M4 Max (14 cores) vs Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX

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 Max (14 cores) vs Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX 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 Max (14 cores) vs Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

M4 Max (14 cores)

2024

Why buy it

✅Draws 4W instead of 280W, a 276W reduction.
✅Newer platform on none with DDR5 support instead of sWRX8 and DDR4.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Apple M4 Max GPU (32-core), while Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (38,558 vs 39,929).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX, which brings 16 cores / 32 threads and 128 PCIe lanes.

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX

2020

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +16.4% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 16 cores / 32 threads, plus 128 PCIe lanes vs 0.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (128 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $1,149 MSRP, while M4 Max (14 cores) mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌6900% higher power demand at 280W vs 4W.
❌Older platform position on sWRX8 with DDR4, while M4 Max (14 cores) moves to none and DDR5.
❌No integrated graphics, while M4 Max (14 cores) can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX better than M4 Max (14 cores)?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while M4 Max (14 cores) is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 16.4% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX is the stronger fit. You are getting 3.6% better PassMark, backed by 16 cores and 32 threads.

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

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX is the better buy right now. Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX comes in at an unclear MSRP at $1,149 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 16.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (34.8 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

M4 Max (14 cores) makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2024 vs 2020) and a healthier platform with none and DDR5 instead of sWRX8. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

M4 Max (14 cores) vs Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX Technical Specifications

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

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 Threadripper PRO 3955WX

The Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 14 July 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Castle Peak (2020) architecture. It features 16 cores and 32 threads. Base frequency is 3.9 GHz, with boost up to 4.3 GHz. L3 cache: 64 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 7 nm, 12 nm process technology. Socket: sWRX8. Thermal design power (TDP): 280 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 39,929 points. Launch price was $1,149.

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Processing Power

The M4 Max (14 cores) packs 14 cores / 14 threads, while the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX offers 16 cores / 32 threads — the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.51 GHz on the M4 Max (14 cores) versus 4.3 GHz on the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX — a 4.8% clock advantage for the M4 Max (14 cores) (base: 2.59 GHz vs 3.9 GHz). The Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX is built on the Castle Peak (2020) architecture. In PassMark, the M4 Max (14 cores) scores 38,558 against the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX's 39,929 — a 3.5% lead for the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX.

Feature	M4 Max (14 cores)	Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX
Cores / Threads	14 / 14	16 / 32+14%
Boost Clock	4.51 GHz+5%	4.3 GHz
Base Clock	2.59 GHz	3.9 GHz+51%
L3 Cache	—	64 MB
L2 Cache	—	512 kB (per core)
Process	3 nm-57%	7 nm, 12 nm
Architecture	—	Castle Peak (2020)
PassMark	38,558	39,929+4%

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Memory & Platform

The M4 Max (14 cores) uses the none socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX uses sWRX8 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 8533 on the M4 Max (14 cores) versus 3200 on the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX — the M4 Max (14 cores) supports 166.7% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX supports up to 2048 of RAM compared to 128 — 1500% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 0 (M4 Max (14 cores)) vs 8 (Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX). PCIe lanes: 0 (M4 Max (14 cores)) vs 128 (Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX) — the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX offers 128 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Apple M4 (M4 Max (14 cores)) and WRX80 (Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX).

Feature	M4 Max (14 cores)	Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX
Socket	none	sWRX8
PCIe Generation	PCIe 4.0	PCIe 4.0
Max RAM Speed	8533+167%	3200
Max RAM Capacity	128	2048+1500%
RAM Channels	0	8
ECC Support	No	Yes
PCIe Lanes	0	128

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Advanced Features

Only the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Only the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (macOS) (M4 Max (14 cores)) vs VT-x, VT-d, AMD-V (Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX). The M4 Max (14 cores) includes integrated graphics (Apple M4 Max GPU (32-core)), while the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: M4 Max (14 cores) rivals Ryzen AI Max PRO 390; Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX rivals Xeon Silver 4314.