Apple M1 vs AMD Ryzen 9 5900X

Last updated:

CPU comparison with benchmarks


Apple M1 CPU1 vs CPU2 AMD Ryzen 9 5900X
Apple M1 AMD Ryzen 9 5900X

CPU comparison

Apple M1 or AMD Ryzen 9 5900X - which processor is faster? In this comparison we look at the differences and analyze which of these two CPUs is better. We compare the technical data and benchmark results.

The Apple M1 has 8 cores with 8 threads and clocks with a maximum frequency of 3.20 GHz. Up to 16 GB of memory is supported in 2 memory channels. The Apple M1 was released in Q4/2020.

The AMD Ryzen 9 5900X has 12 cores with 24 threads and clocks with a maximum frequency of 4.80 GHz. The CPU supports up to 128 GB of memory in 2 memory channels. The AMD Ryzen 9 5900X was released in Q4/2020.
Apple M series Family AMD Ryzen 9
Apple M1 CPU group AMD Ryzen 5000
1 Generation 4
M1 Architecture Vermeer (Zen 3)
Mobile Segment Desktop / Server
-- Predecessor AMD Ryzen 9 3900X
Apple M2 Successor AMD Ryzen 9 7900X

CPU Cores and Base Frequency

The Apple M1 has 8 CPU cores and can calculate 8 threads in parallel. The clock frequency of the Apple M1 is 3.20 GHz while the AMD Ryzen 9 5900X has 12 CPU cores and 24 threads can calculate simultaneously. The clock frequency of the AMD Ryzen 9 5900X is at 2.06 GHz.

8 Cores 12
8 Threads 24
hybrid (big.LITTLE) Core architecture normal
No Hyperthreading Yes
No Overclocking ? Yes
3.20 GHz
4x Firestorm
A-Core 3.70 GHz (4.80 GHz)
2.06 GHz
4x Icestorm
B-Core --
-- C-Core --

Internal Graphics

The Apple M1 or AMD Ryzen 9 5900X has integrated graphics, called iGPU for short. The iGPU uses the system's main memory as graphics memory and sits on the processor's die.

Apple M1 (8 Core) GPU no iGPU
1.30 GHz GPU frequency
GPU (Turbo)
1 GPU Generation
5 nm Technology
2 Max. displays
128 Execution units
1024 Shader
8 GB Max. GPU Memory
DirectX Version

Hardware codec support

A photo or video codec that is accelerated in hardware can greatly accelerate the working speed of a processor and extend the battery life of notebooks or smartphones when playing videos.

Decode / Encode Codec h265 / HEVC (8 bit) No
Decode / Encode Codec h265 / HEVC (10 bit) No
Decode / Encode Codec h264 No
Decode / Encode Codec VP9 No
Decode Codec VP8 No
No Codec AV1 No
Decode Codec AVC No
Decode Codec VC-1 No
Decode / Encode Codec JPEG No

Memory & PCIe

The Apple M1 can use up to 16 GB of memory in 2 memory channels. The maximum memory bandwidth is 68.2 GB/s. The AMD Ryzen 9 5900X supports up to 128 GB of memory in 2 memory channels and achieves a memory bandwidth of up to 51.2 GB/s.

LPDDR4X-4266 Memory DDR4-3200
16 GB Max. Memory 128 GB
2 (Dual Channel) Memory channels 2 (Dual Channel)
68.2 GB/s Bandwidth 51.2 GB/s
No ECC Yes
16.00 MB L2 Cache 6.00 MB
L3 Cache 64.00 MB
4.0 PCIe version 4.0
PCIe lanes 20

Thermal Management

The thermal design power (TDP for short) of the Apple M1 is 15 W, while the AMD Ryzen 9 5900X has a TDP of 105 W. The TDP specifies the necessary cooling solution that is required to cool the processor sufficiently.

