M4 (8 cores) vs Xeon E-2456

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.

M4 (8 cores) vs Xeon E-2456 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.

M4 (8 cores) vs Xeon E-2456: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

M4 (8 cores)

2024

Why buy it

✅+0.3% higher PassMark.
✅Draws 4W instead of 80W, a 76W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon E-2456 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon E-2456, which brings 6 cores / 12 threads.

Xeon E-2456

2023

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +21.8% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 6 cores / 12 threads.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (20,705 vs 20,761).
❌1900% higher power demand at 80W vs 4W.

Quick Answers

So, is M4 (8 cores) better than Xeon E-2456?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E-2456 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while M4 (8 cores) 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, M4 (8 cores) is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% better PassMark, backed by 8 cores and 8 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

M4 (8 cores) still makes the most sense overall. M4 (8 cores) comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 0.3% better PassMark.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

M4 (8 cores) makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2024 vs 2023) and more multi-core headroom with 8 cores / 8 threads instead of 6/12. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

M4 (8 cores) vs Xeon E-2456 Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

M4 (8 cores)

The M4 (8 cores) is manufactured by Apple. It was released in 28 October 2024 (1 year ago). It features 8 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.89 GHz, with boost up to 4 GHz. Built on 3 nm process technology. Socket: none. Thermal design power (TDP): 4 MB. Memory support: LPDDR5x. Passmark benchmark score: 20,761 points. Launch price was $299.

Xeon E-2456

The Xeon E-2456 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 14 December 2023 (1 year ago). It is based on the Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.3 GHz, with boost up to 5.1 GHz. L3 cache: 18 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1700. Thermal design power (TDP): 80 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800. Passmark benchmark score: 20,705 points. Launch price was $375.

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Processing Power

The M4 (8 cores) packs 8 cores / 8 threads, while the Xeon E-2456 offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the M4 (8 cores) has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4 GHz on the M4 (8 cores) versus 5.1 GHz on the Xeon E-2456 — a 24.2% clock advantage for the Xeon E-2456 (base: 2.89 GHz vs 3.3 GHz). The Xeon E-2456 is built on the Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) architecture. In PassMark, the M4 (8 cores) scores 20,761 against the Xeon E-2456's 20,705 — a 0.3% lead for the M4 (8 cores).

Feature	M4 (8 cores)	Xeon E-2456
Cores / Threads	8 / 8+33%	6 / 12
Boost Clock	4 GHz	5.1 GHz+27%
Base Clock	2.89 GHz	3.3 GHz+14%
L3 Cache	—	18 MB (total)
L2 Cache	—	1.25 MB (per core)
Process	3 nm-57%	Intel 7 nm
Architecture	—	Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024)
PassMark	20,761	20,705

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Memory & Platform

The M4 (8 cores) uses the none socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Xeon E-2456 uses LGA1700 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.