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

M4 Max (14 cores)

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX
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 Threadripper PRO 3955WX
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | M4 Max (14 cores) | Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,130) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Legacy / 3 nm) | ✨ Modern (Castle Peak (2020) / 7 nm, 12 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | M4 Max (14 cores) | Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,130) |
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 Threadripper PRO 3955WX
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.
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% |
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 90.9% 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 — 176.5% 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 | ❌ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 0 | 128 |
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.
| Feature | M4 Max (14 cores) | Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Apple M4 Max GPU (32-core) | None |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | Yes |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d (macOS) | VT-x, VT-d, AMD-V |
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