Xeon w3-2435 vs M2 Max
Xeon w3-2435
M2 Max
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 w3-2435
Performance Per Dollar M2 Max
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Xeon w3-2435 | M2 Max |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($790) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) / Intel 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Legacy / 5 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Xeon w3-2435 | M2 Max |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($790) | ✅ 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 w3-2435 and M2 Max
Xeon w3-2435
The Xeon w3-2435 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 15 February 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) architecture. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 4.5 GHz. L3 cache: 22.5 MB. L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA4677. Thermal design power (TDP): 165 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4400. Passmark benchmark score: 26,504 points. Launch price was $669.
M2 Max
The M2 Max is manufactured by Apple. It was released in 17 January 2023 (2 years ago). It features 12 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 2.424 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 48 MB. L2 cache: 36 MB. Built on 5 nm process technology. Socket: none. Thermal design power (TDP): 36 MB + 48 MB. Memory support: LPDDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 26,824 points. Launch price was $299.
Processing Power
The Xeon w3-2435 packs 8 cores / 16 threads, while the M2 Max offers 12 cores / 12 threads — the M2 Max has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.5 GHz on the Xeon w3-2435 versus 3.7 GHz on the M2 Max — a 19.5% clock advantage for the Xeon w3-2435 (base: 3.1 GHz vs 2.424 GHz). The Xeon w3-2435 is built on the Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) architecture. In PassMark, the Xeon w3-2435 scores 26,504 against the M2 Max's 26,824 — a 1.2% lead for the M2 Max. L3 cache: 22.5 MB on the Xeon w3-2435 vs 48 MB on the M2 Max.
| Feature | Xeon w3-2435 | M2 Max |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 8 / 16 | 12 / 12+50% |
| Boost Clock | 4.5 GHz+22% | 3.7 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.1 GHz+28% | 2.424 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 22.5 MB | 48 MB+113% |
| L2 Cache | 2 MB (per core) | 36 MB+1700% |
| Process | Intel 7 nm | 5 nm-29% |
| Architecture | Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) | — |
| PassMark | 26,504 | 26,824+1% |
Memory & Platform
The Xeon w3-2435 uses the LGA4677 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the M2 Max uses none (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Xeon w3-2435 | M2 Max |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA4677 | none |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0+25% | PCIe 4.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | — | LPDDR5-6400 |
| Max RAM Capacity | — | 96 GB |
| RAM Channels | — | 4 |
| ECC Support | — | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | — | 0 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: not specified (Xeon w3-2435) / Virtualization (M2 Max). The M2 Max includes integrated graphics (Apple M2 Max GPU), while the Xeon w3-2435 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: M2 Max targets Mobile.
| Feature | Xeon w3-2435 | M2 Max |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | — | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | Apple M2 Max GPU |
| Unlocked | — | No |
| AVX-512 | — | No |
| Virtualization | — | Virtualization |
| Target Use | — | Mobile |
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