M5 Max vs Ryzen Threadripper 3990X
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | M5 Max | Ryzen Threadripper 3990X | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cinebench 2024 single-core | 200 | 75 | +166.7% |
| Cinebench 2024 multi-core | 2,066 | 4,190 | -50.7% |
| Cores | 18 (6P+12E) | 64 | — |
| TDP (base W) | 64 | 280 | — |
- M5 Max is faster than Ryzen Threadripper 3990X by 166.7% in single-core and slower by 50.7% in multi-core (Cinebench 2024).
- M5 Max draws less power (64W vs 280W base TDP).
Verdict: M5 Max or Ryzen Threadripper 3990X?
M5 Max advantages
- Single-core speed (+63%)
- Power efficiency (+77%)
Ryzen Threadripper 3990X advantages
- Multi-core speed (+51%)
Which should you choose?
- Choose the M5 Max if you mainly game or want snappy everyday responsiveness.
- Choose the Ryzen Threadripper 3990X if you render video, compile code or run heavy multitasking.
- Choose the M5 Max if you want a cooler, quieter and more power-efficient build.
M5 Max vs Ryzen Threadripper 3990X: which should you choose?
M5 Max — 18-core Apple processor (6P+12E) scoring 200 single-core and 2066 multi-core in Cinebench 2024, with a 64 W TDP.
Ryzen Threadripper 3990X — 64-core AMD processor scoring 75 single-core and 4190 multi-core in Cinebench 2024, with a 280 W TDP and 128 MB L3 cache.
M5 Max vs Ryzen Threadripper 3990X: Ryzen Threadripper 3990X leads in multi-core performance. M5 Max is faster than Ryzen Threadripper 3990X by 166.7% in single-core and slower by 50.7% in multi-core (Cinebench 2024). M5 Max draws less power (64W vs 280W base TDP).
Gaming and single-threaded work
Games and everyday responsiveness lean on single-core speed. The M5 Max leads there with a single-core score of 200 versus 75, so it is the marginally better pick for high-refresh gaming — though at typical resolutions the GPU usually decides frame rates.
Content creation and multitasking
For rendering, compilation, video export and other all-core workloads, the Ryzen Threadripper 3990X is stronger, posting 4,190 multi-core against 2,066 in Cinebench 2024. Its 64 cores give it real headroom for heavy parallel jobs.
Power and platform
The M5 Max is the more efficient chip at 64 W versus 280 W, which means less heat, quieter cooling and lower running costs under sustained load.
The verdict
Both are credible choices in the processor comparison space; the specification table above lays out every metric so you can weigh the trade-offs that matter to you. Pick the one whose strengths line up with how you will actually use it.
Frequently asked questions
Is the M5 Max better than the Ryzen Threadripper 3990X?
These two are closely matched — the right pick comes down to which specific strengths you value and the price you actually pay. M5 Max is faster than Ryzen Threadripper 3990X by 166.7% in single-core and slower by 50.7% in multi-core (Cinebench 2024).
What is the main difference between the M5 Max and the Ryzen Threadripper 3990X?
M5 Max is faster than Ryzen Threadripper 3990X by 166.7% in single-core and slower by 50.7% in multi-core (Cinebench 2024). M5 Max draws less power (64W vs 280W base TDP).
Which should I choose?
Choose the M5 Max if you mainly game or want snappy everyday responsiveness. Choose the Ryzen Threadripper 3990X if you render video, compile code or run heavy multitasking.
Methodology
Processors are compared on Cinebench 2024 single-core and multi-core scores from published leaderboard results, alongside core configuration (performance + efficiency cores), base TDP, L3 cache, PassMark CPU Mark, 1080p gaming scores and street pricing where measured. Cinebench reflects rendering-style workloads; gaming performance depends heavily on the GPU and the specific title, so treat single-core standing as directional. Figures reflect the leaderboard snapshot on the page date.