CPU
GPU
M2 Max
Xeon Gold 6252
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 M2 Max
Performance Per Dollar Xeon Gold 6252
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | M2 Max | Xeon Gold 6252 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | Balanced gaming performance | Balanced gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | Equivalent pricing | Equivalent pricing |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Legacy / 5 nm) | ✨ Modern (Cascade Lake (2019−2020) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | M2 Max | Xeon Gold 6252 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 M2 Max and Xeon Gold 6252
M2 Max
The M2 Max is manufactured by Apple. It was released in 17 January 2023 (2 years ago). It features 12 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 2.424 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 48 MB. L2 cache: 36 MB. Built on 5 nm process technology. Socket: none. Thermal design power (TDP): 36 MB + 48 MB. Memory support: LPDDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 26,824 points. Launch price was $299.
Xeon Gold 6252
The Xeon Gold 6252 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2 April 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Cascade Lake (2019−2020) architecture. It features 24 cores and 48 threads. Base frequency is 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 35.75 MB. L2 cache: 24 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA3647. Thermal design power (TDP): 150 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2933. Passmark benchmark score: 27,148 points. Launch price was $3,655.
Processing Power
The M2 Max packs 12 cores / 12 threads, while the Xeon Gold 6252 offers 24 cores / 48 threads — the Xeon Gold 6252 has 12 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.7 GHz on the M2 Max versus 3.7 GHz on the Xeon Gold 6252 — identical boost frequencies (base: 2.424 GHz vs 2.1 GHz). The Xeon Gold 6252 is built on the Cascade Lake (2019−2020) architecture. In PassMark, the M2 Max scores 26,824 against the Xeon Gold 6252's 27,148 — a 1.2% lead for the Xeon Gold 6252. L3 cache: 48 MB on the M2 Max vs 35.75 MB on the Xeon Gold 6252.
| Feature | M2 Max | Xeon Gold 6252 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 12 / 12 | 24 / 48+100% |
| Boost Clock | 3.7 GHz | 3.7 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.424 GHz+15% | 2.1 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 48 MB+34% | 35.75 MB |
| L2 Cache | 36 MB+50% | 24 MB |
| Process | 5 nm-64% | 14 nm |
| Architecture | — | Cascade Lake (2019−2020) |
| PassMark | 26,824 | 27,148+1% |
Memory & Platform
The M2 Max uses the none socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Xeon Gold 6252 uses LGA3647 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | M2 Max | Xeon Gold 6252 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | none | LGA3647 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0+33% | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | LPDDR5-6400 | — |
| Max RAM Capacity | 96 GB | — |
| RAM Channels | 4 | — |
| ECC Support | ❌ | — |
| PCIe Lanes | 0 | — |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: Virtualization (M2 Max) / not specified (Xeon Gold 6252). The M2 Max includes integrated graphics (Apple M2 Max GPU), while the Xeon Gold 6252 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: M2 Max targets Mobile.
| Feature | M2 Max | Xeon Gold 6252 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | — |
| IGPU Model | Apple M2 Max GPU | — |
| Unlocked | No | — |
| AVX-512 | No | — |
| Virtualization | Virtualization | — |
| Target Use | Mobile | — |
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