CPU
GPU
Ryzen 9 3900XT
M4 Pro (12 cores)
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 Ryzen 9 3900XT
Performance Per Dollar M4 Pro (12 cores)
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Ryzen 9 3900XT | M4 Pro (12 cores) |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($390) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Matisse 2 (2020) / 7 nm, 12 nm) | ✨ Modern (Legacy / 3 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Ryzen 9 3900XT | M4 Pro (12 cores) |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($390) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
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 Ryzen 9 3900XT and M4 Pro (12 cores)
Ryzen 9 3900XT
The Ryzen 9 3900XT is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 7 July 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Matisse 2 (2020) architecture. It features 12 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 3.8 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: DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 32,512 points. Launch price was $499.
M4 Pro (12 cores)
The M4 Pro (12 cores) is manufactured by Apple. It was released in 30 October 2024 (1 year ago). It features 12 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 2.592 GHz, with boost up to 4.51 GHz. L2 cache: 4 MB. Built on 3 nm process technology. Socket: none. Thermal design power (TDP): 4 MB. Memory support: LPDDR5X. Passmark benchmark score: 32,853 points. Launch price was $499.
Processing Power
The Ryzen 9 3900XT packs 12 cores / 24 threads, matching the M4 Pro (12 cores)'s 12 cores. Boost clocks reach 4.7 GHz on the Ryzen 9 3900XT versus 4.51 GHz on the M4 Pro (12 cores) — a 4.1% clock advantage for the Ryzen 9 3900XT (base: 3.8 GHz vs 2.592 GHz). The Ryzen 9 3900XT is built on the Matisse 2 (2020) architecture. In PassMark, the Ryzen 9 3900XT scores 32,512 against the M4 Pro (12 cores)'s 32,853 — a 1% lead for the M4 Pro (12 cores). Cinebench R23 multi-core: 18,400 vs 18,904 (2.7% advantage for the M4 Pro (12 cores)). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,750 vs 3,812, a 74.1% lead for the M4 Pro (12 cores) that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 10,500 vs 20,076 (62.6% advantage for the M4 Pro (12 cores)).
| Feature | Ryzen 9 3900XT | M4 Pro (12 cores) |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 12 / 24 | 12 / 12 |
| Boost Clock | 4.7 GHz+4% | 4.51 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.8 GHz+47% | 2.592 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 64 MB | — |
| L2 Cache | 512K (per core) | 4 MB+700% |
| Process | 7 nm, 12 nm | 3 nm-57% |
| Architecture | Matisse 2 (2020) | — |
| PassMark | 32,512 | 32,853+1% |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 18,400 | 18,904+3% |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 1,750 | 3,812+118% |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 10,500 | 20,076+91% |
Memory & Platform
The Ryzen 9 3900XT uses the AM4 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the M4 Pro (12 cores) uses none (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-3200 on the Ryzen 9 3900XT versus LPDDR5x-8000 on the M4 Pro (12 cores) — the M4 Pro (12 cores) supports 22.2% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Ryzen 9 3900XT supports up to 128 GB of RAM compared to 64 GB — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Ryzen 9 3900XT) vs 1 (M4 Pro (12 cores)). PCIe lanes: 24 (Ryzen 9 3900XT) vs 0 (M4 Pro (12 cores)) — the Ryzen 9 3900XT offers 24 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: X570,B550,X470,B450 (Ryzen 9 3900XT) and Apple SoC (M4 Pro (12 cores)).
| Feature | Ryzen 9 3900XT | M4 Pro (12 cores) |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | AM4 | none |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe 4.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-3200 | LPDDR5x-8000+25% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 GB+100% | 64 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2+100% | 1 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 24 | 0 |
Advanced Features
Only the Ryzen 9 3900XT has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: AMD-V (Ryzen 9 3900XT) vs Apple Virtualization (M4 Pro (12 cores)). The M4 Pro (12 cores) includes integrated graphics (M4 Pro 16-core GPU), while the Ryzen 9 3900XT requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Ryzen 9 3900XT targets Workstation / Enthusiast Gaming, M4 Pro (12 cores) targets High-end Content Creation. Direct competitor: Ryzen 9 3900XT rivals Core i9-10900K; M4 Pro (12 cores) rivals Ryzen 9 8945HS.
| Feature | Ryzen 9 3900XT | M4 Pro (12 cores) |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | M4 Pro 16-core GPU |
| Unlocked | Yes | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | AMD-V | Apple Virtualization |
| Target Use | Workstation / Enthusiast Gaming | High-end Content Creation |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
You May Also Compare
Similar CPU comparisons based on Ryzen 9 3900XT and M4 Pro (12 cores)
