Apple M4 Max vs Desktop CPUs

Apple's M4 Max posts the highest Geekbench 6 multi-core score of any CPU tested here — 26,675 — topping the Core Ultra 9 285K (21,075) and Ryzen 9 9950X (20,550) by 25–29%. Its single-core score of 4,060 also leads, beating the M4 Pro's 3,851 and all x86 chips tested. In Cinebench 2024 multi, the M4 Max matches the Core Ultra 9 285K closely at 2,045 vs 2,416 — a 15% gap that partly reflects architectural differences and compiler maturity. The M4 Max's most notable advantage is that it achieves this performance with an undisclosed TDP inside a laptop chassis with no active cooling fan noise comparable to a 125–170W desktop chip. The catch: entry system cost of $2,499 versus $589–$649 for the best x86 desktop chips requiring a full system build.