AMD Ryzen 9 9950X vs Apple M2
Verdict
Our overall take, at a glance
Key takeaways
- AMD Ryzen 9 9950X leads Apple M2 overall by 36 points (91 vs 55 out of 100).
- AMD Ryzen 9 9950X stands out on Core Specifications Cores: 16, Core Specifications Threads: 32, Core Specifications Base Frequency: 4.3 GHz.
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X leads overall
$649 at launch
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X
91
Apple M2
55
Why it stands out
- Core Specifications Cores: 16
- Core Specifications Threads: 32
- Core Specifications Base Frequency: 4.3 GHz
In-depth analysisAI
AI-generated from the cited sources — may be incomplete or inaccurate; verify important details before deciding · generated Jun 2026.
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X
The Ryzen 9 9950X is a high-end desktop processor from AMD's latest series. It is designed for demanding users who utilize both intensive gaming and professional content creation applications.
Best for Content CreationBest for Professional WorkstationsBest for High-End Gaming
Pros
- Built on the advanced Zen architecture, ensuring high multi-core performance for complex workloads.
- Designed with support for modern platform features like DDR5 memory up to 256 GB.
- Positioned in the flagship lineup, indicating top-tier computational power for professional use.
Cons
- The specific core/cache configurations and launch details are not fully detailed on the official product page.
- As a bleeding-edge processor, its full performance potential requires cooling solutions capable of handling high thermal demands.
Apple M2
The Apple M2 is a system on a chip (SoC) developed by Apple for use in their range of Macintosh and other computing devices. This architecture integrates the central processing unit (CPU) and graphics processing unit (GPU) alongside other components into a single, powerful chipset. It is designed for users who require high performance across various demanding applications, including creative professional workflows.
Best for Creative ProfessionalsBest for Modern Computing TasksBest for Apple Ecosystem Users
Pros
- Incorporates advanced memory features, supporting LPDDR5 memory up to 6400 MT/s protocols in its variants (Source 2)
- Features a highly integrated design that powers multiple product types, ranging from MacBooks to iPad tablets and mixed reality headsets (Source 1, Source 2)
- The architecture is based on the ARM instruction set, providing efficiency for modern computing tasks (Source 2)
Cons
- While powerful, specific performance metrics are relative to its predecessor (M1) or advanced variants like M2 Max/Ultra (Source 2)
- Its primary function is limited to Apple's own device ecosystem, requiring users to buy macOS-compatible hardware for full functionality (Inferred from Source 1 & 2)
Value for Money
Which is the better deal for the price
Pre-filled with launch prices where known — enter today's price for an up-to-date check. Use the same currency for both.
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X
Apple M2
Performance
Higher benchmark score = faster
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X63,000
Apple M213,500
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