15 W TDP (PL1 / PBP) 105 W
-- TDP (PL2) 142 W
20 W TDP up --
10 W TDP down --
-- Tjunction max. 90 °C

Technical details

The Apple M1 is manufactured in 5 nm and has 16.00 MB cache. The AMD Ryzen 9 5900X is manufactured in 7 nm and has a 16.00 MB cache.

5 nm Technology 7 nm
Chiplet Chip design Chiplet
ARMv8-A64 (64 bit) Instruction set (ISA) x86-64 (64 bit)
Rosetta 2 x86-Emulation ISA extensions SSE4a, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX2, FMA3
-- Socket AM4 (LGA 1331)
Apple Virtualization Framework Virtualization AMD-V, SVM
Yes AES-NI Yes
macOS Operating systems Windows 10, Windows 11, Linux
Q4/2020 Release date Q4/2020
-- Release price 549 $
show more data show more data



Cinebench R23 (Single-Core)

Cinebench R23 is the successor of Cinebench R20 and is also based on the Cinema 4 Suite. Cinema 4 is a worldwide used software to create 3D forms. The single-core test only uses one CPU core, the amount of cores or hyperthreading ability doesn't count.

Apple M1 Apple M1
8C 8T @ 3.20 GHz
1503 (92%)
AMD Ryzen 9 5900X AMD Ryzen 9 5900X
12C 24T @ 4.80 GHz
1636 (100%)
Show all Cinebench R23 (Single-Core) results



Cinebench R23 (Multi-Core)

Cinebench R23 is the successor of Cinebench R20 and is also based on the Cinema 4 Suite. Cinema 4 is a worldwide used software to create 3D forms. The multi-core test involves all CPU cores and taks a big advantage of hyperthreading.

Apple M1 Apple M1
8C 8T @ 3.20 GHz
7759 (35%)
AMD Ryzen 9 5900X AMD Ryzen 9 5900X
12C 24T @ 4.50 GHz
21878 (100%)
Show all Cinebench R23 (Multi-Core) results



Cinebench R20 (Single-Core)

Cinebench R20 is the successor of Cinebench R15 and is also based on the Cinema 4 Suite. Cinema 4 is a worldwide used software to create 3D forms. The single-core test only uses one CPU core, the amount of cores or hyperthreading ability doesn't count.

Apple M1 Apple M1
8C 8T @ 3.20 GHz
0 (0%)
AMD Ryzen 9 5900X AMD Ryzen 9 5900X
12C 24T @ 4.80 GHz
637 (100%)
Show all Cinebench R20 (Single-Core) results



Cinebench R20 (Multi-Core)

Cinebench R20 is the successor of Cinebench R15 and is also based on the Cinema 4 Suite. Cinema 4 is a worldwide used software to create 3D forms. The multi-core test involves all CPU cores and taks a big advantage of hyperthreading.

Apple M1 Apple M1
8C 8T @ 3.20 GHz
0 (0%)
AMD Ryzen 9 5900X AMD Ryzen 9 5900X
12C 24T @ 4.50 GHz
8491 (100%)
Show all Cinebench R20 (Multi-Core) results



Geekbench 6 (Single-Core)

Geekbench 6 is a benchmark for modern computers, notebooks and smartphones. What is new is an optimized utilization of newer CPU architectures, e.g. based on the big.LITTLE concept and combining CPU cores of different sizes. The single-core benchmark only evaluates the performance of the fastest CPU core, the number of CPU cores in a processor is irrelevant here.

Apple M1 Apple M1
8C 8T @ 3.20 GHz
2369 (100%)
AMD Ryzen 9 5900X AMD Ryzen 9 5900X
12C 24T @ 4.80 GHz
2138 (90%)
Show all Geekbench 6 (Single-Core) results



Geekbench 6 (Multi-Core)

Geekbench 6 is a benchmark for modern computers, notebooks and smartphones. What is new is an optimized utilization of newer CPU architectures, e.g. based on the big.LITTLE concept and combining CPU cores of different sizes. The multi-core benchmark evaluates the performance of all of the processor's CPU cores. Virtual thread improvements such as AMD SMT or Intel's Hyper-Threading have a positive impact on the benchmark result.

