CPU Comparison
Apple M3 Max vs Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. Apple M3 Max is a high-end system-on-chip built on TSMC's 3nm process, offering up to a 16-core CPU, 40-core GPU, 128GB of unified memory, and 400GB/s memory bandwidth for demanding professional workloads in MacBook Pro.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Professional reviews show very strong multi-core performance in compiling, rendering, and content creation due to high core counts and wide memory bandwidth.
Handles heavily threaded tasks with ease, losing only 1-2% to the 285HX.
Gaming
Performs identically to the flagship in GPU-bound scenarios.
Virtualization
Strong performance for local VMs, limited slightly by dual-channel memory.
Efficiency
Independent measurements find M3 Max delivers high performance at moderate power under sustained workloads, aided by 3nm efficiency and aggressive power management.
Power-hungry under load, requiring robust laptop cooling.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- 16-core Neural Engine accelerates on-device ML inference and AI features across pro apps.
- Large unified memory allows running bigger transformer models locally.
- ML frameworks in macOS can leverage GPU, NE, and CPU cores depending on implementation.
- 13 TOPS NPU included
- Total Int8 TOPS up to 36
- Relies heavily on CPU/dGPU for heavy AI
Content Creation
Gaming
- Apple silicon gaming performance depends heavily on macOS optimizations and title support.
- M3 Max's GPU with ray tracing improves visuals for supported games, but AAA catalog lags Windows.
- High-resolution Retina displays increase GPU load compared to 1080p laptops.
- 5.4 GHz turbo is plenty for high-refresh-rate gaming
- Won't bottleneck high-end mobile GPUs
- Overclockable to match higher-tier SKUs
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Up to 16 performance-focused CPU cores for demanding multi-threaded workflows
- Up to 40-core GPU with ray tracing and mesh shading
- Massive unified memory capacity up to 128GB
- High memory bandwidth (300–400GB/s) feeds both CPU and GPU
- Efficient 3nm process balances performance and battery life
- Hardware-accelerated ProRes encode/decode with dual engines
- AV1 decode for efficient high-resolution streaming
- Strong multi-display support (up to four external displays)
- 16-core Neural Engine for on-device ML/AI acceleration
- Highly integrated SoC reduces latency and power use versus discrete CPU+GPU
Cons
- No official TDP or detailed thermal/power specifications from Apple
- Gaming ecosystem and optimization lag behind Windows x86 platforms
- RAM and storage are not user-upgradable after purchase
- Limited to macOS ecosystem; cannot boot Windows natively on Apple silicon
- No PCIe version or lane count disclosures from Apple
- Discontinued as of late 2024, though still available in some channels
Pros
- Excellent value for 24-core performance
- Unlocked multiplier allows matching flagship clocks
- 20 PCIe Gen 5 lanes for maximum expandability
- 36MB L3 cache keeps cores fed
- ECC memory support
Cons
- High power consumption (160W turbo)
- Requires heavy, thick laptop chassis for cooling
- Poor battery life efficiency
- Weak integrated graphics relative to CPU power
Competitors & Alternatives
Apple M3 Max
- Compare head-to-headApple M2 MaxRival
Creator SoC
- Apple M4 MaxRival
Creator SoC
- AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 375Rival
High-end Laptop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core Ultra 9 185HRival
High-end Laptop
- NVIDIA RTX 4090 LaptopRival
Gaming/Creator GPU
Desktop-class SoC with more CPU/GPU cores in Mac Studio for workloads tolerant of older generation.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370Alt
Windows-based alternative with strong CPU efficiency and x86 software compatibility.
- Intel Core Ultra 9Alt
Windows alternative with strong multi-thread performance and broader I/O options.
- Custom desktop (Ryzen 9 + RTX 4080/4090)Alt
Offers upgradability, PCIe expansion, and higher peak GPU performance for some workloads.
Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX
- AMD Ryzen 9 8945HXRival
Mobile (DTR)
- AMD Ryzen 9 7945HXRival
Mobile (DTR)
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i9-14900HXRival
Mobile (DTR)
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core Ultra 9 285HXRival
Mobile (DTR)
- Compare head-to-headApple M3 MaxRival
Mobile Workstation
- AMD Ryzen 9 7900HXAlt
A strong competitor for pure gaming performance.
A more budget-friendly option for mid-range gaming.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 7 8845HSAlt
If portability and battery life are higher priorities.
- AMD Ryzen 9 7945HX3DAlt
Features 3D V-Cache for superior gaming cache.
Our Verdict on Each
M3 Max pairs exceptional multi-core performance with massive memory capacity and an efficient 3nm design, making it a top choice for pro creators and developers who need workstation-level capability in a MacBook Pro.
Best for: Used or open-box MacBook Pro with M3 Max for creators and developers needing high RAM capacity and multi-core performance at a lower price than M4 Max.
Read the full reviewOffers 95% of the flagship's performance for a better value, maintaining the massive 24-core layout and unlocked overclocking.
Best for: The Core Ultra 9 275HX is highly recommended for gamers and creators seeking near-flagship performance without paying the absolute premium for the highest-tier chips. If you are looking at a high-end gaming laptop and the 275HX option is significantly cheaper than the 285HX, it is often the smarter buy, as the 100MHz difference is negligible in real-world scenarios. It retains the unlocked multiplier, 24 cores, and 20 PCIe Gen 5 lanes, making it highly future-proof. However, like all HX chips, it requires a substantial cooling solution to manage its 160W turbo power, so prioritize laptops with robust thermal designs. Avoid this processor if you need a laptop for casual use or long battery life, as it is inefficient for light workloads. Pair it with a high-end GPU to get the most out of your investment.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Apple M3 Max or Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Apple M3 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 M3 Max or Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX?
For gaming, the Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX leads with a gaming performance score of 96/100 among Apple M3 Max and Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX (55 W).
Do Apple M3 Max and Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Apple M3 Max: BGA (on-board), Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX: Intel BGA 2114), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX has the most cores. Core counts: Apple M3 Max (16 cores), Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX (24 cores).
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX (0). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.