
M1 Max

Ryzen Threadripper 1950
Performance Spectrum - CPU
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar M1 Max
Performance Per Dollar Ryzen Threadripper 1950
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | M1 Max | Ryzen Threadripper 1950 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($300) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Legacy / 5 nm) | ✨ Modern (Zen (2017−2020) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | M1 Max | Ryzen Threadripper 1950 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($300) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of M1 Max and Ryzen Threadripper 1950
M1 Max
The M1 Max is manufactured by Apple. It was released in 18 October 2021 (4 years ago). It features 10 cores and 10 threads. Base frequency is 2.06 GHz, with boost up to 3.22 GHz. L3 cache: 48 MB. L2 cache: 28 MB. Built on 5 nm process technology. Socket: none. Thermal design power (TDP): 28 MB + 48 MB. Memory support: LPDDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 22,146 points. Launch price was $299.

Ryzen Threadripper 1950
The Ryzen Threadripper 1950 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 29 July 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Zen (2017−2020) architecture. It features 16 cores and 32 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 32 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: SP3r2. Thermal design power (TDP): 180 Watt. Memory support: DDR4 Quad-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 22,077 points. Launch price was $299.
Processing Power
The M1 Max packs 10 cores / 10 threads, while the Ryzen Threadripper 1950 offers 16 cores / 32 threads — the Ryzen Threadripper 1950 has 6 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.22 GHz on the M1 Max versus 3.2 GHz on the Ryzen Threadripper 1950 — a 0.6% clock advantage for the M1 Max (base: 2.06 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). The Ryzen Threadripper 1950 is built on the Zen (2017−2020) architecture. In PassMark, the M1 Max scores 22,146 against the Ryzen Threadripper 1950's 22,077 — a 0.3% lead for the M1 Max. L3 cache: 48 MB on the M1 Max vs 32 MB on the Ryzen Threadripper 1950.
| Feature | M1 Max | Ryzen Threadripper 1950 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 10 / 10 | 16 / 32+60% |
| Boost Clock | 3.22 GHz | 3.2 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.06 GHz | 3.2 GHz+55% |
| L3 Cache | 48 MB+50% | 32 MB |
| L2 Cache | 28 MB+5500% | 512 kB (per core) |
| Process | 5 nm-64% | 14 nm |
| Architecture | — | Zen (2017−2020) |
| PassMark | 22,146 | 22,077 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 18,780 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 1,961 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 10,100 |
Memory & Platform
The M1 Max uses the none socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Ryzen Threadripper 1950 uses SP3r2 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches LPDDR5-6400 on the M1 Max versus DDR4-2666 on the Ryzen Threadripper 1950 — the M1 Max supports 22.2% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Ryzen Threadripper 1950 supports up to 128 GB of RAM compared to 64 GB — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 8 (M1 Max) vs 4 (Ryzen Threadripper 1950). PCIe lanes: 0 (M1 Max) vs 64 (Ryzen Threadripper 1950) — the Ryzen Threadripper 1950 offers 64 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.
| Feature | M1 Max | Ryzen Threadripper 1950 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | none | SP3r2 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe 4.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | LPDDR5-6400+25% | DDR4-2666 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 64 GB | 128 GB+100% |
| RAM Channels | 8+100% | 4 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 0 | 64 |
Advanced Features
Only the Ryzen Threadripper 1950 has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: ARM-V (M1 Max) vs AMD-V (Ryzen Threadripper 1950). The M1 Max includes integrated graphics (M1 Max GPU), while the Ryzen Threadripper 1950 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: M1 Max targets Mobile Workstation, Ryzen Threadripper 1950 targets Workstation. Direct competitor: Ryzen Threadripper 1950 rivals Core i9-7960X.
| Feature | M1 Max | Ryzen Threadripper 1950 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | M1 Max GPU | — |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | ARM-V | AMD-V |
| Target Use | Mobile Workstation | Workstation |
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