CPU
GPU
M3 Max 16-Core
Xeon Gold 6338N
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 Xeon Gold 6338N
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | M3 Max 16-Core | Xeon Gold 6338N |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($3,200) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Legacy / 3 nm) | ✨ Modern (Ice Lake-SP (2021) / 10 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | M3 Max 16-Core | Xeon Gold 6338N |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($3,200) |
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 Xeon Gold 6338N
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.
Xeon Gold 6338N
The Xeon Gold 6338N is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It is based on the Ice Lake-SP (2021) architecture. It features 32 cores and 64 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 48 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: LGA4189. Thermal design power (TDP): 185 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2667. Passmark benchmark score: 42,086 points. Launch price was $800.
Processing Power
The M3 Max 16-Core packs 16 cores / 16 threads, while the Xeon Gold 6338N offers 32 cores / 64 threads — the Xeon Gold 6338N has 16 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.06 GHz on the M3 Max 16-Core versus 3.5 GHz on the Xeon Gold 6338N — a 14.8% clock advantage for the M3 Max 16-Core (base: 2.748 GHz vs 2.2 GHz). The Xeon Gold 6338N is built on the Ice Lake-SP (2021) architecture. In PassMark, the M3 Max 16-Core scores 41,257 against the Xeon Gold 6338N's 42,086 — a 2% lead for the Xeon Gold 6338N.
| Feature | M3 Max 16-Core | Xeon Gold 6338N |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 16 / 16 | 32 / 64+100% |
| Boost Clock | 4.06 GHz+16% | 3.5 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.748 GHz+25% | 2.2 GHz |
| L3 Cache | — | 48 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | — | 1 MB (per core) |
| Process | 3 nm-70% | 10 nm |
| Architecture | — | Ice Lake-SP (2021) |
| PassMark | 41,257 | 42,086+2% |
Memory & Platform
The M3 Max 16-Core uses the none socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Xeon Gold 6338N uses LGA4189 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 6400 on the M3 Max 16-Core versus 2667 on the Xeon Gold 6338N — the M3 Max 16-Core supports 82.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon Gold 6338N supports up to 6144 of RAM compared to 128 — 191.8% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 4 (M3 Max 16-Core) vs 8 (Xeon Gold 6338N). PCIe lanes: 0 (M3 Max 16-Core) vs 64 (Xeon Gold 6338N) — the Xeon Gold 6338N offers 64 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Apple M3 (M3 Max 16-Core) and LGA4189 (Xeon Gold 6338N).
| Feature | M3 Max 16-Core | Xeon Gold 6338N |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | none | LGA4189 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe 4.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 6400+140% | 2667 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 | 6144+4700% |
| RAM Channels | 4 | 8+100% |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 0 | 64 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Only the Xeon Gold 6338N 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 (Xeon Gold 6338N). The M3 Max 16-Core includes integrated graphics (Apple M3 Max GPU (40-core)), while the Xeon Gold 6338N requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: M3 Max 16-Core rivals Core i9-13950HX; Xeon Gold 6338N rivals EPYC 7513.
| Feature | M3 Max 16-Core | Xeon Gold 6338N |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
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