Apple M3 Max 14-Core vs i7-3930K

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Aggregate performance score

Core i7-3930K
2011
6 cores / 12 threads, 130 Watt
5.17
Apple M3 Max 14-Core
2023
14 cores / 14 threads, 78 Watt
22.98
+344%

Apple M3 Max 14-Core outperforms Core i7-3930K by a whopping 344% based on our aggregate benchmark results.

Primary details

Comparing Core i7-3930K and Apple M3 Max 14-Core processor market type (desktop or notebook), architecture, sales start time and price.

Place in the ranking1207226
Place by popularitynot in top-100not in top-100
Cost-effectiveness evaluation0.56no data
Market segmentDesktop processorLaptop
Seriesno dataApple M3
Power efficiency3.7727.90
Architecture codenameSandy Bridge-E (2011−2013)no data
Release date14 November 2011 (13 years ago)30 October 2023 (1 year ago)
Launch price (MSRP)$611no data

Cost-effectiveness evaluation

Performance per price, higher is better.

no data

Detailed specifications

Core i7-3930K and Apple M3 Max 14-Core basic parameters such as number of cores, number of threads, base frequency and turbo boost clock, lithography, cache size and multiplier lock state. These parameters indirectly say of CPU speed, though for more precise assessment you have to consider their test results.

Physical cores6 (Hexa-Core)14 (Tetradeca-Core)
Threads1214
Base clock speed3.2 GHz2.748 GHz
Boost clock speed3.8 GHz4.06 GHz
Bus rate5 GT/sno data
L1 cache64 KB (per core)no data
L2 cache256 KB (per core)no data
L3 cache12 MB (shared)no data
Chip lithography32 nm3 nm
Die size435 mm2no data
Maximum case temperature (TCase)67 °Cno data
Number of transistors2,270 million92000 Million
64 bit support++
Windows 11 compatibility-no data
Unlocked multiplier+-

Compatibility

Information on Core i7-3930K and Apple M3 Max 14-Core compatibility with other computer components: motherboard (look for socket type), power supply unit (look for power consumption) etc. Useful when planning a future computer configuration or upgrading an existing one. Note that power consumption of some processors can well exceed their nominal TDP, even without overclocking. Some can even double their declared thermals given that the motherboard allows to tune the CPU power parameters.

Number of CPUs in a configuration1no data
SocketFCLGA2011no data
Power consumption (TDP)130 Watt78 Watt

Technologies and extensions

Technological solutions and additional instructions supported by Core i7-3930K and Apple M3 Max 14-Core. You'll probably need this information if you require some particular technology.

Instruction set extensionsIntel® SSE4.2, Intel® AVXno data
AES-NI+-
AVX+-
Enhanced SpeedStep (EIST)+no data
Turbo Boost Technology2.0no data
Hyper-Threading Technology+no data
Idle States+no data
Thermal Monitoring+-
Smart Response+no data
Demand Based Switching-no data

Security technologies

Core i7-3930K and Apple M3 Max 14-Core technologies aimed at improving security, for example, by protecting against hacks.

TXT-no data
EDB+no data
Identity Protection+-

Virtualization technologies

Virtual machine speed-up technologies supported by Core i7-3930K and Apple M3 Max 14-Core are enumerated here.

VT-d+no data
VT-x+no data
EPT+no data

Memory specs

Types, maximum amount and channel quantity of RAM supported by Core i7-3930K and Apple M3 Max 14-Core. Depending on the motherboard, higher memory frequencies may be supported.

Supported memory typesDDR3no data
Maximum memory size64.23 GBno data
Max memory channels4no data
Maximum memory bandwidth51.2 GB/sno data

Graphics specifications

General parameters of integrated GPUs, if any.

Integrated graphics cardno dataApple M3 Max 30-Core GPU

Peripherals

Specifications and connection of peripherals supported by Core i7-3930K and Apple M3 Max 14-Core.

PCIe version2.0no data
PCI Express lanes40no data

Synthetic benchmark performance

Various benchmark results of the processors in comparison. Overall score is measured in points in 0-100 range, higher is better.


Combined synthetic benchmark score

This is our combined benchmark performance rating. We are regularly improving our combining algorithms, but if you find some perceived inconsistencies, feel free to speak up in comments section, we usually fix problems quickly.

i7-3930K 5.17
Apple M3 Max 14-Core 22.98
+344%

Passmark

Passmark CPU Mark is a widespread benchmark, consisting of 8 different types of workload, including integer and floating point math, extended instructions, compression, encryption and physics calculation. There is also one separate single-threaded scenario measuring single-core performance.

i7-3930K 8207
Apple M3 Max 14-Core 36499
+345%

Gaming performance

Pros & cons summary


Performance score 5.17 22.98
Recency 14 November 2011 30 October 2023
Physical cores 6 14
Threads 12 14
Chip lithography 32 nm 3 nm
Power consumption (TDP) 130 Watt 78 Watt

Apple M3 Max 14-Core has a 344.5% higher aggregate performance score, an age advantage of 11 years, 133.3% more physical cores and 16.7% more threads, a 966.7% more advanced lithography process, and 66.7% lower power consumption.

The Apple M3 Max 14-Core is our recommended choice as it beats the Core i7-3930K in performance tests.

Note that Core i7-3930K is a desktop processor while Apple M3 Max 14-Core is a notebook one.


Should you still have questions on choice between Core i7-3930K and Apple M3 Max 14-Core, ask them in Comments section, and we shall answer.

Vote for your favorite

Do you think we are right or mistaken in our choice? Vote by clicking "Like" button near your favorite CPU.


Intel Core i7-3930K
Core i7-3930K
Apple M3 Max 14-Core
M3 Max 14-Core

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Community ratings

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4.3 279 votes

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Questions & comments

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