M2 vs Xeon Silver 4116

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 Silver 4116 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 Silver 4116: 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

✅+0.1% higher PassMark.
✅Draws 20W instead of 85W, a 65W reduction.
✅Newer platform on none with DDR5 support instead of LGA3647 and DDR4.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon Silver 4116 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon Silver 4116, which brings 12 cores / 24 threads.

Xeon Silver 4116

2017

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +9.1% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 12 cores / 24 threads.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (14,918 vs 14,933).
❌325% higher power demand at 85W vs 20W.
❌Older platform position on LGA3647 with DDR4, while M2 moves to none and DDR5.

Quick Answers

So, is M2 better than Xeon Silver 4116?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon Silver 4116 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 streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, M2 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% 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 0.1% 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 newer CPU generation (2022 vs 2017), a healthier platform with none and DDR5 instead of LGA3647, and more multi-core headroom with 8 cores / 8 threads instead of 12/24. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

M2 vs Xeon Silver 4116 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.

Xeon Silver 4116

The Xeon Silver 4116 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 11 July 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture. It features 12 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L3 cache: 16.5 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA3647. Thermal design power (TDP): 85 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2400. Passmark benchmark score: 14,918 points. Launch price was $1,002.

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Processing Power

The M2 packs 8 cores / 8 threads, while the Xeon Silver 4116 offers 12 cores / 24 threads — the Xeon Silver 4116 has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.48 GHz on the M2 versus 3 GHz on the Xeon Silver 4116 — a 14.8% clock advantage for the M2 (base: 2.424 GHz vs 2.1 GHz). The Xeon Silver 4116 is built on the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture. In PassMark, the M2 scores 14,933 against the Xeon Silver 4116's 14,918 — a 0.1% lead for the M2.

Feature	M2	Xeon Silver 4116
Cores / Threads	8 / 8	12 / 24+50%
Boost Clock	3.48 GHz+16%	3 GHz
Base Clock	2.424 GHz+15%	2.1 GHz
L3 Cache	—	16.5 MB (total)
L2 Cache	20 MB+1900%	1 MB (per core)
Process	5 nm-64%	14 nm
Architecture	—	Skylake (server) (2017−2018)
PassMark	14,933	14,918

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Memory & Platform

The M2 uses the none socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Xeon Silver 4116 uses LGA3647 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.