AMD EPYC 9654 leads Apple M4 Max overall by 34 points (100 vs 66 out of 100).
AMD EPYC 9654 stands out on Core Specifications Cores: 96, Core Specifications Threads: 192, Core Specifications Base Power Consumption: 320 W.
AMD EPYC 9654 leads overall
$11,805 at launch
AMD EPYC 9654
100
Apple M4 Max
66
Why it stands out
Core Specifications Cores: 96
Core Specifications Threads: 192
Core Specifications Base Power Consumption: 320 W
In-depth analysisAI
AI-generated from the cited sources — may be incomplete or inaccurate; verify important details before deciding · generated Jun 2026.
AMD EPYC 9654
The AMD EPYC 9654 is a high-core count server microprocessor designed for intensive computing tasks. It utilizes the Zen 4 microarchitecture to deliver significant parallel processing power and connectivity via enterprise-grade features. This processor is best suited for data centers, cloud infrastructure, and complex computational workloads.
Best for Cloud ComputingBest for High Performance ComputingBest for Data Analytics/AI Workloads
Pros
Provides up to 96 cores per socket, enabling massive parallel processing capacity.
Features advanced I/O capabilities, including extensive PCIe and support for CXL (Compute Express Link), which can improve overall system bandwidth.
High memory channel support allows the processor to efficiently handle large data sets required by demanding applications.
Cons
The high core count and specialized architecture make it unsuitable for end-user desktops or general personal computing tasks.
Performance is optimized for maximizing throughput in complex server environments rather than single-threaded responsiveness.
The Apple M4 Max is a high-performance system-on-a-chip designed for intensive computing tasks. It features an advanced architecture with up to 16 performance cores and a powerful graphics section, backed by substantial unified memory capacity. This chip is intended for demanding users, such as videographers, 3D artists, and developers who require maximum computational headroom.
Best for Professional Content CreationBest for High-End DevelopmentBest for Computational Engineering
Pros
Exceptional memory bandwidth is available in configurations supporting up to 128GB of unified memory (Source 1)
The comprehensive processing units include substantial GPU cores (up to 40) alongside a powerful Neural Processing Unit for accelerated AI tasks (Source 1)
Offers some of the most advanced single-core performance available in consumer silicon, targeting high benchmark scores (Source 1)
Designed with efficiencies that yield significant generational improvements in both CPU and GPU performance over previous series (Source 1)
Cons
The chip's complexity suggests a higher power draw requirement compared to lower-tier variants, indicated by its reported TDP (Source 1)
Performance is highly dependent on the specific configuration chosen, especially regarding memory bandwidth and core count (Source 1)
Benchmark score — a measured indicator of raw performance, not a guarantee of real-world speed.
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Detailed Specifications
The full spec sheet, side by side
Core Specifications
Feature
AMD EPYC 9654
Apple M4 Max
Cores
96
12
Threads
192
12
Base Frequency
2.4 GHz
2.6 GHz
Base Power Consumption
320 W
50 W
Maximum Frequency
3.7 GHz
3.5 GHz
Maximum Power Consumption
400 W
80 W
L1 Cache
6,144 KB
256 KB
L2 Cache
96 MB
8,192 MB
L3 Cache
384 MB
0 MB
Lithography Process
5 nm
3 nm
Is unlocked
No
No
Integrated Graphics
Feature
AMD EPYC 9654
Apple M4 Max
Model
N/A
Benchmark
Feature
AMD EPYC 9654
Apple M4 Max
PassMark CPU Mark
126,045
22,000
Specification Note
Specifications are compiled from official manufacturer data and other reliable internet sources. Some features may vary by region or model configuration.