Ryzen 7 9700X vs M3 Max 14-Core
Ryzen 7 9700X
M3 Max 14-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 9700X
Performance Per Dollar M3 Max 14-Core
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Ryzen 7 9700X | M3 Max 14-Core |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($285) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Granite Ridge (2024−2025) / 4 nm) | ✨ Modern (Legacy / 3 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Ryzen 7 9700X | M3 Max 14-Core |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($285) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
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 9700X and M3 Max 14-Core
Ryzen 7 9700X
The Ryzen 7 9700X is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 8 August 2024 (1 year ago). It is based on the Granite Ridge (2024−2025) architecture. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 3.8 GHz, with boost up to 5.5 GHz. L3 cache: 32 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 4 nm process technology. Socket: AM5. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 37,145 points. Launch price was $359.
M3 Max 14-Core
The M3 Max 14-Core is manufactured by Apple. It was released in 30 October 2023 (2 years ago). It features 14 cores and 14 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. Passmark benchmark score: 36,529 points. Launch price was $499.
Processing Power
The Ryzen 7 9700X packs 8 cores / 16 threads, while the M3 Max 14-Core offers 14 cores / 14 threads — the M3 Max 14-Core has 6 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.5 GHz on the Ryzen 7 9700X versus 4.06 GHz on the M3 Max 14-Core — a 30.1% clock advantage for the Ryzen 7 9700X (base: 3.8 GHz vs 2.748 GHz). The Ryzen 7 9700X is built on the Granite Ridge (2024−2025) architecture. In PassMark, the Ryzen 7 9700X scores 37,145 against the M3 Max 14-Core's 36,529 — a 1.7% lead for the Ryzen 7 9700X.
| Feature | Ryzen 7 9700X | M3 Max 14-Core |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 8 / 16 | 14 / 14+75% |
| Boost Clock | 5.5 GHz+35% | 4.06 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.8 GHz+38% | 2.748 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 32 MB (total) | — |
| L2 Cache | 1 MB (per core) | — |
| Process | 4 nm | 3 nm-25% |
| Architecture | Granite Ridge (2024−2025) | — |
| PassMark | 37,145+2% | 36,529 |
Memory & Platform
The Ryzen 7 9700X uses the AM5 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the M3 Max 14-Core uses none (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 5600 on the Ryzen 7 9700X versus 6400 on the M3 Max 14-Core — the M3 Max 14-Core supports 13.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Ryzen 7 9700X supports up to 256 of RAM compared to 96 — 90.9% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Ryzen 7 9700X) vs 0 (M3 Max 14-Core). PCIe lanes: 24 (Ryzen 7 9700X) vs 0 (M3 Max 14-Core) — the Ryzen 7 9700X offers 24 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: X870E,X670E,B650 (Ryzen 7 9700X) and Apple M3 (M3 Max 14-Core).
| Feature | Ryzen 7 9700X | M3 Max 14-Core |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | AM5 | none |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0+25% | PCIe 4.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 5600 | 6400+14% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 256+167% | 96 |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 0 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 24 | 0 |
Advanced Features
Only the Ryzen 7 9700X has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Only the Ryzen 7 9700X supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, AMD-V (Ryzen 7 9700X) vs VT-x, VT-d (macOS) (M3 Max 14-Core). Both include integrated graphics — AMD Radeon Graphics (2-core) (Ryzen 7 9700X) and Apple M3 Max GPU (30-core) (M3 Max 14-Core) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Ryzen 7 9700X rivals Core i7-14700K; M3 Max 14-Core rivals Core i9-13900HX.
| Feature | Ryzen 7 9700X | M3 Max 14-Core |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | AMD Radeon Graphics (2-core) | Apple M3 Max GPU (30-core) |
| Unlocked | Yes | No |
| AVX-512 | Yes | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d, AMD-V | VT-x, VT-d (macOS) |
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