Xeon w5-3425 vs M3 Max 14-Core
Xeon w5-3425
M3 Max 14-Core
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 w5-3425
Performance Per Dollar M3 Max 14-Core
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Xeon w5-3425 | M3 Max 14-Core |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,189) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) / Intel 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Legacy / 3 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Xeon w5-3425 | M3 Max 14-Core |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,189) | ✅ 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 w5-3425 and M3 Max 14-Core
Xeon w5-3425
The Xeon w5-3425 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 12 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 4.6 GHz. L3 cache: 30 MB. L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA4677. Thermal design power (TDP): 270 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800. Passmark benchmark score: 36,178 points. Launch price was $1,189.
M3 Max 14-Core
The M3 Max 14-Core is manufactured by Apple. It was released in 30 October 2023 (2 years ago). It features 14 cores and 14 threads. Base frequency is 2.748 GHz, with boost up to 4.06 GHz. Built on 3 nm process technology. Socket: none. Memory support: LPDDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 36,529 points. Launch price was $499.
Processing Power
The Xeon w5-3425 packs 12 cores / 24 threads, while the M3 Max 14-Core offers 14 cores / 14 threads — the M3 Max 14-Core has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.6 GHz on the Xeon w5-3425 versus 4.06 GHz on the M3 Max 14-Core — a 12.5% clock advantage for the Xeon w5-3425 (base: 3.2 GHz vs 2.748 GHz). The Xeon w5-3425 is built on the Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) architecture. In PassMark, the Xeon w5-3425 scores 36,178 against the M3 Max 14-Core's 36,529 — a 1% lead for the M3 Max 14-Core.
| Feature | Xeon w5-3425 | M3 Max 14-Core |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 12 / 24 | 14 / 14+17% |
| Boost Clock | 4.6 GHz+13% | 4.06 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.2 GHz+16% | 2.748 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 30 MB | — |
| L2 Cache | 2 MB (per core) | — |
| Process | Intel 7 nm | 3 nm-57% |
| Architecture | Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) | — |
| PassMark | 36,178 | 36,529 |
Memory & Platform
The Xeon w5-3425 uses the LGA4677 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the M3 Max 14-Core uses none (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-4800 on the Xeon w5-3425 versus 6400 on the M3 Max 14-Core — the M3 Max 14-Core supports 199.7% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon w5-3425 supports up to 4096 GB of RAM compared to 96 — 190.8% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 8 (Xeon w5-3425) vs 0 (M3 Max 14-Core). PCIe lanes: 112 (Xeon w5-3425) vs 0 (M3 Max 14-Core) — the Xeon w5-3425 offers 112 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: W790 (Xeon w5-3425) and Apple M3 (M3 Max 14-Core).
| Feature | Xeon w5-3425 | M3 Max 14-Core |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA4677 | none |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe 4.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR5-4800 | 6400+127900% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 4096 GB+4473924167% | 96 |
| RAM Channels | 8 | 0 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 112 | 0 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Only the Xeon w5-3425 supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Xeon w5-3425) vs VT-x, VT-d (macOS) (M3 Max 14-Core). The M3 Max 14-Core includes integrated graphics (Apple M3 Max GPU (30-core)), while the Xeon w5-3425 requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: M3 Max 14-Core rivals Core i9-13900HX.
| Feature | Xeon w5-3425 | M3 Max 14-Core |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | Apple M3 Max GPU (30-core) |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | Yes | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x, VT-d (macOS) |
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