M4 Max (16 cores) vs EPYC 9124
M4 Max (16 cores)
EPYC 9124
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 (16 cores)
Performance Per Dollar EPYC 9124
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | M4 Max (16 cores) | EPYC 9124 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,083) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Legacy / 3 nm) | ✨ Modern (Genoa (2022−2023) / 5 nm, 6 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | M4 Max (16 cores) | EPYC 9124 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,083) |
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 (16 cores) and EPYC 9124
M4 Max (16 cores)
The M4 Max (16 cores) is manufactured by Apple. It was released in 30 October 2024 (1 year ago). It features 16 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 2.75 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: 43,985 points. Launch price was $499.
EPYC 9124
The EPYC 9124 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 10 November 2022 (3 years ago). It is based on the Genoa (2022−2023) architecture. It features 16 cores and 32 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 64 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 5 nm, 6 nm process technology. Socket: SP5. Thermal design power (TDP): 200 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800. Passmark benchmark score: 43,638 points. Launch price was $1,083.
Processing Power
The M4 Max (16 cores) packs 16 cores / 16 threads, matching the EPYC 9124's 16 cores. Boost clocks reach 4.51 GHz on the M4 Max (16 cores) versus 3.7 GHz on the EPYC 9124 — a 19.7% clock advantage for the M4 Max (16 cores) (base: 2.75 GHz vs 3 GHz). The EPYC 9124 is built on the Genoa (2022−2023) architecture. In PassMark, the M4 Max (16 cores) scores 43,985 against the EPYC 9124's 43,638 — a 0.8% lead for the M4 Max (16 cores). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 4,060 vs 1,770, a 78.6% lead for the M4 Max (16 cores) that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 26,675 vs 18,000 (38.8% advantage for the M4 Max (16 cores)).
| Feature | M4 Max (16 cores) | EPYC 9124 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 16 / 16 | 16 / 32 |
| Boost Clock | 4.51 GHz+22% | 3.7 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.75 GHz | 3 GHz+9% |
| L3 Cache | — | 64 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | — | 1 MB (per core) |
| Process | 3 nm-40% | 5 nm, 6 nm |
| Architecture | — | Genoa (2022−2023) |
| PassMark | 43,985 | 43,638 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 4,060+129% | 1,770 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 26,675+48% | 18,000 |
Memory & Platform
The M4 Max (16 cores) uses the none socket (PCIe 4.0), while the EPYC 9124 uses SP5 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to Unified Memory memory speed. The EPYC 9124 supports up to 6144 GB of RAM compared to 128 GB — 191.8% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 8 (M4 Max (16 cores)) vs 12 (EPYC 9124). PCIe lanes: 40 (M4 Max (16 cores)) vs 128 (EPYC 9124) — the EPYC 9124 offers 88 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Apple Silicon (M4 Max (16 cores)) and SP5 (EPYC 9124).
| Feature | M4 Max (16 cores) | EPYC 9124 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | none | SP5 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe 5.0+25% |
| Max RAM Speed | Unified Memory | DDR5-4800 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 GB | 6144 GB+4700% |
| RAM Channels | 8 | 12+50% |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 40 | 128+220% |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Only the EPYC 9124 supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: Apple Virtualization (M4 Max (16 cores)) vs AMD-V (EPYC 9124). The M4 Max (16 cores) includes integrated graphics (Apple 40-core GPU), while the EPYC 9124 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: M4 Max (16 cores) targets Professional Laptop, EPYC 9124 targets Server. Direct competitor: M4 Max (16 cores) rivals Ryzen AI Max PRO 390; EPYC 9124 rivals Xeon Gold 6426Y.
| Feature | M4 Max (16 cores) | EPYC 9124 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Apple 40-core GPU | None |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | Yes |
| Virtualization | Apple Virtualization | AMD-V |
| Target Use | Professional Laptop | Server |
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