Core i7 13800H vs M3 Max
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Core i7 13800H | M3 Max | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cinebench 2024 single-core | 117 | 142 | -17.6% |
| Cinebench 2024 multi-core | 1,008 | 1,698 | -40.6% |
| Cores | 14 (6P+8E) | 16 (12P+4E) | — |
| TDP (base W) | 35 | 56 | — |
- Core i7 13800H is slower than M3 Max by 17.6% in single-core and slower by 40.6% in multi-core (Cinebench 2024).
- Core i7 13800H draws less power (35W vs 56W base TDP).
Verdict: Core i7 13800H or M3 Max?
Core i7 13800H advantages
- Power efficiency (+38%)
M3 Max advantages
- Single-core speed (+18%)
- Multi-core speed (+41%)
Which should you choose?
- Choose the Core i7 13800H if you want a cooler, quieter and more power-efficient build.
- Choose the M3 Max if you mainly game or want snappy everyday responsiveness.
Core i7 13800H vs M3 Max: which should you choose?
Core i7 13800H — 14-core Intel processor (6P+8E) scoring 117 single-core and 1008 multi-core in Cinebench 2024, with a 35 W TDP.
M3 Max — 16-core Apple processor (12P+4E) scoring 142 single-core and 1698 multi-core in Cinebench 2024, with a 56 W TDP.
Core i7 13800H vs M3 Max: M3 Max leads in multi-core performance. Core i7 13800H is slower than M3 Max by 17.6% in single-core and slower by 40.6% in multi-core (Cinebench 2024). Core i7 13800H draws less power (35W vs 56W base TDP).
Gaming and single-threaded work
Games and everyday responsiveness lean on single-core speed. The M3 Max leads there with a single-core score of 142 versus 117, so it is the marginally better pick for high-refresh gaming — though at typical resolutions the GPU usually decides frame rates.
Content creation and multitasking
For rendering, compilation, video export and other all-core workloads, the M3 Max is stronger, posting 1,698 multi-core against 1,008 in Cinebench 2024. Its 16 cores (12 performance + 4 efficiency) give it real headroom for heavy parallel jobs.
Power and platform
The Core i7 13800H is the more efficient chip at 35 W versus 56 W, which means less heat, quieter cooling and lower running costs under sustained load.
The verdict
Both are credible choices in the processor comparison space; the specification table above lays out every metric so you can weigh the trade-offs that matter to you. Pick the one whose strengths line up with how you will actually use it.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Core i7 13800H better than the M3 Max?
M3 Max is the clearly stronger overall choice, winning most of the dimensions that matter. Core i7 13800H is slower than M3 Max by 17.6% in single-core and slower by 40.6% in multi-core (Cinebench 2024).
What is the main difference between the Core i7 13800H and the M3 Max?
Core i7 13800H is slower than M3 Max by 17.6% in single-core and slower by 40.6% in multi-core (Cinebench 2024). Core i7 13800H draws less power (35W vs 56W base TDP).
Which should I choose?
Choose the Core i7 13800H if you want a cooler, quieter and more power-efficient build. Choose the M3 Max if you mainly game or want snappy everyday responsiveness.
Methodology
Processors are compared on Cinebench 2024 single-core and multi-core scores from published leaderboard results, alongside core configuration (performance + efficiency cores), base TDP, L3 cache, PassMark CPU Mark, 1080p gaming scores and street pricing where measured. Cinebench reflects rendering-style workloads; gaming performance depends heavily on the GPU and the specific title, so treat single-core standing as directional. Figures reflect the leaderboard snapshot on the page date.