M2 vs Xeon D-1733NT

M2

8 Cores8 Thrd20 WWMax: 3.48 GHz2022
VS
Intel

Xeon D-1733NT

8 Cores16 Thrd53 WWMax: 3.1 GHz2022
Similar parts
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M2 vs Xeon D-1733NT 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 Xeon D-1733NT 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 Xeon D-1733NT: 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

  • Better for gaming: +4.5% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Draws 20W instead of 53W, a 33W reduction.
  • Newer platform on none with DDR5 support instead of FCBGA2227 and DDR4.

Trade-offs

  • Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon D-1733NT, which brings 8 cores / 16 threads.

Xeon D-1733NT

2022

Why buy it

  • Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 8 cores / 16 threads.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than M2 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark (14,849 vs 14,933).
  • Launch MSRP is still $300 MSRP, while M2 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
  • 165% higher power demand at 53W vs 20W.
  • Older platform position on FCBGA2227 with DDR4, while M2 moves to none and DDR5.

Quick Answers

So, is M2 better than Xeon D-1733NT?
Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon D-1733NT makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while M2 is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, M2 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 4.5% 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, M2 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.6% better PassMark, backed by 8 cores and 8 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
M2 is the easy recommendation for a fresh desktop build. M2 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $300 MSRP, and it still gives you a 4.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Xeon D-1733NT only looks good on raw value math because it is a cheap legacy laptop chip, not because it is a real desktop gaming recommendation. It simply does not keep up in modern games, especially when the gap is already 4.5% in the shared gaming data.
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 FCBGA2227 and more multi-core headroom with 8 cores / 8 threads instead of 8/16. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

M2 vs Xeon D-1733NT 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.

Intel

Xeon D-1733NT

The Xeon D-1733NT is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 3.1 GHz. L3 cache: 15 MB. Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA2227. Thermal design power (TDP): 53 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 14,849 points. Launch price was $800.

Processing Power

The M2 packs 8 cores / 8 threads, matching the Xeon D-1733NT's 8 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.48 GHz on the M2 versus 3.1 GHz on the Xeon D-1733NT — a 11.6% clock advantage for the M2 (base: 2.424 GHz vs 2 GHz). In PassMark, the M2 scores 14,933 against the Xeon D-1733NT's 14,849 — a 0.6% lead for the M2.

FeatureM2Xeon D-1733NT
Cores / Threads
8 / 8
8 / 16
Boost Clock
3.48 GHz+12%
3.1 GHz
Base Clock
2.424 GHz+21%
2 GHz
L3 Cache
15 MB
L2 Cache
20 MB
Process
5 nm-50%
10 nm
PassMark
14,933
14,849
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Memory & Platform

The M2 uses the none socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Xeon D-1733NT uses FCBGA2227 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureM2Xeon D-1733NT
Socket
none
FCBGA2227
PCIe Generation
PCIe 4.0
PCIe 4.0