M2 Pro
VS
Ryzen Threadripper 1950

M2 Pro vs Ryzen Threadripper 1950

M2 Pro

12 Cores12 Thrd36 WWMax: 3.5 GHz2023
VS
AMD

Ryzen Threadripper 1950

16 Cores32 Thrd180 WWMax: 3.2 GHz2017

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.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar M2 Pro

#204
M2 Pro
MSRP: N/A|Avg: N/A
100%
Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Performance Per Dollar Ryzen Threadripper 1950

#273
Core i9-9900X
MSRP: $989|Avg: $300
327%
#274
Core i7-9700K
MSRP: $385|Avg: $200
326%
#274
Ryzen 7 1800X
MSRP: $499|Avg: $120
148%
#275
Core i3-10320
MSRP: $154|Avg: $140
322%
#276
Core i5-9600KF
MSRP: $262|Avg: $150
321%
#277
Ryzen 3 PRO 5355GE
MSRP: $180|Avg: $180
321%
#278
Ryzen Threadripper 1900X
MSRP: $549|Avg: $116
139%
#278
Core i7-14701TE
MSRP: $392|Avg: $390
319%
#279
Core i9-11900KF
MSRP: $513|Avg: $349
319%
#279
Ryzen Threadripper 1920X
MSRP: $799|Avg: $265
131%
#280
Athlon Silver 3050GE
MSRP: $75|Avg: $65
316%
#280
Core i7-7820X
MSRP: $599|Avg: $198
130%
#281
Core i7-9700E
MSRP: $259|Avg: $180
316%
#282
Core i7-11700K
MSRP: $399|Avg: $350
315%
#283
Ryzen Threadripper 1920
MSRP: $799|Avg: $200
125%
#283
Ryzen 7 PRO 3700
MSRP: $329|Avg: $330
312%
#284
Core i7-14701E
MSRP: $392|Avg: $380
311%
#284
Ryzen Threadripper 1950X
MSRP: $999|Avg: $300
124%
#285
Core i5-10400
MSRP: $182|Avg: $175
310%
#286
Core i3-12100
MSRP: $122|Avg: $180
310%
#287
Core Ultra 9 285T
MSRP: $549|Avg: $549
304%
#288
Ryzen Threadripper 1950
MSRP: $999|Avg: $300
100%
#288
Core i5-12500TE
MSRP: $225|Avg: $225
302%
#289
Athlon Silver PRO 3125GE
MSRP: $108|Avg: $70
300%
#290
Core i9-10900KF
MSRP: $509|Avg: $336
299%
#291
Core i9-7900X
MSRP: $999|Avg: $188
95%
#291
Core i9-14900T
MSRP: $549|Avg: $577
299%
#292
Core i5-13500T
MSRP: $342|Avg: $342
299%
#293
Core i3-10300
MSRP: N/A|Avg: $140.49
299%
#294
Core i9-7920X
MSRP: $1199|Avg: $236
89%
#294
Core i9-10900F
MSRP: $464|Avg: $300
299%
Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Performance Comparison

About PassMark

🏆 Chipversus Verdict

🚀 Performance Leadership

Generational Difference: This comparison involves processors from different technological eras. The M2 Pro (2023) utilizes 5 nm technology and LPDDR5, providing a fundamental performance advantage.
InsightM2 ProRyzen Threadripper 1950
Gaming
Superior gaming performance
Lower gaming performance
Workstation
Weaker in multi-core tasks
Better multi-core power
Price
More affordable ($0)
⚠️ Higher cost ($300)
Longevity
✨ Modern (Legacy / 5 nm)
✨ Modern (Zen (2017−2020) / 14 nm)

💎 Value Proposition

The Ryzen Threadripper 1950 (2017) relies on 14 nm technology and **DDR4 Quad-channel**, placing it in a different performance category relative to modern standards.
InsightM2 ProRyzen Threadripper 1950
Cost Efficiency
Lower cost efficiency
Lower cost efficiency
Upfront Cost
More affordable ($0)
⚠️ Higher cost ($300)

Performance Check

Paired with RTX 4090

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 Pro and Ryzen Threadripper 1950

M2 Pro

The M2 Pro is manufactured by Apple. It was released in 17 January 2023 (2 years ago). It features 12 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 2.42 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 24 MB. L2 cache: 36 MB. Built on 5 nm process technology. Socket: none. Thermal design power (TDP): 36 MB + 24 MB. Memory support: LPDDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 21,939 points. Launch price was $299.

