Apple
Apple M4 Max vs Intel Core i9-12900KS
Full comparison of specs, performance and benchmarks
Intel
Core i9-12900KS
Aggregate performance score
We've compared M4 Max and Core i9-12900KS across specs and all relevant benchmarks.
↗Core i9-12900KS outperforms M4 Max by 1% based on our aggregate benchmark results.+1%
Scores are normalized on the Head to Head scale. Higher is better.Apple M4 Max vs Intel Core i9-12900KS: key takeaway
The comparison of M4 Max and Core i9-12900KS shows a 4% advantage for Core i9-12900KS in gaming performance, while M4 Max may still be stronger in value for money. 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.
Apple
IntelPerformance
Single-core
Multi-core
Efficiency
2829
7592
6057
3915
COMPARISON RESULT
M4 Max is the best overall choice
M4 Max leads in overall performance, while M4 Max offers better price-to-performance. Check results in your applications before making the final choice.
M4 Max leads in the combined performance index
Core i9-12900KS costs less
OVERALL SCORE
Overview
Scores are calculated from specifications, performance, and efficiency.
The Summary score section compares M4 Max and Core i9-12900KS with normalized H2H data, turning specifications, tests and value signals into practical buying context.
GamesDirectX, OpenCL, and Vulkan performance
28
29Better
Professional applications3D modeling, video editing, and rendering
27
27
AI and machine learningMachine-learning and AI capabilities
24
25Better
Power efficiencyPower consumption across workloads
39Better
15
Head to Head scoreOverall catalog score
30Better
26
FULL COMPARISON
Specifications
The better numeric value is highlighted in green, taking the metric direction into account.
The Specifications section compares M4 Max and Core i9-12900KS with normalized H2H data, turning specifications, tests and value signals into practical buying context.
Release date20242021
PassMark4390144164Better
Device classMobileDesktop
Cores / Threads16 / 16Better8P+8E / 24
Clock speedUp to 4.5 GHzBetterP 3,2 - 5,5 GHz / E 2,4 - 4 GHz
Base clock—3200 MHz
Boost clock4.5 GHz5500 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 clusterBetter1.25 MB per P-core, 2 MB per E-core cluster
L3 cache—30 MB
Memory supportUnified memory, up to 128 GB, 410–546 GB/sBetterDDR5-4800 / DDR4-3200
Integrated graphicsApple 32-core / 40-core GPUUHD 770 1,55 GHzBetter
PBP / MTP55 / 90 W125 / 241 WBetter
Power consumption90 WBetter125 / 241 W
Socket—LGA1700
Architecture—Alder Lake
Process node—10 nm (Intel 7)
HEAD TO HEAD · CALCULATED INDEX
H2H workload indices
Comparable internal indices on a fixed 0–100 scale.
The Benchmarks section compares M4 Max and Core i9-12900KS with normalized H2H data, turning specifications, tests and value signals into practical buying context.
H2H Single-core IndexH2H Index / 100759220%
H2H Multi-core IndexH2H Index / 10060575%
H2H Productivity IndexH2H Index / 100655910%
H2H Rendering IndexH2H Index / 100604626%
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 M4 Max and Core i9-12900KS with normalized H2H data, turning specifications, tests and value signals into practical buying context.
H2H ML Preprocessing IndexH2H Index / 100282033%
H2H CPU Inference IndexH2H Index / 100282320%
H2H Local LLM CPU IndexH2H Index / 100281749%
H2H Data Pipeline IndexH2H Index / 100282320%
H2H Computer Vision CPU IndexH2H Index / 100282224%
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.
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 reviewed☆Helpful to the community🏅Expert badges
Frequently asked comparison questions
Short recommendations based on performance, memory, power consumption, and intended use.
01Which is better for gaming: M4 Max or Core i9-12900KS?+
M4 Max has the higher overall gaming score, while M4 Max offers the better price-to-performance ratio. The final choice depends on resolution and settings.
02Which is better for streaming?+
M4 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?+
M4 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?+
M4 Max offers more overall performance, while M4 Max offers more memory headroom. Codecs, hardware encoders, and editor optimization can change the result.
05Which is better for neural networks and AI?+
M4 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?+
M4 Max is the most rational 1080p choice, where high frame rates and cost per frame matter most.
07Which is better for 1440p?+
M4 Max leads in combined 1440p performance. M4 Max can be preferable for heavy textures and games with high VRAM usage.
08Which is better for 4K?+
M4 Max is preferable for 4K, where total performance, memory bandwidth, and VRAM capacity have the greatest impact.
09Which is better for a quiet PC?+
M4 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?+
M4 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 M4 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.