CPU Comparison
Apple M5 Max vs Intel Core i9-13980HX
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Apple M5 Max is a groundbreaking system-on-a-chip (SoC) representing the fifth generation of Apple Silicon, fabricated on TSMC's 2nm process node to deliver unprecedented efficiency and performance for professional workflows.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Gaming
Virtualization
Efficiency
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- Neural Engine 5 significantly boosts on-device AI inference
- Support for larger parameter models in unified memory
- Optimized for CoreML and transformer architectures
- CPU‑side AI workloads benefit from high core count and AVX2, but there is no dedicated NPU or deep‑learning accelerator.
- Suitable for small‑scale local inference and development; not comparable to specialized AI accelerators or newer NPUs.
Content Creation
Gaming
- Hardware supports advanced ray tracing and mesh shaders
- Performance is bottlenecked by game optimization for ARM
- High efficiency allows for longer unplugged gaming sessions
- Very high single‑threaded performance thanks to 5.6 GHz P‑cores.
- Capable of driving high‑refresh‑rate gaming at 1080p and 1440p with modern GPUs.
- Performance uplift over i9‑13900HX is small in many titles; main gains are in peak clocks and lightly‑threaded scenarios.
- Actual FPS heavily dependent on laptop power limits and cooling; some designs throttle under sustained load.
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Industry-leading 2nm efficiency
- Massive unified memory capacity (up to 256GB)
- Superior performance-per-watt
- High-quality integrated GPU
- Silent operation under most workloads
Cons
- Non-upgradable RAM and Storage
- Limited gaming ecosystem compared to Windows
- High repair cost due to SoC integration
- No native support for x86 applications without translation
Pros
- 24 cores and 32 threads provide class‑leading multi‑threaded performance for a mobile CPU.
- 5.6 GHz max turbo enables very strong single‑threaded and gaming performance.
- Desktop‑derived silicon with unlocked multiplier appeals to enthusiasts and OEMs.
- Full DDR5‑5600 and PCIe 5.0 support keeps the platform competitive with contemporary high‑end laptops.
- Excellent for heavy multitasking, streaming, and workstation‑class workloads.
Cons
- High power draw (up to 157W turbo) requires robust cooling and limits battery life.
- Runs hot under sustained load; some laptops throttle or become loud.
- Efficiency lags AMD’s Ryzen 7045HX Dragon Range and Apple’s M‑series in performance‑per‑watt.
- Modest performance gains over the cheaper Core i9‑13900HX in many real‑world scenarios.
- Integrated UHD graphics are basic; you still need a discrete GPU for serious gaming or compute.
Competitors & Alternatives
Apple M5 Max
- Intel Core Ultra 9Rival
High-End Mobile
- AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 375Rival
Creator Laptop
- NVIDIA RTX 5090 LaptopRival
Graphics
- Apple M4 UltraAlt
Higher multi-core performance for desktop-bound workflows.
- Alt
Better value for users who don't need the Max GPU power.
Compare head-to-head - Ryzen 9 9950HXAlt
For users preferring x86 compatibility in a mobile form factor.
Intel Core i9-13980HX
- AMD Ryzen 9 7945HXRival
High-End Mobile (Dragon Range)
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i9-13950HXRival
High-End Mobile (Raptor Lake-HX, vPro)
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i9-13900HXRival
High-End Mobile (Raptor Lake-HX)
- AMD Ryzen 9 7845HXRival
High-End Mobile (Dragon Range)
- Intel Core i9-12900HXRival
High-End Mobile (Alder Lake-HX, previous gen)
Direct successor with slightly higher clocks and refined behavior; choose this if you’re buying a new 14th‑gen laptop and want a more recent platform.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 9 7940HXAlt
Slightly cut‑down Dragon Range with 16 cores and lower power; a good compromise between performance and thermals in some designs.
- Intel Core i7-13700HXAlt
Fewer cores but still strong gaming and creator performance; often better value and easier to cool in mid‑range laptops.
Our Verdict on Each
The M5 Max sets a new standard for ARM-based performance, leveraging 2nm technology to drastically reduce power consumption while delivering workstation-class compute capabilities that rival high-end desktop PCs.
Best for: Professional content creation and AI development requiring maximum battery life.
Read the full reviewA flagship 13th‑gen mobile HX CPU that delivers outright performance leadership at the cost of high power draw and heat, making it ideal only for well‑cooled, desktop‑replacement laptops.
Best for: You’re buying a high‑end gaming or workstation laptop with strong cooling and plan to keep it plugged in most of the time, and you want the absolute best CPU performance available in the 13th‑gen lineup.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Apple M5 Max or Intel Core i9-13980HX?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Apple M5 Max comes out ahead with a score of 9.5/10. 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 M5 Max or Intel Core i9-13980HX?
For gaming, the Intel Core i9-13980HX leads with a gaming performance score of 91/100 among Apple M5 Max and Intel Core i9-13980HX.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i9-13980HX has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i9-13980HX (55 W).
Do Apple M5 Max and Intel Core i9-13980HX use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Apple M5 Max: On-Board (BGA), Intel Core i9-13980HX: FCBGA1964), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Core i9-13980HX has the most cores. Core counts: Apple M5 Max (20 cores), Intel Core i9-13980HX (24 cores).