CPU
GPU
M4 Max (14 cores)
EPYC 7551P
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 M4 Max (14 cores)
Performance Per Dollar EPYC 7551P
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | M4 Max (14 cores) | EPYC 7551P |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($329) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Legacy / 3 nm) | ✨ Modern (Naples (2017−2018) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | M4 Max (14 cores) | EPYC 7551P |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($329) |
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 M4 Max (14 cores) and EPYC 7551P
M4 Max (14 cores)
The M4 Max (14 cores) is manufactured by Apple. It was released in 30 November 2024 (1 year ago). It features 14 cores and 14 threads. Base frequency is 2.59 GHz, with boost up to 4.51 GHz. Built on 3 nm process technology. Socket: none. Thermal design power (TDP): 4 MB. Memory support: LPDDR5X. Passmark benchmark score: 38,558 points. Launch price was $499.
EPYC 7551P
The EPYC 7551P is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 29 June 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Naples (2017−2018) architecture. It features 32 cores and 64 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L3 cache: 64 MB (total). L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: TR4. Thermal design power (TDP): 180 Watt. Memory support: DDR4 Eight-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 38,111 points. Launch price was $2,100.
Processing Power
The M4 Max (14 cores) packs 14 cores / 14 threads, while the EPYC 7551P offers 32 cores / 64 threads — the EPYC 7551P has 18 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.51 GHz on the M4 Max (14 cores) versus 3 GHz on the EPYC 7551P — a 40.2% clock advantage for the M4 Max (14 cores) (base: 2.59 GHz vs 2 GHz). The EPYC 7551P is built on the Naples (2017−2018) architecture. In PassMark, the M4 Max (14 cores) scores 38,558 against the EPYC 7551P's 38,111 — a 1.2% lead for the M4 Max (14 cores).
| Feature | M4 Max (14 cores) | EPYC 7551P |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 14 / 14 | 32 / 64+129% |
| Boost Clock | 4.51 GHz+50% | 3 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.59 GHz+29% | 2 GHz |
| L3 Cache | — | 64 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | — | 512K (per core) |
| Process | 3 nm-79% | 14 nm |
| Architecture | — | Naples (2017−2018) |
| PassMark | 38,558+1% | 38,111 |
Memory & Platform
The M4 Max (14 cores) uses the none socket (PCIe 4.0), while the EPYC 7551P uses TR4 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 8533 on the M4 Max (14 cores) versus 2666 on the EPYC 7551P — the M4 Max (14 cores) supports 104.8% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The EPYC 7551P supports up to 2048 of RAM compared to 128 — 176.5% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 0 (M4 Max (14 cores)) vs 8 (EPYC 7551P). PCIe lanes: 0 (M4 Max (14 cores)) vs 128 (EPYC 7551P) — the EPYC 7551P offers 128 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Apple M4 (M4 Max (14 cores)) and SP3 (EPYC 7551P).
| Feature | M4 Max (14 cores) | EPYC 7551P |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | none | TR4 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe 4.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 8533+220% | 2666 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 | 2048+1500% |
| RAM Channels | 0 | 8 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 0 | 128 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Only the EPYC 7551P supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (macOS) (M4 Max (14 cores)) vs AMD-V, IOMMU (EPYC 7551P). The M4 Max (14 cores) includes integrated graphics (Apple M4 Max GPU (32-core)), while the EPYC 7551P requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: M4 Max (14 cores) rivals Ryzen AI Max PRO 390; EPYC 7551P rivals Xeon Platinum 8160.
| Feature | M4 Max (14 cores) | EPYC 7551P |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Apple M4 Max GPU (32-core) | None |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | Yes |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d (macOS) | AMD-V, IOMMU |
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