Xeon Platinum 8180 vs M4 Max (14 cores)
Xeon Platinum 8180
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 Xeon Platinum 8180
Performance Per Dollar M4 Max (14 cores)
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Xeon Platinum 8180 | M4 Max (14 cores) |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($2,363) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Skylake (server) (2017−2018) / 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Legacy / 3 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Xeon Platinum 8180 | M4 Max (14 cores) |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($2,363) | ✅ 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 Xeon Platinum 8180 and M4 Max (14 cores)
Xeon Platinum 8180
The Xeon Platinum 8180 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 11 July 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture. It features 28 cores and 56 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 38.5 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA3647. Thermal design power (TDP): 205 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 38,259 points. Launch price was $10,009.
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 Xeon Platinum 8180 packs 28 cores / 56 threads, while the M4 Max (14 cores) offers 14 cores / 14 threads — the Xeon Platinum 8180 has 14 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.8 GHz on the Xeon Platinum 8180 versus 4.51 GHz on the M4 Max (14 cores) — a 17.1% clock advantage for the M4 Max (14 cores) (base: 2.5 GHz vs 2.59 GHz). The Xeon Platinum 8180 is built on the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture. In PassMark, the Xeon Platinum 8180 scores 38,259 against the M4 Max (14 cores)'s 38,558 — a 0.8% lead for the M4 Max (14 cores).
| Feature | Xeon Platinum 8180 | M4 Max (14 cores) |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 28 / 56+100% | 14 / 14 |
| Boost Clock | 3.8 GHz | 4.51 GHz+19% |
| Base Clock | 2.5 GHz | 2.59 GHz+4% |
| L3 Cache | 38.5 MB (total) | — |
| L2 Cache | 1 MB (per core) | — |
| Process | 14 nm | 3 nm-79% |
| Architecture | Skylake (server) (2017−2018) | — |
| PassMark | 38,259 | 38,558 |
Memory & Platform
The Xeon Platinum 8180 uses the LGA3647 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the M4 Max (14 cores) uses none (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2666 on the Xeon Platinum 8180 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. The Xeon Platinum 8180 supports up to 768 GB of RAM compared to 128 — 142.9% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 6 (Xeon Platinum 8180) vs 0 (M4 Max (14 cores)). PCIe lanes: 48 (Xeon Platinum 8180) vs 0 (M4 Max (14 cores)) — the Xeon Platinum 8180 offers 48 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Intel C621 (Xeon Platinum 8180) and Apple M4 (M4 Max (14 cores)).
| Feature | Xeon Platinum 8180 | M4 Max (14 cores) |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA3647 | none |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 4.0+33% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-2666 | 8533+213225% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 768 GB+629145500% | 128 |
| RAM Channels | 6 | 0 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 48 | 0 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: not specified (Xeon Platinum 8180) / 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 Xeon Platinum 8180 requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: M4 Max (14 cores) rivals Ryzen AI Max PRO 390.
| Feature | Xeon Platinum 8180 | M4 Max (14 cores) |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | Apple M4 Max GPU (32-core) |
| Unlocked | — | No |
| AVX-512 | — | No |
| Virtualization | — | VT-x, VT-d (macOS) |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
You May Also Compare
Similar CPU comparisons based on Xeon Platinum 8180 and M4 Max (14 cores)
