M1 Pro 8-Core vs Ryzen 7 2700X

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 Pro 8-Core vs Ryzen 7 2700X 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 Pro 8-Core vs Ryzen 7 2700X: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

M1 Pro 8-Core

2021

Why buy it

✅Draws 28W instead of 105W, a 77W reduction.
✅Newer platform on none with DDR5 support instead of AM4 and DDR4.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Apple M1 Pro GPU (14-core), while Ryzen 7 2700X needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Ryzen 7 2700X across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (17,218 vs 17,450).

Ryzen 7 2700X

2018

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +24.8% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (24 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $329 MSRP, while M1 Pro 8-Core mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌275% higher power demand at 105W vs 28W.
❌Older platform position on AM4 with DDR4, while M1 Pro 8-Core moves to none and DDR5.
❌No integrated graphics, while M1 Pro 8-Core can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Ryzen 7 2700X better than M1 Pro 8-Core?

Yes. Ryzen 7 2700X is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 24.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 1.3% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Ryzen 7 2700X is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 24.8% 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, Ryzen 7 2700X is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.3% better PassMark, backed by 8 cores and 16 threads.

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

Ryzen 7 2700X is the better buy right now. Ryzen 7 2700X comes in at an unclear MSRP at $329 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 24.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (53.0 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper. That said, if you already own a compatible none + DDR5 setup, M1 Pro 8-Core can still make sense as a platform-matched option because it avoids a motherboard and RAM swap.

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

M1 Pro 8-Core makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2021 vs 2018) and a healthier platform with none and DDR5 instead of AM4. That makes it the safer long-term bet.

M1 Pro 8-Core vs Ryzen 7 2700X Technical Specifications

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

M1 Pro 8-Core

The M1 Pro 8-Core is manufactured by Apple. It was released in 18 October 2021 (4 years ago). It features 8 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.06 GHz, with boost up to 3.22 GHz. L3 cache: 16 MB. L2 cache: 28 MB. Built on 5 nm process technology. Socket: none. Thermal design power (TDP): 28 MB + 16 MB. Memory support: LPDDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 17,218 points. Launch price was $299.

Ryzen 7 2700X

The Ryzen 7 2700X is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 19 April 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Zen+ (2018−2019) architecture. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 3.7 GHz, with boost up to 4.35 GHz. L3 cache: 16 MB (total). L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 12 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 105 Watt. Memory support: DDR4 Dual-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 17,450 points. Launch price was $329.

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Processing Power

The M1 Pro 8-Core packs 8 cores / 8 threads, matching the Ryzen 7 2700X's 8 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.22 GHz on the M1 Pro 8-Core versus 4.35 GHz on the Ryzen 7 2700X — a 29.9% clock advantage for the Ryzen 7 2700X (base: 2.06 GHz vs 3.7 GHz). The Ryzen 7 2700X is built on the Zen+ (2018−2019) architecture. In PassMark, the M1 Pro 8-Core scores 17,218 against the Ryzen 7 2700X's 17,450 — a 1.3% lead for the Ryzen 7 2700X. L3 cache: 16 MB on the M1 Pro 8-Core vs 16 MB (total) on the Ryzen 7 2700X.

Feature	M1 Pro 8-Core	Ryzen 7 2700X
Cores / Threads	8 / 8	8 / 16
Boost Clock	3.22 GHz	4.35 GHz+35%
Base Clock	2.06 GHz	3.7 GHz+80%
L3 Cache	16 MB	16 MB (total)
L2 Cache	28 MB	512K (per core)+1729%
Process	5 nm-58%	12 nm
Architecture	—	Zen+ (2018−2019)
PassMark	17,218	17,450+1%

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Memory & Platform

The M1 Pro 8-Core uses the none socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Ryzen 7 2700X uses AM4 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches LPDDR5-6400 on the M1 Pro 8-Core versus DDR4-2933 on the Ryzen 7 2700X — the M1 Pro 8-Core supports 118.2% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Ryzen 7 2700X supports up to 64 GB of RAM compared to 32 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 4 (M1 Pro 8-Core) vs 2 (Ryzen 7 2700X). PCIe lanes: 0 (M1 Pro 8-Core) vs 24 (Ryzen 7 2700X) — the Ryzen 7 2700X offers 24 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.

Feature	M1 Pro 8-Core	Ryzen 7 2700X
Socket	none	AM4
PCIe Generation	PCIe 4.0+33%	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	LPDDR5-6400+118%	DDR4-2933
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	64 GB+100%
RAM Channels	4+100%	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	0	24

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Advanced Features

Only the Ryzen 7 2700X has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: Virtualization (M1 Pro 8-Core) vs AMD-V (Ryzen 7 2700X). The M1 Pro 8-Core includes integrated graphics (Apple M1 Pro GPU (14-core)), while the Ryzen 7 2700X requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: M1 Pro 8-Core targets Mobile, Ryzen 7 2700X targets Desktop.