CPU
GPU
M1 Max
Xeon Gold 6132
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 Xeon Gold 6132
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | M1 Max | Xeon Gold 6132 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | Equivalent pricing | Equivalent pricing |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Legacy / 5 nm) | ✨ Modern (Skylake (server) (2017−2018) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | M1 Max | Xeon Gold 6132 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | Equivalent pricing | Equivalent pricing |
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 Xeon Gold 6132
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.
Xeon Gold 6132
The Xeon Gold 6132 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 25 April 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture. It features 14 cores and 28 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 19.25 MB. L2 cache: 14 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA3647. Thermal design power (TDP): 140 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 22,244 points. Launch price was $2,111.
Processing Power
The M1 Max packs 10 cores / 10 threads, while the Xeon Gold 6132 offers 14 cores / 28 threads — the Xeon Gold 6132 has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.22 GHz on the M1 Max versus 3.7 GHz on the Xeon Gold 6132 — a 13.9% clock advantage for the Xeon Gold 6132 (base: 2.06 GHz vs 2.6 GHz). The Xeon Gold 6132 is built on the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture. In PassMark, the M1 Max scores 22,146 against the Xeon Gold 6132's 22,244 — a 0.4% lead for the Xeon Gold 6132. L3 cache: 48 MB on the M1 Max vs 19.25 MB on the Xeon Gold 6132.
| Feature | M1 Max | Xeon Gold 6132 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 10 / 10 | 14 / 28+40% |
| Boost Clock | 3.22 GHz | 3.7 GHz+15% |
| Base Clock | 2.06 GHz | 2.6 GHz+26% |
| L3 Cache | 48 MB+149% | 19.25 MB |
| L2 Cache | 28 MB+100% | 14 MB |
| Process | 5 nm-64% | 14 nm |
| Architecture | — | Skylake (server) (2017−2018) |
| PassMark | 22,146 | 22,244 |
Memory & Platform
The M1 Max uses the none socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Xeon Gold 6132 uses LGA3647 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches LPDDR5-6400 on the M1 Max versus 2666 on the Xeon Gold 6132 — the Xeon Gold 6132 supports 199.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon Gold 6132 supports up to 768 of RAM compared to 64 GB — 169.2% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 8 (M1 Max) vs 6 (Xeon Gold 6132). PCIe lanes: 0 (M1 Max) vs 48 (Xeon Gold 6132) — the Xeon Gold 6132 offers 48 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.
| Feature | M1 Max | Xeon Gold 6132 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | none | LGA3647 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0+33% | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | LPDDR5-6400 | 2666+53220% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 64 GB+8738033% | 768 |
| RAM Channels | 8+33% | 6 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 0 | 48 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Only the Xeon Gold 6132 supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: ARM-V (M1 Max) vs VT-x, VT-d (Xeon Gold 6132). The M1 Max includes integrated graphics (M1 Max GPU), while the Xeon Gold 6132 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: M1 Max targets Mobile Workstation.
| Feature | M1 Max | Xeon Gold 6132 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | M1 Max GPU | None |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | Yes |
| Virtualization | ARM-V | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | Mobile Workstation | — |
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