EPYC 7451 vs M2 Max

EPYC 7451 vs M2 Max Performance Spectrum

EPYC 7451

24 / 48

26,639

0.0%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

Ryzen Threadripper 9960X

M2 Max

12 / 12

26,824

+0.7%

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 7451 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 7451 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 7451

2017

Why buy it

✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (64 MB vs 48 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 24 cores / 48 threads.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (26,639 vs 26,824).
❌400% higher power demand at 180W vs 36W.
❌Older platform position on TR4 with DDR4, while M2 Max moves to none and DDR5.
❌No integrated graphics, while M2 Max can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

M2 Max

2023

Why buy it

✅Draws 36W instead of 180W, a 144W reduction.
✅Newer platform on none with DDR5 support instead of TR4 and DDR4.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Apple M2 Max GPU, while EPYC 7451 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (48 MB vs 64 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than EPYC 7451, which brings 24 cores / 48 threads.

Quick Answers

So, is M2 Max better than EPYC 7451?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. EPYC 7451 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, M2 Max is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.7% 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, M2 Max is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.7% better PassMark, backed by 12 cores and 12 threads.

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

M2 Max still makes the most sense overall. M2 Max comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

M2 Max makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2023 vs 2017), a healthier platform with none and DDR5 instead of TR4, and more multi-core headroom with 12 cores / 12 threads instead of 24/48. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

EPYC 7451 vs M2 Max Technical Specifications

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

EPYC 7451

The EPYC 7451 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 29 June 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Naples (2017−2018) architecture. It features 24 cores and 48 threads. Base frequency is 2.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 64 MB (total). L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: TR4. Thermal design power (TDP): 180 Watt. Memory support: DDR4 Eight-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 26,639 points. Launch price was $2,400.

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.

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Processing Power

The EPYC 7451 packs 24 cores / 48 threads, while the M2 Max offers 12 cores / 12 threads — the EPYC 7451 has 12 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the EPYC 7451 versus 3.7 GHz on the M2 Max — a 14.5% clock advantage for the M2 Max (base: 2.3 GHz vs 2.424 GHz). The EPYC 7451 is built on the Naples (2017−2018) architecture. In PassMark, the EPYC 7451 scores 26,639 against the M2 Max's 26,824 — a 0.7% lead for the M2 Max. L3 cache: 64 MB (total) on the EPYC 7451 vs 48 MB on the M2 Max.

Feature	EPYC 7451	M2 Max
Cores / Threads	24 / 48+100%	12 / 12
Boost Clock	3.2 GHz	3.7 GHz+16%
Base Clock	2.3 GHz	2.424 GHz+5%
L3 Cache	64 MB (total)+33%	48 MB
L2 Cache	512K (per core)+1322%	36 MB
Process	14 nm	5 nm-64%
Architecture	Naples (2017−2018)	—
PassMark	26,639	26,824

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Memory & Platform

The EPYC 7451 uses the TR4 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the M2 Max uses none (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	EPYC 7451	M2 Max
Socket	TR4	none
PCIe Generation	PCIe 4.0	PCIe 4.0
Max RAM Speed	—	LPDDR5-6400
Max RAM Capacity	—	96 GB
RAM Channels	—	4
ECC Support	—	No
PCIe Lanes	—	0

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (EPYC 7451) / Virtualization (M2 Max). The M2 Max includes integrated graphics (Apple M2 Max GPU), while the EPYC 7451 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: M2 Max targets Mobile.