Intel Core i9-13980HX vs Apple M3 Max: Which is the better laptop CPU?

Intel Core i9-13980HX and Apple M3 Max are two processors seen in high-end laptops. While one is popular among Windows-based gaming laptops, the other is from a totally different ecosystem, typically seen in the Apple MacBook Pro laptops.

While both laptops are super capable and equipped with some of the best features, each one has certain things that it does better than the other. So choosing between the two can be quite confusing. However, to help you get a better understanding, we have put together a thorough comparison of the processors, testing specs, performance, and more.

Intel Core i9-13980HX vs Apple M3 Max: Specifications

The Intel Core i9 has a more impressive spec list (Image via Intel)

Let's delve into the specs of the two processors so that we get a better idea of this Intel Core i9-13980HX vs Apple M3 Max comparison.

The Intel Core i9 chip has much more cores and threads, making it more efficient in tasks like multi-threaded tasks like video encoding, 3D rendering, and other AI/ML workloads. However, the M3 Max's higher base clock speed allows it to execute more tasks in single-threaded workloads.

Features	Intel Core i9-13980HX	Apple M3 Max
Cores	24 (8 performance, 16 efficient)	16 cores (12 performance, 4 efficient)
Threads	32	16
Base Clock Speed	2.2 GHz	2.75 GHz
Boost Clock Speed	5.6 GHz	4.06 GHz
L2 Cache	2 MB (per core)=48MB	32MB
Thermal Design Power (TDP)	55W	78W

As you can see from the table above, both chips are very equipped for performance. They're both preferred by creatives, web developers, and even gamers. We'll look more into performance in the section below.

Intel Core i9-13980HX vs Apple M3 Max: Performance

Intel Core processors seem to be a better fit for gaming (Image via Intel)

Both the Intel Core i9-13980HX and the Apple M3 Max are excellent performers as seen in the section above. However, they vary a bit when it comes to the benchmarks. While the Core i9-13980HX is the better performer according to Cinebench R23, the Apple M3 Max shows up much better numbers on both Geekbench 5 and 6.

Benchmark	Intel Core i9-13980HX	Apple M3 Max
Cinebench R23 single core	2134	1968
Cinebench R23 multi core	31572	24028
Geekbench 6 single core	2819	3125
Geekbench 6 multi core	17097	21045

Both chips are extremely powerful. However, the Intel Core i9 processor is typically better at multi-threaded tasks due to the higher boost clock speeds, while the M3 Max outperforms the latter in single-threaded workloads.

Also check out: AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS vs Apple M3 Pro: Which is the better laptop CPU?

Gaming performance

The M3 Max looks great on Cyberpunk and offers realistic textures (Image via YouTube/@Andrew Tsai)

One thing you might not expect from Apple chips is good gaming performance. However, Apple has been more focused on developing their chips to be ready for high-end gaming and they are honestly quite impressive. Sure, they aren't of the best quality when it comes to video resolutions, but put up very high framerates overall.

The following framerates have been sourced from YouTube channels like Jarrod'sTech and MrH Hardware Testing. Do note that while the Core i9-13980HX is backed by the RTX 4090 GPU, the Apple M3 Max is running on its 40-core GPU. So Intel's card is at an advantage here.

Games (at 1440p)	Intel Core i9-13980HX	Apple M3 Max
A Plague Tale: Requiem	57 fps	37 fps
Cyberpunk 2077	58 fps	30 fps (51 fps with FSR)
Shadow of the Tomb Raider	185 fps	88 fps
Dying Light 2	94 fps	40 fps
Marvel’s Spiderman (2022)	95 fps	79 fps

The numbers were very surprising to me. Not only did the Apple M3 Max put up good framerates at 1440p, but it also looked great. The video renders were smooth and not too forced, so large scenic games like A Plague Tale: Requiem looked fantastic.

Overall it is clear that the Intel Core i9-13980HX is the better performer, albeit when paired with an RTX GPU. However, you can still go for a MacBook Pro as the M3 Max is super impressive. You might experience lower framerates, but most of the time, AAA titles are very much playable. Also, the above framerates are tested at 1440p, so you will see better fps at 1080p.

Intel Core i9-13980HX vs Apple M3 Max: Which has greater value for money?

Both laptops offer great value for money depending on what you're looking for (Image via BestBuy, Apple)

Intel-powered laptops have always been more affordable than Apple MacBooks, so it is quite clear which has greater value for money. Most laptops powered by the Intel Core i9-13980HX are accompanied by an RTX GPU, which further adds to the value. They usually start at around $1299, compared to the M3 Max Apple MacBook starting at $3199.

Now that's a big difference, and the Intel Core i9-13980HX takes the win. However, if you prefer Apple's ecosystem more and don't mind the high price tag, you can go for the MacBook Pro. You will still get incredible performance, whether that's creative or web development work, or high-end gaming.

Intel Core i9-13980HX vs Apple M3 Max: Final Verdict

The Intel Core i9-13980HX is the better laptop CPU and beats the M3 Max in most fields. It is more efficient and faster at multi-threaded tasks and also outperforms the latter in gaming. However, it comes with an advantage due to the RTX GPU that it is accompanied by.

As I mentioned earlier, go for the MacBook Pro if you prefer Apple's ecosystem. You'd still see great framerates and image quality from the M3 Max processors. It is also just as good of a choice when it comes to daily tasks and computing.

Check out similar articles by Sportskeeda:

Edited by Ashmita Bhatt