AMD

Ryzen Threadripper 1950

The Ryzen Threadripper 1950 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 29 July 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Zen (2017−2020) architecture. It features 16 cores and 32 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 32 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: SP3r2. Thermal design power (TDP): 180 Watt. Memory support: DDR4 Quad-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 22,077 points. Launch price was $299.

Processing Power

The M2 Pro packs 12 cores / 12 threads, while the Ryzen Threadripper 1950 offers 16 cores / 32 threads — the Ryzen Threadripper 1950 has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.5 GHz on the M2 Pro versus 3.2 GHz on the Ryzen Threadripper 1950 — a 9% clock advantage for the M2 Pro (base: 2.42 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). The Ryzen Threadripper 1950 is built on the Zen (2017−2020) architecture. In PassMark, the M2 Pro scores 21,939 against the Ryzen Threadripper 1950's 22,077 — a 0.6% lead for the Ryzen Threadripper 1950. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 2,650 vs 1,961, a 29.9% lead for the M2 Pro that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 14,450 vs 10,100 (35.4% advantage for the M2 Pro). L3 cache: 24 MB on the M2 Pro vs 32 MB on the Ryzen Threadripper 1950.

FeatureM2 ProRyzen Threadripper 1950
Cores / Threads
12 / 12
16 / 32+33%
Boost Clock
3.5 GHz+9%
3.2 GHz
Base Clock
2.42 GHz
3.2 GHz+32%
L3 Cache
24 MB
32 MB+33%
L2 Cache
36 MB+7100%
512 kB (per core)
Process
5 nm-64%
14 nm
Architecture
Zen (2017−2020)
PassMark
21,939
22,077
Cinebench R23 Multi
18,780
Geekbench 6 Single
2,650+35%
1,961
Geekbench 6 Multi
14,450+43%
10,100
🧠

Memory & Platform

The M2 Pro uses the none socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Ryzen Threadripper 1950 uses SP3r2 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches LPDDR5-6400 on the M2 Pro versus DDR4-2666 on the Ryzen Threadripper 1950 — the M2 Pro supports 22.2% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Ryzen Threadripper 1950 supports up to 128 GB of RAM compared to 32 GB 120% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (M2 Pro) vs 4 (Ryzen Threadripper 1950). PCIe lanes: 0 (M2 Pro) vs 64 (Ryzen Threadripper 1950) — the Ryzen Threadripper 1950 offers 64 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Apple Silicon (M2 Pro) and X399 (Ryzen Threadripper 1950).

FeatureM2 ProRyzen Threadripper 1950
Socket
none
SP3r2
PCIe Generation
PCIe 4.0
PCIe 4.0
Max RAM Speed
LPDDR5-6400+25%
DDR4-2666
Max RAM Capacity
32 GB
128 GB+300%
RAM Channels
2
4+100%
ECC Support
PCIe Lanes
0
64
🔧

Advanced Features

Only the Ryzen Threadripper 1950 has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: ARM Virtualization (M2 Pro) vs AMD-V (Ryzen Threadripper 1950). The M2 Pro includes integrated graphics (Apple M2 Pro GPU), while the Ryzen Threadripper 1950 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: M2 Pro targets Professional Laptop, Ryzen Threadripper 1950 targets Workstation. Direct competitor: Ryzen Threadripper 1950 rivals Core i9-7960X.

FeatureM2 ProRyzen Threadripper 1950
Integrated GPU
Yes
No
IGPU Model
Apple M2 Pro GPU
Unlocked
No
Yes
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
ARM Virtualization
AMD-V
Target Use
Professional Laptop
Workstation