H2H

Apple M3 Max vs Intel Core i5-13500E

Full comparison of specs, performance and benchmarks

Aggregate performance score

We've compared M3 Max and Core i5-13500E across specs and all relevant benchmarks.

M3 Max outperforms Core i5-13500E by 35% based on our aggregate benchmark results.+35%

Scores are normalized on the Head to Head scale. Higher is better.
QUICK COMPARISON ANALYSIS

Apple M3 Max vs Intel Core i5-13500E: key takeaway

The comparison of M3 Max and Core i5-13500E shows a 35% advantage for M3 Max in gaming performance, while Core i5-13500E may still be stronger in efficiency and feature set. Use the sections below to check whether that lead comes from real FPS, specifications, efficiency, price or platform features.

SUMMARY PROFILE

Verified-metrics radar

Axes with missing data are hidden; every value uses a fixed scale.

H2H
Performance
Single-core
Multi-core
Efficiency
Performance
2720
Single-core
6877
Multi-core
5540
Efficiency
4216
Missing values are never replaced with zero or an average.Model: H2H 2026.07 fixed scale.
COMPARISON RESULT

M3 Max is the best overall choice

M3 Max leads in overall performance, while M3 Max offers better price-to-performance. Check results in your applications before making the final choice.

PERFORMANCE DIFFERENCE58%

M3 Max leads in the combined performance index

PRICE DIFFERENCE$218

Core i5-13500E costs less

OVERALL SCORE

Overview

Scores are calculated from specifications, performance, and efficiency.

The Summary score section compares M3 Max and Core i5-13500E with normalized H2H data, turning specifications, tests and value signals into practical buying context.

CategoryM3 MaxCore i5-13500E
GamesDirectX, OpenCL, and Vulkan performance
27Better
20
Professional applications3D modeling, video editing, and rendering
26Better
21
AI and machine learningMachine-learning and AI capabilities
23Better
18
Power efficiencyPower consumption across workloads
42Better
16
Head to Head scoreOverall catalog score
30Better
19
FULL COMPARISON

Specifications

The better numeric value is highlighted in green, taking the metric direction into account.

The Specifications section compares M3 Max and Core i5-13500E with normalized H2H data, turning specifications, tests and value signals into practical buying context.

SpecificationM3 MaxCore i5-13500E
PassMark41240Better30639
Release date20232022
Device classMobileDesktop
Cores / Threads16 / 16Better6P+8E / 20
Clock speedUp to 4.1 GHzBetterP 2,4 - 4,6 GHz / E 1,5 - 3,3 GHz
Base clock2400 MHz
Boost clock4.1 GHz4600 MHzBetter
L1 cacheApple core-type L1 cache (varies by P/E core)80 KB per P-core, 96 KB per E-coreBetter
L2 cacheApple shared L2 cache by core cluster2 MB per P-core, 4 MB per E-core cluster
L3 cache24 MB
Memory supportUnified memory, up to 128 GB, 300–400 GB/sBetterDDR5-4800 / DDR4-3200
Integrated graphicsApple 30-core / 40-core GPUUHD 770 1,55 GHzBetter
PBP / MTP55 / 80 W65 / 154 WBetter
Power consumption80 W65 / 154 WBetter
ArchitectureRaptor Lake
SocketLGA1700
Process node10 nm (Intel 7)
HEAD TO HEAD · CALCULATED INDEX

H2H workload indices

Comparable internal indices on a fixed 0–100 scale.

The Benchmarks section compares M3 Max and Core i5-13500E with normalized H2H data, turning specifications, tests and value signals into practical buying context.

IndexM3 MaxCore i5-13500EDifference
H2H Single-core IndexH2H Index / 100687712%
H2H Multi-core IndexH2H Index / 100554032%
H2H Productivity IndexH2H Index / 100594527%
H2H Rendering IndexH2H Index / 100553253%
H2H Value IndexH2H Index / 100000%

These are versioned H2H calculated indices derived from normalized catalog data. They are not results from a third-party benchmark.

HEAD TO HEAD · CALCULATED INDEX

H2H AI workload indices

Estimated workload profiles based on available performance and memory data.

The Detailed comparison section compares M3 Max and Core i5-13500E with normalized H2H data, turning specifications, tests and value signals into practical buying context.

IndexM3 MaxCore i5-13500EDifference
H2H ML Preprocessing IndexH2H Index / 100271463%
H2H CPU Inference IndexH2H Index / 100271651%
H2H Local LLM CPU IndexH2H Index / 100271277%
H2H Data Pipeline IndexH2H Index / 100271651%
H2H Computer Vision CPU IndexH2H Index / 100271557%

These are versioned H2H calculated indices derived from normalized catalog data. They are not results from a third-party benchmark.

AI EXPLAIN · HEAD TO HEAD

Explain this comparison

Beyond percentages: causes, relevant specifications, and practical impact behind every chart.

Device AM3 Max30
Device BCore i5-13500E19
What AI will explain

Overall score, radar, FPS, synthetic tests, specifications, efficiency, and value.

REAL CONFIGURATIONS

Owner experiences

Real builds, results, and community feedback.

Moderator reviewedHelpful to the community🏅Expert badges
FAQ · CHOOSE BY USE CASE

Frequently asked comparison questions

Short recommendations based on performance, memory, power consumption, and intended use.

01Which is better for gaming: M3 Max or Core i5-13500E?

M3 Max has the higher overall gaming score, while M3 Max offers the better price-to-performance ratio. The final choice depends on resolution and settings.

02Which is better for streaming?

M3 Max is the stronger streaming choice thanks to performance, hardware encoding, and application support. Check AV1, H.264, and HEVC support before buying.

03Which is better for Blender?

M3 Max is generally the better option for Blender and GPU rendering. Rendering-engine support and available VRAM also matter.

04Which is better for video editing?

M3 Max offers more overall performance, while M3 Max offers more memory headroom. Codecs, hardware encoders, and editor optimization can change the result.

05Which is better for neural networks and AI?

M3 Max is the more practical option for local AI workloads. VRAM capacity, compute libraries, and framework compatibility are especially important.

06Which is better for 1080p?

M3 Max is the most rational 1080p choice, where high frame rates and cost per frame matter most.

07Which is better for 1440p?

M3 Max leads in combined 1440p performance. M3 Max can be preferable for heavy textures and games with high VRAM usage.

08Which is better for 4K?

M3 Max is preferable for 4K, where total performance, memory bandwidth, and VRAM capacity have the greatest impact.

09Which is better for a quiet PC?

M3 Max is easier to use in a quiet build because of its lower estimated power and thermal load. Actual noise depends on the specific cooler.

10Which is better without replacing the power supply?

M3 Max is the safer candidate because its stated power consumption is lower. Verify PSU wattage, age, and power connectors.

11Is it worth upgrading from the previous generation?

Consider upgrading to M3 Max if your current device no longer delivers the required FPS, memory capacity, or feature support. A gain below 15–20% is usually worth waiting for a price cut.