M4 Max (14 cores) vs Ryzen 9 3950X
M4 Max (14 cores)
Ryzen 9 3950X
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 Ryzen 9 3950X
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | M4 Max (14 cores) | Ryzen 9 3950X |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($389) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Legacy / 3 nm) | ✨ Modern (Matisse (Zen 2) (2019−2020) / 7 nm, 12 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | M4 Max (14 cores) | Ryzen 9 3950X |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($389) |
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 Ryzen 9 3950X
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.
Ryzen 9 3950X
The Ryzen 9 3950X is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 14 November 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Matisse (Zen 2) (2019−2020) architecture. It features 16 cores and 32 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 4.7 GHz. L3 cache: 64 MB. L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm, 12 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 105 Watt. Memory support: DDR4 Dual-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 38,519 points. Launch price was $799.
Processing Power
The M4 Max (14 cores) packs 14 cores / 14 threads, while the Ryzen 9 3950X offers 16 cores / 32 threads — the Ryzen 9 3950X has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.51 GHz on the M4 Max (14 cores) versus 4.7 GHz on the Ryzen 9 3950X — a 4.1% clock advantage for the Ryzen 9 3950X (base: 2.59 GHz vs 3.5 GHz). The Ryzen 9 3950X is built on the Matisse (Zen 2) (2019−2020) architecture. In PassMark, the M4 Max (14 cores) scores 38,558 against the Ryzen 9 3950X's 38,519 — a 0.1% lead for the M4 Max (14 cores).
| Feature | M4 Max (14 cores) | Ryzen 9 3950X |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 14 / 14 | 16 / 32+14% |
| Boost Clock | 4.51 GHz | 4.7 GHz+4% |
| Base Clock | 2.59 GHz | 3.5 GHz+35% |
| L3 Cache | — | 64 MB |
| L2 Cache | — | 512K (per core) |
| Process | 3 nm-57% | 7 nm, 12 nm |
| Architecture | — | Matisse (Zen 2) (2019−2020) |
| PassMark | 38,558 | 38,519 |
Memory & Platform
The M4 Max (14 cores) uses the none socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Ryzen 9 3950X uses AM4 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 8533 on the M4 Max (14 cores) versus DDR4-3200 on the Ryzen 9 3950X — the M4 Max (14 cores) supports 199.8% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 128 of RAM. Memory channels: 0 (M4 Max (14 cores)) vs 2 (Ryzen 9 3950X). PCIe lanes: 0 (M4 Max (14 cores)) vs 24 (Ryzen 9 3950X) — the Ryzen 9 3950X offers 24 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Apple M4 (M4 Max (14 cores)) and X570,B550 (Ryzen 9 3950X).
| Feature | M4 Max (14 cores) | Ryzen 9 3950X |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | none | AM4 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe 4.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 8533+213225% | DDR4-3200 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 | 128 GB+104857500% |
| RAM Channels | 0 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 0 | 24 |
Advanced Features
Only the Ryzen 9 3950X has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (macOS) (M4 Max (14 cores)) vs AMD-V (Ryzen 9 3950X). The M4 Max (14 cores) includes integrated graphics (Apple M4 Max GPU (32-core)), while the Ryzen 9 3950X requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: M4 Max (14 cores) rivals Ryzen AI Max PRO 390.
| Feature | M4 Max (14 cores) | Ryzen 9 3950X |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Apple M4 Max GPU (32-core) | — |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d (macOS) | 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 M4 Max (14 cores) and Ryzen 9 3950X
