CPU
GPU
Ryzen 9 3950X
M4 Max (14 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 3950X
Performance Per Dollar M4 Max (14 cores)
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Ryzen 9 3950X | M4 Max (14 cores) |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($389) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Matisse (Zen 2) (2019−2020) / 7 nm, 12 nm) | ✨ Modern (Legacy / 3 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Ryzen 9 3950X | M4 Max (14 cores) |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($389) | ✅ 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 3950X and M4 Max (14 cores)
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.
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.
Processing Power
The Ryzen 9 3950X packs 16 cores / 32 threads, while the M4 Max (14 cores) offers 14 cores / 14 threads — the Ryzen 9 3950X has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.7 GHz on the Ryzen 9 3950X versus 4.51 GHz on the M4 Max (14 cores) — a 4.1% clock advantage for the Ryzen 9 3950X (base: 3.5 GHz vs 2.59 GHz). The Ryzen 9 3950X is built on the Matisse (Zen 2) (2019−2020) architecture. In PassMark, the Ryzen 9 3950X scores 38,519 against the M4 Max (14 cores)'s 38,558 — a 0.1% lead for the M4 Max (14 cores).
| Feature | Ryzen 9 3950X | M4 Max (14 cores) |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 16 / 32+14% | 14 / 14 |
| Boost Clock | 4.7 GHz+4% | 4.51 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.5 GHz+35% | 2.59 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 64 MB | — |
| L2 Cache | 512K (per core) | — |
| Process | 7 nm, 12 nm | 3 nm-57% |
| Architecture | Matisse (Zen 2) (2019−2020) | — |
| PassMark | 38,519 | 38,558 |
Memory & Platform
The Ryzen 9 3950X uses the AM4 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the M4 Max (14 cores) uses none (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-3200 on the Ryzen 9 3950X versus 8533 on the M4 Max (14 cores) — 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 GB of RAM. Memory channels: 2 (Ryzen 9 3950X) vs 0 (M4 Max (14 cores)). PCIe lanes: 24 (Ryzen 9 3950X) vs 0 (M4 Max (14 cores)) — the Ryzen 9 3950X offers 24 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: X570,B550 (Ryzen 9 3950X) and Apple M4 (M4 Max (14 cores)).
| Feature | Ryzen 9 3950X | M4 Max (14 cores) |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | AM4 | none |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe 4.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-3200 | 8533+213225% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 GB+104857500% | 128 |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 0 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 24 | 0 |
Advanced Features
Only the Ryzen 9 3950X has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: AMD-V (Ryzen 9 3950X) vs VT-x, VT-d (macOS) (M4 Max (14 cores)). 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 | Ryzen 9 3950X | M4 Max (14 cores) |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | Apple M4 Max GPU (32-core) |
| Unlocked | Yes | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | AMD-V | VT-x, VT-d (macOS) |
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