Apple M1 Apple M1
8C 8T @ 3.20 GHz
8576 (68%)
AMD Ryzen 9 5900X AMD Ryzen 9 5900X
12C 24T @ 4.50 GHz
12637 (100%)
Show all Geekbench 6 (Multi-Core) results



Geekbench 5, 64bit (Single-Core)

Geekbench 5 is a cross plattform benchmark that heavily uses the systems memory. A fast memory will push the result a lot. The single-core test only uses one CPU core, the amount of cores or hyperthreading ability doesn't count.

Apple M1 Apple M1
8C 8T @ 3.20 GHz
1742 (100%)
AMD Ryzen 9 5900X AMD Ryzen 9 5900X
12C 24T @ 4.80 GHz
1727 (99%)
Show all Geekbench 5, 64bit (Single-Core) results



Geekbench 5, 64bit (Multi-Core)

Geekbench 5 is a cross plattform benchmark that heavily uses the systems memory. A fast memory will push the result a lot. The multi-core test involves all CPU cores and taks a big advantage of hyperthreading.

Apple M1 Apple M1
8C 8T @ 3.20 GHz
7650 (53%)
AMD Ryzen 9 5900X AMD Ryzen 9 5900X
12C 24T @ 4.50 GHz
14515 (100%)
Show all Geekbench 5, 64bit (Multi-Core) results



iGPU - FP32 Performance (Single-precision GFLOPS)

The theoretical computing performance of the internal graphics unit of the processor with simple accuracy (32 bit) in GFLOPS. GFLOPS indicates how many billion floating point operations the iGPU can perform per second.

Apple M1 Apple M1
Apple M1 (8 Core) @ 1.30 GHz
2610 (100%)
AMD Ryzen 9 5900X AMD Ryzen 9 5900X
@ 0.00 GHz
0 (0%)
Show all iGPU - FP32 Performance (Single-precision GFLOPS) results



Blender 3.1 Benchmark

In the Blender Benchmark 3.1, the scenes "monster", "junkshop" and "classroom" are rendered and the time required by the system is measured. In our benchmark we test the CPU and not the graphics card. Blender 3.1 was presented as a standalone version in March 2022.

Apple M1 Apple M1
8C 8T @ 3.20 GHz
117 (38%)
AMD Ryzen 9 5900X AMD Ryzen 9 5900X
12C 24T @ 4.50 GHz
308 (100%)
Show all Blender 3.1 Benchmark results



Estimated results for PassMark CPU Mark

Some of the CPUs listed below have been benchmarked by CPU-monkey. However the majority of CPUs have not been tested and the results have been estimated by a CPU-monkey’s secret proprietary formula. As such they do not accurately reflect the actual Passmark CPU mark values and are not endorsed by PassMark Software Pty Ltd.

Apple M1 Apple M1
8C 8T @ 3.20 GHz
14463 (37%)
AMD Ryzen 9 5900X AMD Ryzen 9 5900X
12C 24T @ 4.50 GHz
39564 (100%)
Show all Estimated results for PassMark CPU Mark results



Blender 2.81 (bmw27)

Blender is a free 3D graphics software for rendering (creating) 3D bodies, which can also be textured and animated in the software. The Blender benchmark creates predefined scenes and measures the time (s) required for the entire scene. The shorter the time required, the better. We selected bmw27 as the benchmark scene.

Apple M1 Apple M1
8C 8T @ 3.20 GHz
314 (100%)
AMD Ryzen 9 5900X AMD Ryzen 9 5900X
12C 24T @ 4.50 GHz
0 (0%)
Show all Blender 2.81 (bmw27) results



CPU-Z Benchmark 17 (Single-Core)

The CPU-Z benchmark measures a processor's performance by measuring the time it takes the system to complete all benchmark calculations. The faster the benchmark is completed, the higher the score.

