Apple M5 Max vs Intel Core i9 13900KS

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

For most buyers the Intel Core i9 13900KS is the better pick — it scores 79/100 to the Apple M5 Max's 72, leading on Core Specifications. Choose the Apple M5 Max instead if integrated graphics matters most to you, where it comes out ahead.

Verdict

Our overall take, at a glance

Intel Core i9 13900KS leads overall

Intel Core i9 13900KS

Apple M5 Max

Why it stands out

Core Specifications Cores: 24
Core Specifications Threads: 32

Winner by category for Apple M5 Max vs Intel Core i9 13900KS
Category	Intel Core i9 13900KS	Apple M5 Max	Winner
Core Specifications	86	60	Intel Core i9 13900KS
Integrated Graphics	21	49	Apple M5 Max
Benchmark	83	81	Tie

In-depth analysisAI

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

Apple M5 Max

The Apple M5 Max is a high-performance system-on-a-chip designed for intensive creative and technical tasks, built on a 3-nanometer process. Utilizing Apple's Fusion Architecture to link two dies, the chip features an 18-core CPU and supports up to a 40-core GPU along with up to 128 GB of unified LPDDR5X memory. It is engineered for demanding professional workstations and notebooks that require maximum computing power and massive memory bandwidth.

Best for Multi-stream ProRes video editing and high-end post-productionBest for On-device AI development and machine learning requiring large unified memory…Best for Heavyweight productivity and creator workloads on the go without sacrificing…

Pros

Exceptional memory bandwidth reaching up to 614 GB/s on the top-tier GPU configuration
Doubled media processing pipelines with two video encode and two ProRes encode/decode engines
Dedicated Neural Accelerator in each GPU core to significantly accelerate local AI tasks
Outstanding energy efficiency that enables top-tier performance alongside excellent battery life
Integrated Thunderbolt 5 controllers directly on the silicon for high-speed external connectivity

Cons

Devices housing this processor demand a significant price premium, making it a major financial investment
Potential limited retail availability at launch

Intel Core i9 13900KS

The Intel Core i9 13900KS is a flagship desktop processor built for the LGA1700 socket, tailored for users seeking maximum computing performance. Equipped with 24 cores, 32 threads, and a peak frequency of 6.0 GHz, it excels at handling intensive desktop workloads. It also comes with integrated Intel UHD Graphics 770 for display output without a discrete GPU.

Best for Heavy multi-threaded workloads like 3D rendering and high-resolution video produBest for Systems focused on achieving maximum single-core clock speeds

Pros

Reaches a peak boost clock frequency of 6.0 GHz out of the box
Generous 24-core, 32-thread configuration for heavy parallel processing
Features integrated Intel UHD Graphics 770

Cons

Demands significant energy with a 253 W maximum power consumption limit
High base power draw of 150 W requires substantial thermal management

Value for Money

Which is the better deal for the price

Pre-filled with launch prices where known — enter today's price for an up-to-date check. Use the same currency for both.

Apple M5 Max

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Intel Core i9 13900KS

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Performance

Higher benchmark score = faster

Apple M5 Max57,655

Intel Core i9 13900KS60,380

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 M5 Max	Intel Core i9 13900KS
Cores	18	24
Threads	18	32
Base Frequency	N/A	3.2 GHz
Base Power Consumption	N/A	150 W
Maximum Frequency	N/A	6 GHz
Maximum Power Consumption	N/A	253 W
L1 Cache	N/A	1,408 KB
L2 Cache	N/A	24 MB
L3 Cache	N/A	36 MB
Lithography Process	3 nm57% less	7 nm
Is unlocked	No	Yes

Integrated Graphics

Feature	Apple M5 Max	Intel Core i9 13900KS
Model

Benchmark

Feature	Apple M5 Max	Intel Core i9 13900KS
PassMark CPU Mark	57,655	60,3805% 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 M5 Max vs Intel Core i9 13900KS comparison

They are closely matched: Apple M5 Max scores 80/100 and Intel Core i9 13900KS scores 80/100 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 M5 Max and Intel Core i9 13900KS 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 80/100 for Apple M5 Max and 80/100 for Intel Core i9 13900KS.

It's close — Apple M5 Max (80/100) and Intel Core i9 13900KS (80/100) 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.