Core i9-7900X vs M4 (8 cores)

PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.

Core i9-7900X vs M4 (8 cores) FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

Core i9-7900X vs M4 (8 cores): Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Core i9-7900X

2017

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +14.7% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (44 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $999 MSRP, while M4 (8 cores) mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌3400% higher power demand at 140W vs 4W.
❌Older platform position on LGA2011 with DDR4, while M4 (8 cores) moves to none and DDR5.

M4 (8 cores)

2024

Why buy it

✅Draws 4W instead of 140W, a 136W reduction.
✅Newer platform on none with DDR5 support instead of LGA2011 and DDR4.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i9-7900X across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (20,761 vs 20,907).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i9-7900X better than M4 (8 cores)?

Yes. Core i9-7900X is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 14.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.7% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i9-7900X is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 14.7% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i9-7900X is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.7% better PassMark, backed by 10 cores and 20 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Core i9-7900X is the better buy right now. Core i9-7900X comes in at an unclear MSRP at $999 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 14.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (20.9 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper. That said, if you already own a compatible none + DDR5 setup, M4 (8 cores) can still make sense as a platform-matched option because it avoids a motherboard and RAM swap.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

M4 (8 cores) makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2024 vs 2017) and a healthier platform with none and DDR5 instead of LGA2011. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Core i9-7900X vs M4 (8 cores) Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

Core i9-7900X

The Core i9-7900X is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 26 June 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture. It features 10 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 3.3 GHz, with boost up to 4.5 GHz. L3 cache: 14 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 140 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 20,907 points. Launch price was $999.

M4 (8 cores)

The M4 (8 cores) is manufactured by Apple. It was released in 28 October 2024 (1 year ago). It features 8 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.89 GHz, with boost up to 4 GHz. Built on 3 nm process technology. Socket: none. Thermal design power (TDP): 4 MB. Memory support: LPDDR5x. Passmark benchmark score: 20,761 points. Launch price was $299.

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Processing Power

The Core i9-7900X packs 10 cores / 20 threads, while the M4 (8 cores) offers 8 cores / 8 threads — the Core i9-7900X has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.5 GHz on the Core i9-7900X versus 4 GHz on the M4 (8 cores) — a 11.8% clock advantage for the Core i9-7900X (base: 3.3 GHz vs 2.89 GHz). The Core i9-7900X is built on the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture. In PassMark, the Core i9-7900X scores 20,907 against the M4 (8 cores)'s 20,761 — a 0.7% lead for the Core i9-7900X.

Feature	Core i9-7900X	M4 (8 cores)
Cores / Threads	10 / 20+25%	8 / 8
Boost Clock	4.5 GHz+13%	4 GHz
Base Clock	3.3 GHz+14%	2.89 GHz
L3 Cache	14 MB (total)	—
L2 Cache	1 MB (per core)	—
Process	14 nm	3 nm-79%
Architecture	Skylake (server) (2017−2018)	—
PassMark	20,907	20,761
Geekbench 6 Single	1,323	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	8,536	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i9-7900X uses the LGA2011 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the M4 (8 cores) uses none (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.