M2 vs Ryzen 5 5625U

M2

8 Cores8 Thrd20 WWMax: 3.48 GHz2022
Similar parts
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VS
AMD

Ryzen 5 5625U

6 Cores12 Thrd15 WWMax: 4.3 GHz2022
Ryzen family
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M2 vs Ryzen 5 5625U Performance Spectrum

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.

M2 vs Ryzen 5 5625U 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.

M2 vs Ryzen 5 5625U: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

M2

2022

Why buy it

  • +1.5% higher PassMark.
  • Newer platform on none with DDR5 support instead of FP6 and DDR4.

Trade-offs

  • 33.3% higher power demand at 20W vs 15W.

Ryzen 5 5625U

2022

Why buy it

  • Draws 15W instead of 20W, a 5W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (14,717 vs 14,933).
  • Older platform position on FP6 with DDR4, while M2 moves to none and DDR5.

Quick Answers

So, is M2 better than Ryzen 5 5625U?
It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Ryzen 5 5625U is ahead with a 2.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, M2 pulls ahead with 1.5% better PassMark.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, M2 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.5% better PassMark, backed by 8 cores and 8 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
M2 still makes the most sense overall. M2 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 1.5% better PassMark.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
M2 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a healthier platform with none and DDR5 instead of FP6 and more multi-core headroom with 8 cores / 8 threads instead of 6/12. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

M2 vs Ryzen 5 5625U Technical Specifications

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

M2

The M2 is manufactured by Apple. It was released in 10 June 2022 (3 years ago). It features 8 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.424 GHz, with boost up to 3.48 GHz. L2 cache: 20 MB. Built on 5 nm process technology. Socket: none. Thermal design power (TDP): 20 Watt. Memory support: LPDDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 14,933 points. Launch price was $149.

AMD

Ryzen 5 5625U

The Ryzen 5 5625U is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 6 January 2022 (3 years ago). It is based on the Barcelo-U (Zen 3) (2022−2023) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 2.3 GHz, with boost up to 4.3 GHz. L3 cache: 16 MB (total). L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm process technology. Socket: FP6. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 14,717 points. Launch price was $149.

Processing Power

The M2 packs 8 cores / 8 threads, while the Ryzen 5 5625U offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the M2 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.48 GHz on the M2 versus 4.3 GHz on the Ryzen 5 5625U — a 21.1% clock advantage for the Ryzen 5 5625U (base: 2.424 GHz vs 2.3 GHz). The Ryzen 5 5625U is built on the Barcelo-U (Zen 3) (2022−2023) architecture. In PassMark, the M2 scores 14,933 against the Ryzen 5 5625U's 14,717 — a 1.5% lead for the M2.

FeatureM2Ryzen 5 5625U
Cores / Threads
8 / 8+33%
6 / 12
Boost Clock
3.48 GHz
4.3 GHz+24%
Base Clock
2.424 GHz+5%
2.3 GHz
L3 Cache
16 MB (total)
L2 Cache
20 MB
512K (per core)+2460%
Process
5 nm-29%
7 nm
Architecture
Barcelo-U (Zen 3) (2022−2023)
PassMark
14,933+1%
14,717
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Memory & Platform

The M2 uses the none socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Ryzen 5 5625U uses FP6 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureM2Ryzen 5 5625U
Socket
none
FP6
PCIe Generation
PCIe 4.0
PCIe 4.0