M1 Max vs Xeon W-1290P

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.

M1 Max vs Xeon W-1290P 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.

M1 Max vs Xeon W-1290P: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

M1 Max

2021

Why buy it

✅+140% larger total L3 cache (48 MB vs 20 MB).
✅Draws 28W instead of 125W, a 97W reduction.
✅Newer platform on none with DDR5 support instead of LGA1200 and DDR4.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with M1 Max GPU, while Xeon W-1290P needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon W-1290P across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (22,146 vs 22,373).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon W-1290P, which brings 10 cores / 20 threads.

Xeon W-1290P

2020

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +21.7% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 10 cores / 20 threads.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (20 MB vs 48 MB).
❌346.4% higher power demand at 125W vs 28W.
❌Older platform position on LGA1200 with DDR4, while M1 Max moves to none and DDR5.
❌No integrated graphics, while M1 Max can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon W-1290P better than M1 Max?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon W-1290P makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while M1 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, Xeon W-1290P is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 21.7% 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, Xeon W-1290P is the stronger fit. You are getting 1% better PassMark, backed by 10 cores and 20 threads.

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

Xeon W-1290P still makes the most sense overall. Xeon W-1290P comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 21.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

M1 Max makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2021 vs 2020), a healthier platform with none and DDR5 instead of LGA1200, and 140% larger total L3 cache (48 MB vs 20 MB). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

M1 Max vs Xeon W-1290P Technical Specifications

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

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 W-1290P

The Xeon W-1290P is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It is based on the Comet Lake (2020−2025) architecture. It features 10 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 3.7 GHz, with boost up to 5.2 GHz. L3 cache: 20 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1200. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2933. Passmark benchmark score: 22,373 points. Launch price was $800.

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Processing Power

The M1 Max packs 10 cores / 10 threads, matching the Xeon W-1290P's 10 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.22 GHz on the M1 Max versus 5.2 GHz on the Xeon W-1290P — a 47% clock advantage for the Xeon W-1290P (base: 2.06 GHz vs 3.7 GHz). The Xeon W-1290P is built on the Comet Lake (2020−2025) architecture. In PassMark, the M1 Max scores 22,146 against the Xeon W-1290P's 22,373 — a 1% lead for the Xeon W-1290P. L3 cache: 48 MB on the M1 Max vs 20 MB (total) on the Xeon W-1290P.

Feature	M1 Max	Xeon W-1290P
Cores / Threads	10 / 10	10 / 20
Boost Clock	3.22 GHz	5.2 GHz+61%
Base Clock	2.06 GHz	3.7 GHz+80%
L3 Cache	48 MB+140%	20 MB (total)
L2 Cache	28 MB	256K (per core)+814%
Process	5 nm-64%	14 nm
Architecture	—	Comet Lake (2020−2025)
PassMark	22,146	22,373+1%

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Memory & Platform

The M1 Max uses the none socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Xeon W-1290P uses LGA1200 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	M1 Max	Xeon W-1290P
Socket	none	LGA1200
PCIe Generation	PCIe 4.0+33%	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	LPDDR5-6400	—
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB	—
RAM Channels	8	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	0	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: ARM-V (M1 Max) / not specified (Xeon W-1290P). The M1 Max includes integrated graphics (M1 Max GPU), while the Xeon W-1290P requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: M1 Max targets Mobile Workstation.