Apple M4 Max vs Intel Core i9 13980HX

Updated Jun 2026 · Scored by the Let’s Compare Data Engine · How we score

For most buyers the Intel Core i9 13980HX is the better pick — it scores 73/100 to the Apple M4 Max's 67, leading on Core Specifications. Choose the Apple M4 Max instead if integrated graphics matters most to you, where it comes out ahead.

Verdict

Our overall take, at a glance

Intel Core i9 13980HX leads overall

Intel Core i9 13980HX

Apple M4 Max

Why it stands out

Core Specifications Cores: 24
Core Specifications Threads: 32

Winner by category for Apple M4 Max vs Intel Core i9 13980HX
Category	Intel Core i9 13980HX	Apple M4 Max	Winner
Core Specifications	86	60	Intel Core i9 13980HX
Integrated Graphics	21	52	Apple M4 Max
Benchmark	74	72	Tie

In-depth analysisAI

AI-generated from the cited sources — may be incomplete or inaccurate; verify important details before deciding · generated Jun 2026.

Apple M4 Max

The Apple M4 Max is a high-performance system-on-a-chip designed for intensive computing tasks. It features an advanced architecture with up to 16 performance cores and a powerful graphics section, backed by substantial unified memory capacity. This chip is intended for demanding users, such as videographers, 3D artists, and developers who require maximum computational headroom.

Best for Professional Content CreationBest for High-End DevelopmentBest for Computational Engineering

Pros

Exceptional memory bandwidth is available in configurations supporting up to 128GB of unified memory (Source 1)
The comprehensive processing units include substantial GPU cores (up to 40) alongside a powerful Neural Processing Unit for accelerated AI tasks (Source 1)
Offers some of the most advanced single-core performance available in consumer silicon, targeting high benchmark scores (Source 1)
Designed with efficiencies that yield significant generational improvements in both CPU and GPU performance over previous series (Source 1)

Cons

The chip's complexity suggests a higher power draw requirement compared to lower-tier variants, indicated by its reported TDP (Source 1)
Performance is highly dependent on the specific configuration chosen, especially regarding memory bandwidth and core count (Source 1)

Intel Core i9 13980HX

The product name is listed as an Intel processor type in technical hardware lists. It belongs to the 13th generation of Intel Core processors, according to video sources.

Pros

It utilizes the architecture associated with the 13th Gen Intel Core processors.

Value for Money

Which is the better deal for the price

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Apple M4 Max

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Intel Core i9 13980HX

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Performance

Higher benchmark score = faster

Apple M4 Max43,862

Intel Core i9 13980HX45,231

See the raw benchmark values →

Benchmark score — a measured indicator of raw performance, not a guarantee of real-world speed.

Review Videos

Hand-picked expert reviews for each product

Detailed Specifications

The full spec sheet, side by side

Core Specifications

Feature	Apple M4 Max	Intel Core i9 13980HX
Cores	16	24
Threads	16	32
Base Frequency	N/A	2.2 GHz
Base Power Consumption	N/A	55 W
Maximum Frequency	N/A	5.6 GHz
Maximum Power Consumption	N/A	157 W
L1 Cache	N/A	2,176 KB
L2 Cache	N/A	32 MB
L3 Cache	N/A	36 MB
Lithography Process	3 nm57% less	7 nm
Is unlocked	No	Yes

Integrated Graphics

Feature	Apple M4 Max	Intel Core i9 13980HX
Model

Benchmark

Feature	Apple M4 Max	Intel Core i9 13980HX
PassMark CPU Mark	43,862	45,2313% more

Specification Note

Specifications are compiled from official manufacturer data and other reliable internet sources. Some features may vary by region or model configuration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Apple M4 Max vs Intel Core i9 13980HX comparison

They are closely matched: Apple M4 Max scores 75/100 and Intel Core i9 13980HX scores 75/100 in our overall comparison — within 1 points. Neither is a clear winner overall, so the decision comes down to the specific features and price that matter most to you.

Apple M4 Max and Intel Core i9 13980HX are compared side by side above across every spec in the cpus category — including performance, features and design — each scored 0–100 so you can see exactly where one leads the other. Our overall scores are 75/100 for Apple M4 Max and 75/100 for Intel Core i9 13980HX.

It's close — Apple M4 Max (75/100) and Intel Core i9 13980HX (75/100) score almost the same. Pick based on price and the individual specs that matter most to you; the comparison above shows where each one pulls ahead.