M3 Max 16-Core vs EPYC 7D12
M3 Max 16-Core
EPYC 7D12
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 16-Core
Performance Per Dollar EPYC 7D12
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | M3 Max 16-Core | EPYC 7D12 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($100) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Legacy / 3 nm) | ✨ Modern (Rome (2020) / 7 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | M3 Max 16-Core | EPYC 7D12 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($100) |
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 16-Core and EPYC 7D12
M3 Max 16-Core
The M3 Max 16-Core is manufactured by Apple. It was released in 30 October 2023 (2 years ago). It features 16 cores and 16 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, LPDDR5X. Passmark benchmark score: 41,257 points. Launch price was $499.
EPYC 7D12
The EPYC 7D12 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2015-01-01. It is based on the Rome (2020) architecture. It features 32 cores and 64 threads. Base frequency is 1.1 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L3 cache: 32 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 7 nm process technology. Socket: SP3. Thermal design power (TDP): 85 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 42,285 points. Launch price was $800.
Processing Power
The M3 Max 16-Core packs 16 cores / 16 threads, while the EPYC 7D12 offers 32 cores / 64 threads — the EPYC 7D12 has 16 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.06 GHz on the M3 Max 16-Core versus 3 GHz on the EPYC 7D12 — a 30% clock advantage for the M3 Max 16-Core (base: 2.748 GHz vs 1.1 GHz). The EPYC 7D12 is built on the Rome (2020) architecture. In PassMark, the M3 Max 16-Core scores 41,257 against the EPYC 7D12's 42,285 — a 2.5% lead for the EPYC 7D12.
| Feature | M3 Max 16-Core | EPYC 7D12 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 16 / 16 | 32 / 64+100% |
| Boost Clock | 4.06 GHz+35% | 3 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.748 GHz+150% | 1.1 GHz |
| L3 Cache | — | 32 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | — | 512 kB (per core) |
| Process | 3 nm-57% | 7 nm |
| Architecture | — | Rome (2020) |
| PassMark | 41,257 | 42,285+2% |
Memory & Platform
The M3 Max 16-Core uses the none socket (PCIe 4.0), while the EPYC 7D12 uses SP3 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 6400 on the M3 Max 16-Core versus 3200 on the EPYC 7D12 — the M3 Max 16-Core supports 66.7% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The EPYC 7D12 supports up to 4096 of RAM compared to 128 — 187.9% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 4 (M3 Max 16-Core) vs 8 (EPYC 7D12). PCIe lanes: 0 (M3 Max 16-Core) vs 128 (EPYC 7D12) — the EPYC 7D12 offers 128 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Apple M3 (M3 Max 16-Core) and SP3 (EPYC 7D12).
| Feature | M3 Max 16-Core | EPYC 7D12 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | none | SP3 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe 4.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 6400+100% | 3200 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 | 4096+3100% |
| RAM Channels | 4 | 8+100% |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 0 | 128 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Only the EPYC 7D12 supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (macOS) (M3 Max 16-Core) vs VT-x, VT-d, AMD-V (EPYC 7D12). The M3 Max 16-Core includes integrated graphics (Apple M3 Max GPU (40-core)), while the EPYC 7D12 requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: M3 Max 16-Core rivals Core i9-13950HX; EPYC 7D12 rivals Xeon Gold 6248.
| Feature | M3 Max 16-Core | EPYC 7D12 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Apple M3 Max GPU (40-core) | None |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | Yes |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d (macOS) | VT-x, VT-d, AMD-V |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
You May Also Compare
Similar CPU comparisons based on M3 Max 16-Core and EPYC 7D12
