CPU Comparison
Apple M2 Max vs Intel Core i9-13905H
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. Apple M2 Max is a high-end ARM-based system-on-chip (SoC) with a 12-core CPU, up to a 38-core integrated GPU, up to 96 GB of unified LPDDR5-6400 memory, and 400 GB/s of memory bandwidth, designed for professional workflows in MacBook Pro and Mac Studio systems.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Gaming
Virtualization
Efficiency
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- 16-core Neural Engine with up to 15.8 TOPS accelerates Core ML inference tasks.
- GPU with up to 38 cores and Metal Performance Shaders/MPSGraph supports ML training and inference.
- Unified memory and high bandwidth help large models, but x86 ML stacks still have broader ecosystem support.
- Includes Intel Deep Learning Boost (AVX2) for basic AI inference
- No dedicated NPU or AVX-512 support found in some desktop/workstation CPUs
- Suitable for on-device AI tasks like background blur or noise cancellation
Content Creation
Gaming
- Native Metal games can run very well (e.g., Resident Evil Village ~RTX 3060 Mobile levels).
- Windows games via Rosetta 2 or translation layers often work but may require tweaking or have compatibility issues.
- Game library is much smaller than on Windows, and some titles lack native Apple Silicon ports.
- High boost clock ensures strong frame rates in most titles
- PCIe 5.0 support future-proofs for upcoming GPUs
- Multithreaded performance helps in CPU-heavy games and background tasks
- Actual gaming performance heavily depends on the laptop's cooling and power delivery
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Very high CPU and GPU performance for a laptop‑class SoC.
- Up to 96 GB unified memory with 400 GB/s bandwidth.
- Excellent energy efficiency and battery life in MacBook Pro designs.
- Dual media engines with hardware ProRes acceleration.
- Strong performance in native video editing and creator applications.
Cons
- Very high system cost; M2 Max configurations are expensive.
- No official TDP or detailed clock specs from Apple; some behavior inferred.
- Limited upgradeability (RAM and SSD are soldered on most Macs).
- Gaming ecosystem is smaller than on Windows; many titles require translation layers.
- Thermal throttling can occur under combined CPU+GPU stress in compact enclosures.
Pros
- Excellent multi-threaded and single-core performance
- High 5.4 GHz turbo boost for burst workloads
- PCIe 5.0 support for next-generation GPUs
- Large 24MB L3 cache for low-latency access
- Strong integrated Iris Xe Graphics for media tasks
Cons
- Locked multiplier prevents overclocking
- Lacks vPro support compared to i9-13900H
- Power limits vary by laptop, affecting sustained performance
- Uses BGA socket, meaning it is soldered to the motherboard
- E-core performance is not suitable for heavy compute tasks
Competitors & Alternatives
Apple M2 Max
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i9-13980HXRival
High-End Laptop / Workstation
- AMD Ryzen 9 7945HXRival
High-End Laptop / Workstation
- Intel Core i9-12900HRival
High-End Laptop
- AMD Ryzen 9 7940HSRival
Thin-and-Light Workstation
- Qualcomm Snapdragon X EliteRival
High-End Windows on ARM
- Alt
Similar CPU performance with fewer GPU cores and lower cost; sufficient if you don’t need 96 GB RAM or the maximum GPU throughput.
Compare head-to-head - Alt
Newer architecture with higher per‑core performance and better GPU efficiency; consider if you want a longer useful life and can afford the upgrade.
Compare head-to-head - Intel Core i9-13980HX + RTX 4070/4080 LaptopAlt
Better for Windows‑only workflows and gaming, with more GPU headroom and broader x86 software compatibility.
- AMD Ryzen 9 7945HX + RTX 4070/4080 LaptopAlt
Strong multi‑core CPU and high‑end GPU with better gaming support, though typically higher power draw.
- Apple M1 Max (Used/Refurbished)Alt
Lower cost than M2 Max with similar memory bandwidth and still very capable for many pro workloads.
Intel Core i9-13905H
- AMD Ryzen 9 7945HXRival
Laptop
- AMD Ryzen 9 7845HXRival
Laptop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i9-13900HRival
Laptop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i9-13980HXRival
Laptop
- Apple M3 Pro (12-core CPU)Rival
Laptop
- Intel Core i7-13705HAlt
Very similar core configuration and performance at a lower price point, though with slightly lower boost clocks.
- Intel Core i7-13620HAlt
A more affordable option with fewer cores (10) that still provides excellent gaming and general performance.
- Intel Core Ultra 9 185HAlt
The successor with a newer architecture, NPU for AI, and better efficiency, available in newer laptop models.
Our Verdict on Each
An exceptionally powerful and efficient SoC for creative and technical workloads, offering huge unified memory and strong GPU performance, but at a premium price and limited to macOS software ecosystem.
Best for: You regularly work with large 4K/8K video projects, complex 3D scenes, or multi‑app creative workflows and need a quiet, power‑efficient Mac with high memory bandwidth and up to 96 GB unified RAM.
Read the full reviewA top-tier mobile CPU that delivers exceptional multi-threaded and single-core performance for gaming and creator laptops, though it is not unlocked for overclocking and lacks vPro support compared to its siblings.
Best for: Buying a high-performance gaming or creator laptop in 2023-2024 where the CPU is already integrated and balanced with the GPU and cooling.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Apple M2 Max or Intel Core i9-13905H?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Apple M2 Max comes out ahead with a score of 9/10. That said, the best choice depends on your workload — check the spec and performance breakdown above for gaming, productivity and efficiency differences.
Which is faster for gaming, Apple M2 Max or Intel Core i9-13905H?
For gaming, the Intel Core i9-13905H leads with a gaming performance score of 90/100 among Apple M2 Max and Intel Core i9-13905H.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i9-13905H has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i9-13905H (45 W).
Do Apple M2 Max and Intel Core i9-13905H use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Apple M2 Max: On-package (BGA), Intel Core i9-13905H: BGA 1744), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Core i9-13905H has the most cores. Core counts: Apple M2 Max (12 cores), Intel Core i9-13905H (14 cores).
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Apple M2 Max posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Apple M2 Max (0). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.