Apple M1 Apple M1
8C 8T @ 3.20 GHz
0 (0%)
AMD Ryzen 9 5900X AMD Ryzen 9 5900X
12C 24T @ 4.50 GHz
647 (100%)
Show all CPU-Z Benchmark 17 (Single-Core) results



CPU-Z Benchmark 17 (Multi-Core)

The CPU-Z benchmark measures a processor's performance by measuring the time it takes the system to complete all benchmark calculations. The faster the benchmark is completed, the higher the score.

Apple M1 Apple M1
8C 8T @ 3.20 GHz
0 (0%)
AMD Ryzen 9 5900X AMD Ryzen 9 5900X
12C 24T @ 3.70 GHz
9520 (100%)
Show all CPU-Z Benchmark 17 (Multi-Core) results



V-Ray CPU-Render Benchmark

V-Ray is a 3D rendering software from the manufacturer Chaos for designers and artists. Unlike many other render engines, V-Ray is capable of so-called hybrid rendering, in which the CPU and GPU work together at the same time.

However, the CPU benchmark we used (CPU Render Mode) only uses the system's processor. The working memory used plays a major role in the V-Ray benchmark. For our benchmarks we use the fastest RAM standard approved by the manufacturer (without overclocking).

Due to the high compatibility of V-Ray (including Autodesk 3ds Max, Maya, Cinema 4D, SketchUp, Unreal Engine and Blender), it is a frequently used software. With V-Ray, for example, photorealistic images can be rendered that laypeople cannot distinguish from normal photos.

Apple M1 Apple M1
8C 8T @ 3.20 GHz
4935 (30%)
AMD Ryzen 9 5900X AMD Ryzen 9 5900X
12C 24T @ 3.70 GHz
16240 (100%)
Show all V-Ray CPU-Render Benchmark results



Cinebench R15 (Single-Core)

Cinebench R15 is the successor of Cinebench 11.5 and is also based on the Cinema 4 Suite. Cinema 4 is a worldwide used software to create 3D forms. The single-core test only uses one CPU core, the amount of cores or hyperthreading ability doesn't count.

Apple M1 Apple M1
8C 8T @ 3.20 GHz
0 (0%)
AMD Ryzen 9 5900X AMD Ryzen 9 5900X
12C 24T @ 4.80 GHz
270 (100%)
Show all Cinebench R15 (Single-Core) results



Cinebench R15 (Multi-Core)

Cinebench R15 is the successor of Cinebench 11.5 and is also based on the Cinema 4 Suite. Cinema 4 is a worldwide used software to create 3D forms. The multi-core test involves all CPU cores and taks a big advantage of hyperthreading.

Apple M1 Apple M1
8C 8T @ 3.20 GHz
0 (0%)
AMD Ryzen 9 5900X AMD Ryzen 9 5900X
12C 24T @ 4.50 GHz
3684 (100%)
Show all Cinebench R15 (Multi-Core) results



Devices using this processor

Apple M1 AMD Ryzen 9 5900X
Apple iMac 24 (2021)
Apple MacBook Pro 13 (L2020)
Apple MacBook Air (2020)
Apple Mac mini (2020)
Apple iPad Pro 11 (2021)
Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2021)
Apple iPad Air (2022)
Unknown

News and articles for the Apple M1 and the AMD Ryzen 9 5900X

Why the new AMD Ryzen 7000 processors for the AM5 socket are currently not a good deal
Posted by Stefan on 2022-10-11
At the end of September 2022, the time had come: AMD presented its latest desktop processors called AMD Ryzen 7000. Initially, 4 processors with 6 to 16 CPU cores were released.

The new socket AM5 (LGA 1718) is used for the first time, which is intended to replace the very durable socket AM4 introduced in 2017 as AMDs mainstream platform. This includes (depending on the chipset) PCIe 5.0 support as well as the exclusive use of DDR5 memory on all AM5 mainboards.

