M3 Max 14-Core vs Xeon Platinum 8280
M3 Max 14-Core
Xeon Platinum 8280
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 M3 Max 14-Core
Performance Per Dollar Xeon Platinum 8280
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | M3 Max 14-Core | Xeon Platinum 8280 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($2,940) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Legacy / 3 nm) | ✨ Modern (Cascade Lake-SP (2018) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | M3 Max 14-Core | Xeon Platinum 8280 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($2,940) |
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 M3 Max 14-Core and Xeon Platinum 8280
M3 Max 14-Core
The M3 Max 14-Core is manufactured by Apple. It was released in 30 October 2023 (2 years ago). It features 14 cores and 14 threads. Base frequency is 2.748 GHz, with boost up to 4.06 GHz. Built on 3 nm process technology. Socket: none. Memory support: LPDDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 36,529 points. Launch price was $499.
Xeon Platinum 8280
The Xeon Platinum 8280 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 11 December 2018 (6 years ago). It is based on the Cascade Lake-SP (2018) architecture. It features 28 cores and 56 threads. Base frequency is 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 4 GHz. L3 cache: 38.5 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA3647. Thermal design power (TDP): 205 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2933. Passmark benchmark score: 36,830 points. Launch price was $10,009.
Processing Power
The M3 Max 14-Core packs 14 cores / 14 threads, while the Xeon Platinum 8280 offers 28 cores / 56 threads — the Xeon Platinum 8280 has 14 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.06 GHz on the M3 Max 14-Core versus 4 GHz on the Xeon Platinum 8280 — a 1.5% clock advantage for the M3 Max 14-Core (base: 2.748 GHz vs 2.7 GHz). The Xeon Platinum 8280 is built on the Cascade Lake-SP (2018) architecture. In PassMark, the M3 Max 14-Core scores 36,529 against the Xeon Platinum 8280's 36,830 — a 0.8% lead for the Xeon Platinum 8280.
| Feature | M3 Max 14-Core | Xeon Platinum 8280 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 14 / 14 | 28 / 56+100% |
| Boost Clock | 4.06 GHz+1% | 4 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.748 GHz+2% | 2.7 GHz |
| L3 Cache | — | 38.5 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | — | 1 MB (per core) |
| Process | 3 nm-79% | 14 nm |
| Architecture | — | Cascade Lake-SP (2018) |
| PassMark | 36,529 | 36,830 |
Memory & Platform
The M3 Max 14-Core uses the none socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Xeon Platinum 8280 uses LGA3647 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 6400 on the M3 Max 14-Core versus 2933 on the Xeon Platinum 8280 — the M3 Max 14-Core supports 74.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon Platinum 8280 supports up to 1536 of RAM compared to 96 — 176.5% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 0 (M3 Max 14-Core) vs 6 (Xeon Platinum 8280). PCIe lanes: 0 (M3 Max 14-Core) vs 48 (Xeon Platinum 8280) — the Xeon Platinum 8280 offers 48 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Apple M3 (M3 Max 14-Core) and LGA3647 (Xeon Platinum 8280).
| Feature | M3 Max 14-Core | Xeon Platinum 8280 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | none | LGA3647 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0+33% | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 6400+118% | 2933 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 96 | 1536+1500% |
| RAM Channels | 0 | 6 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 0 | 48 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Only the Xeon Platinum 8280 supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (macOS) (M3 Max 14-Core) vs VT-x, VT-d (Xeon Platinum 8280). The M3 Max 14-Core includes integrated graphics (Apple M3 Max GPU (30-core)), while the Xeon Platinum 8280 requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: M3 Max 14-Core rivals Core i9-13900HX; Xeon Platinum 8280 rivals EPYC 7702.
| Feature | M3 Max 14-Core | Xeon Platinum 8280 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Apple M3 Max GPU (30-core) | None |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | Yes |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d (macOS) | VT-x, VT-d |
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