M1 Pro vs Xeon W-1270

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 vs Xeon W-1270 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 vs Xeon W-1270: 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

2021

Why buy it

✅+50% larger total L3 cache (24 MB vs 16 MB).
✅Draws 28W instead of 80W, a 52W reduction.
✅Newer platform on none with DDR5 support instead of LGA1200 and DDR4.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon W-1270 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (17,218 vs 17,456).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon W-1270, which brings 8 cores / 16 threads.

Xeon W-1270

2020

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +23.0% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 8 cores / 16 threads.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (16 MB vs 24 MB).
❌185.7% higher power demand at 80W vs 28W.
❌Older platform position on LGA1200 with DDR4, while M1 Pro moves to none and DDR5.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon W-1270 better than M1 Pro?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon W-1270 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while M1 Pro 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-1270 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 23.0% 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-1270 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.4% better PassMark, backed by 8 cores and 16 threads.

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

Xeon W-1270 still makes the most sense overall. Xeon W-1270 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 23.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

M1 Pro 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 50% larger total L3 cache (24 MB vs 16 MB). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

M1 Pro vs Xeon W-1270 Technical Specifications

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

M1 Pro

The M1 Pro is manufactured by Apple. It was released in 18 October 2021 (4 years ago). It features 10 cores and 10 threads. Base frequency is 2.064 GHz, with boost up to 3.22 GHz. L3 cache: 24 MB. L2 cache: 28 MB. Built on 5 nm process technology. Socket: none. Thermal design power (TDP): 28 MB + 24 MB. Memory support: LPDDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 17,218 points. Launch price was $299.

Xeon W-1270

The Xeon W-1270 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 3.4 GHz, with boost up to 5 GHz. L3 cache: 16 MB Intel® Smart Cache. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1200. Thermal design power (TDP): 80 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2933. Passmark benchmark score: 17,456 points. Launch price was $800.

⚡

Processing Power

The M1 Pro packs 10 cores / 10 threads, while the Xeon W-1270 offers 8 cores / 16 threads — the M1 Pro has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.22 GHz on the M1 Pro versus 5 GHz on the Xeon W-1270 — a 43.3% clock advantage for the Xeon W-1270 (base: 2.064 GHz vs 3.4 GHz). In PassMark, the M1 Pro scores 17,218 against the Xeon W-1270's 17,456 — a 1.4% lead for the Xeon W-1270. L3 cache: 24 MB on the M1 Pro vs 16 MB Intel® Smart Cache on the Xeon W-1270.

Feature	M1 Pro	Xeon W-1270
Cores / Threads	10 / 10+25%	8 / 16
Boost Clock	3.22 GHz	5 GHz+55%
Base Clock	2.064 GHz	3.4 GHz+65%
L3 Cache	24 MB+50%	16 MB Intel® Smart Cache
L2 Cache	28 MB	—
Process	5 nm-64%	14 nm
PassMark	17,218	17,456+1%