Officially, DDR5-5200 is the maximum, but with AMDs EXPO Technology which is similar to Intel's XMP 3.0, AMD now also has a solution for easy overclocking of the main memory. AMD itself names DDR5-6000 as the sweet spot for the new AMD Ryzen 7000 processors.
Most popular processors in the first half of 2022
Posted by Stefan on 2022-07-05
In the past we had repeatedly written about our most popular processors. Since this format was quiet popular, I would like to continue this today and introduce you the most popular processors in the first half of 2022.

With more than 2 million page views per month, CPU-Monkey is one of the biggest comparison sites for processors and is currently available in 16 languages.
Apple M2 Pro with more CPU cores and production in 3 nm ?
Posted by Stefan on 2022-06-28
After Apple surprisingly presented the normal Apple M2 processor as the first successor to the Apple M1 already in June 2022, the Apple M2 Pro and the Apple M2 Max may follow in autumn. The difference in performance compared to the basic version could be even greater this time and range from 25 to 40 percent.

In this article we describe how Apple could realize this and why the price should also go up.
AMD Ryzen 5 7600X and AMD Ryzen 7 7800X are coming in September
Posted by Stefan on 2022-06-20
After we published a performance assessment of the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X last week, the well-known AMD leaker Greymon55 has now posted more informations via Twitter.

He predicts the first four models of the new Zen 4 desktop generation, which AMD would like to present at the end of 2022. There is also an alleged release date of September 15, 2022.
AMD Ryzen 9 7950X - Cinebench R23 Benchmark projection
Posted by Stefan on 2022-06-10
We give you a preview of AMD's new Zen 4 desktop processors and calculate the performance of the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X top model for the new AM5 socket. The performance data and other technical details come directly from the press kit that AMD released as part of its Financial Analyst Day on June 9, 2022.

Up to 15 percent more single-core performance and 35 percent more multi-core performance of the 16-core model are realistic !

Leaderboards

In our leaderboards, we have clearly compiled the best processors for specific categories for you. The leaderboards are always up to date and are regularly updated by us. The best processors are selected according to popularity and speed in benchmarks as well as the price-performance ratio.


Popular comparisons containing this CPUs

1. Apple M1Intel Core i9-9900K Apple M1 vs Intel Core i9-9900K
2. Apple M1Apple A14 Bionic Apple M1 vs Apple A14 Bionic
3. Apple M1Intel Core i7-10875H Apple M1 vs Intel Core i7-10875H
4. Apple M1Intel Core i5-1038NG7 Apple M1 vs Intel Core i5-1038NG7
5. Apple M1Apple A12Z Bionic Apple M1 vs Apple A12Z Bionic
6. Apple A15 Bionic (5-GPU)Apple M1 Apple A15 Bionic (5-GPU) vs Apple M1
7. AMD Ryzen 9 5900XAMD Ryzen 9 3900X AMD Ryzen 9 5900X vs AMD Ryzen 9 3900X
8. Apple M1Intel Core i7-1185G7 Apple M1 vs Intel Core i7-1185G7
9. Apple M2Apple M1 Apple M2 vs Apple M1
10. Apple M1AMD Ryzen 5 5600X Apple M1 vs AMD Ryzen 5 5600X
11. AMD Ryzen 7 5800XAMD Ryzen 9 5900X AMD Ryzen 7 5800X vs AMD Ryzen 9 5900X
12. AMD Ryzen 9 5950XAMD Ryzen 9 5900X AMD Ryzen 9 5950X vs AMD Ryzen 9 5900X
13. AMD Ryzen 9 5900XIntel Core i9-10900K AMD Ryzen 9 5900X vs Intel Core i9-10900K
14. Intel Core i7-1165G7Apple M1 Intel Core i7-1165G7 vs Apple M1
15. Apple M1AMD Ryzen 7 4800H Apple M1 vs AMD Ryzen 7 4800H


back to index