EPYC 4244P vs M2 Max

AMD

EPYC 4244P

6 Cores12 Thrd65 WWMax: 5.1 GHz2024
EPYC family
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VS

M2 Max

12 Cores12 Thrd36 WWMax: 3.7 GHz2023
Similar parts
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EPYC 4244P vs M2 Max Performance Spectrum

About PassMark

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.

EPYC 4244P vs M2 Max 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.

EPYC 4244P vs M2 Max: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

EPYC 4244P

2024

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +13.5% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 6 cores / 12 threads, plus 28 PCIe lanes vs 0.
  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (28 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

  • Smaller total L3 cache (32 MB vs 48 MB).
  • 80.6% higher power demand at 65W vs 36W.

M2 Max

2023

Why buy it

  • +50% larger total L3 cache (48 MB vs 32 MB).
  • Draws 36W instead of 65W, a 29W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than EPYC 4244P across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark (26,824 vs 27,164).
  • Less compelling for workstation-style loads than EPYC 4244P, which brings 6 cores / 12 threads and 28 PCIe lanes.

Quick Answers

So, is EPYC 4244P better than M2 Max?
Not really, because they are built for different jobs. EPYC 4244P makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while M2 Max is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, EPYC 4244P is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 13.5% 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, EPYC 4244P is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.3% better PassMark, backed by 6 cores and 12 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
EPYC 4244P still makes the most sense overall. EPYC 4244P comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 13.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
EPYC 4244P makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2024 vs 2023), more multi-core headroom with 6 cores / 12 threads instead of 12/12, and AVX-512 support for heavier modern compute workloads. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

EPYC 4244P vs M2 Max Technical Specifications

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

AMD

EPYC 4244P

The EPYC 4244P is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 21 May 2024 (1 year ago). It is based on the Raphael (2023−2025) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.8 GHz, with boost up to 5.1 GHz. L3 cache: 32 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 5 nm process technology. Socket: AM5. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 27,164 points. Launch price was $229.

M2 Max

The M2 Max is manufactured by Apple. It was released in 17 January 2023 (2 years ago). It features 12 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 2.424 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 48 MB. L2 cache: 36 MB. Built on 5 nm process technology. Socket: none. Thermal design power (TDP): 36 MB + 48 MB. Memory support: LPDDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 26,824 points. Launch price was $299.

Processing Power

The EPYC 4244P packs 6 cores / 12 threads, while the M2 Max offers 12 cores / 12 threads — the M2 Max has 6 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.1 GHz on the EPYC 4244P versus 3.7 GHz on the M2 Max — a 31.8% clock advantage for the EPYC 4244P (base: 3.8 GHz vs 2.424 GHz). The EPYC 4244P is built on the Raphael (2023−2025) architecture. In PassMark, the EPYC 4244P scores 27,164 against the M2 Max's 26,824 — a 1.3% lead for the EPYC 4244P. L3 cache: 32 MB (total) on the EPYC 4244P vs 48 MB on the M2 Max.

FeatureEPYC 4244PM2 Max
Cores / Threads
6 / 12
12 / 12+100%
Boost Clock
5.1 GHz+38%
3.7 GHz
Base Clock
3.8 GHz+57%
2.424 GHz
L3 Cache
32 MB (total)
48 MB+50%
L2 Cache
1 MB (per core)
36 MB+3500%
Process
5 nm
5 nm
Architecture
Raphael (2023−2025)
PassMark
27,164+1%
26,824
Cinebench R23 Multi
11,244
Geekbench 6 Single
2,602
Geekbench 6 Multi
11,244
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Memory & Platform

The EPYC 4244P uses the AM5 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the M2 Max uses none (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-5200 on the EPYC 4244P versus LPDDR5-6400 on the M2 Max — the M2 Max supports 23.1% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The EPYC 4244P supports up to 192 GB of RAM compared to 96 GB 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (EPYC 4244P) vs 4 (M2 Max). PCIe lanes: 28 (EPYC 4244P) vs 0 (M2 Max) — the EPYC 4244P offers 28 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.

FeatureEPYC 4244PM2 Max
Socket
AM5
none
PCIe Generation
PCIe 4.0
PCIe 4.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR5-5200
LPDDR5-6400+23%
Max RAM Capacity
192 GB+100%
96 GB
RAM Channels
2
4+100%
ECC Support
Yes
No
PCIe Lanes
28
0
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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Only the EPYC 4244P supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: AMD-V, AMD-Vi (EPYC 4244P) vs Virtualization (M2 Max). Both include integrated graphics Radeon Graphics (EPYC 4244P) and Apple M2 Max GPU (M2 Max) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: EPYC 4244P targets Entry Server, M2 Max targets Mobile. Direct competitor: EPYC 4244P rivals Xeon E-2436.

FeatureEPYC 4244PM2 Max
Integrated GPU
Yes
Yes
IGPU Model
Radeon Graphics
Apple M2 Max GPU
Unlocked
No
No
AVX-512
Yes
No
Virtualization
AMD-V, AMD-Vi
Virtualization
Target Use
Entry Server
Mobile