apple M3 (M3 Max 16-Core).
| Feature | Ryzen 7 8840HX | M3 Max 16-Core |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | FL1 | none |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0+25% | PCIe 4.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 5600 | 6400+14% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 64 | 128+100% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 4+100% |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 28 | 0 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Only the Ryzen 7 8840HX supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, AMD-V (Ryzen 7 8840HX) vs VT-x, VT-d (macOS) (M3 Max 16-Core). Both include integrated graphics — AMD Radeon 780M (Ryzen 7 8840HX) and Apple M3 Max GPU (40-core) (M3 Max 16-Core) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Ryzen 7 8840HX rivals Core i7-13700H; M3 Max 16-Core rivals Core i9-13950HX.
| Feature | Ryzen 7 8840HX | M3 Max 16-Core |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | AMD Radeon 780M | Apple M3 Max GPU (40-core) |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | Yes | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d, AMD-V | VT-x, VT-d (macOS) |
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The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
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