Intel
Intel Core i7-14790F vs Apple M2 Max
Full comparison of specs, performance and benchmarks
Apple
M2 Max
Aggregate performance score
We've compared Core i7-14790F and M2 Max across specs and all relevant benchmarks.
↗Core i7-14790F outperforms M2 Max by 73% based on our aggregate benchmark results.+73%
Scores are normalized on the Head to Head scale. Higher is better.Intel Core i7-14790F vs Apple M2 Max: key takeaway
The comparison of Core i7-14790F and M2 Max shows a 76% advantage for Core i7-14790F in gaming performance, while M2 Max 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.
Intel
ApplePerformance
Single-core
Multi-core
Efficiency
3017
9058
5635
1730
COMPARISON RESULT
Core i7-14790F is the best overall choice
Core i7-14790F leads in overall performance, while Core i7-14790F offers better price-to-performance. Check results in your applications before making the final choice.
Core i7-14790F leads in the combined performance index
Core i7-14790F costs less
OVERALL SCORE
Overview
Scores are calculated from specifications, performance, and efficiency.
The Summary score section compares Core i7-14790F and M2 Max with normalized H2H data, turning specifications, tests and value signals into practical buying context.
GamesDirectX, OpenCL, and Vulkan performance
30Better
17
Professional applications3D modeling, video editing, and rendering
28Better
19
AI and machine learningMachine-learning and AI capabilities
26Better
16
Power efficiencyPower consumption across workloads
17
30Better
Head to Head scoreOverall catalog score
27Better
20
FULL COMPARISON
Specifications
The better numeric value is highlighted in green, taking the metric direction into account.
The Specifications section compares Core i7-14790F and M2 Max with normalized H2H data, turning specifications, tests and value signals into practical buying context.
Release date20232023
Device classDesktopMobile
PassMark46391Better26844
PBP / MTP65 / 219 WBetter45 / 70 W
Cores / Threads8P+8E / 2412 / 12Better
SocketLGA1700—
ArchitectureRaptor Lake Refresh—
Clock speedP 2,1 - 5,4 GHz / E 1,5 - 4,2 GHzUp to 3.5 GHzBetter
Base clock2100 MHz—
Boost clock5400 MHzBetter3.5 GHz
L1 cache80 KB per P-core, 96 KB per E-coreBetterApple core-type L1 cache (varies by P/E core)
L2 cache2 MB per P-core, 4 MB per E-core clusterApple shared L2 cache by core cluster
L3 cache30 MB—
Power consumption65 / 219 WBetter70 W
Process node10 nm (Intel 7)—
Memory supportDDR5-5600 / DDR4-3200Unified memory, LPDDR5, up to 96 GB, 400 GB/s
Integrated graphics—Apple 30-core / 38-core GPU
HEAD TO HEAD · CALCULATED INDEX
H2H workload indices
Comparable internal indices on a fixed 0–100 scale.
The Benchmarks section compares Core i7-14790F and M2 Max with normalized H2H data, turning specifications, tests and value signals into practical buying context.
H2H Single-core IndexH2H Index / 100905843%
H2H Multi-core IndexH2H Index / 100563546%
H2H Productivity IndexH2H Index / 100584330%
H2H Rendering IndexH2H Index / 100453525%
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 Core i7-14790F and M2 Max with normalized H2H data, turning specifications, tests and value signals into practical buying context.
H2H ML Preprocessing IndexH2H Index / 100211721%
H2H CPU Inference IndexH2H Index / 100241734%
H2H Local LLM CPU IndexH2H Index / 10018176%
H2H Data Pipeline IndexH2H Index / 100241734%
H2H Computer Vision CPU IndexH2H Index / 100231730%
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: Core i7-14790F or M2 Max?+
Core i7-14790F has the higher overall gaming score, while Core i7-14790F offers the better price-to-performance ratio. The final choice depends on resolution and settings.
02Which is better for streaming?+
Core i7-14790F 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?+
Core i7-14790F is generally the better option for Blender and GPU rendering. Rendering-engine support and available VRAM also matter.
04Which is better for video editing?+
Core i7-14790F offers more overall performance, while Core i7-14790F offers more memory headroom. Codecs, hardware encoders, and editor optimization can change the result.
05Which is better for neural networks and AI?+
Core i7-14790F is the more practical option for local AI workloads. VRAM capacity, compute libraries, and framework compatibility are especially important.
06Which is better for 1080p?+
Core i7-14790F is the most rational 1080p choice, where high frame rates and cost per frame matter most.
07Which is better for 1440p?+
Core i7-14790F leads in combined 1440p performance. Core i7-14790F can be preferable for heavy textures and games with high VRAM usage.
08Which is better for 4K?+
Core i7-14790F is preferable for 4K, where total performance, memory bandwidth, and VRAM capacity have the greatest impact.
09Which is better for a quiet PC?+
Core i7-14790F 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?+
Core i7-14790F 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 Core i7-14790F 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.