Apple M2 Max vs Xeon E5-2686 v4
Aggregate performance score
Apple M2 Max outperforms Xeon E5-2686 v4 by a substantial 32% based on our aggregate benchmark results.
Primary details
Comparing Xeon E5-2686 v4 and Apple M2 Max processor market type (desktop or notebook), architecture, sales start time and price.
| Place in the ranking | 607 | 393 |
| Place by popularity | not in top-100 | not in top-100 |
| Market segment | Server | Laptop |
| Series | Intel Xeon E5 | Apple M-Series |
| Power efficiency | 8.30 | 20.14 |
| Architecture codename | Broadwell (2015−2019) | no data |
| Release date | 20 June 2016 (8 years ago) | 17 January 2023 (1 year ago) |
Detailed specifications
Xeon E5-2686 v4 and Apple M2 Max basic parameters such as number of cores, number of threads, base frequency and turbo boost clock, lithography, cache size and multiplier lock state. These parameters indirectly say of CPU speed, though for more precise assessment you have to consider their test results.
| Physical cores | 18 (Octadeca-Core) | 12 (Dodeca-Core) |
| Threads | 36 | 12 |
| Base clock speed | 2.3 GHz | 2.424 GHz |
| Boost clock speed | 3 GHz | 3.7 GHz |
| Bus type | QPI | no data |
| Bus rate | 2 × 9.6 GT/s | no data |
| Multiplier | 23 | no data |
| L1 cache | no data | 3.3 MB |
| L2 cache | 4.5 MB | 36 MB |
| L3 cache | 45 MB | 48 MB |
| Chip lithography | 14 nm | 5 nm |
| Die size | 456.12 mm2 | no data |
| Number of transistors | 7200 Million | 67000 Million |
| 64 bit support | + | + |
| Windows 11 compatibility | - | no data |
Compatibility
Information on Xeon E5-2686 v4 and Apple M2 Max compatibility with other computer components: motherboard (look for socket type), power supply unit (look for power consumption) etc. Useful when planning a future computer configuration or upgrading an existing one. Note that power consumption of some processors can well exceed their nominal TDP, even without overclocking. Some can even double their declared thermals given that the motherboard allows to tune the CPU power parameters.
| Number of CPUs in a configuration | 2 (Multiprocessor) | no data |
| Power consumption (TDP) | 145 Watt | 79 Watt |
Technologies and extensions
Technological solutions and additional instructions supported by Xeon E5-2686 v4 and Apple M2 Max. You'll probably need this information if you require some particular technology.
| AES-NI | + | - |
| AVX | + | - |
| vPro | + | no data |
| Enhanced SpeedStep (EIST) | + | no data |
| TSX | + | - |
Security technologies
Xeon E5-2686 v4 and Apple M2 Max technologies aimed at improving security, for example, by protecting against hacks.
| TXT | + | no data |
Memory specs
Types, maximum amount and channel quantity of RAM supported by Xeon E5-2686 v4 and Apple M2 Max. Depending on the motherboard, higher memory frequencies may be supported.
| Maximum memory size | 1,536 GB | no data |
Graphics specifications
General parameters of integrated GPUs, if any.
| Integrated graphics card | no data | Apple M2 Max 38-Core GPU |
Peripherals
Specifications and connection of peripherals supported by Xeon E5-2686 v4 and Apple M2 Max.
| PCIe version | 3.0 | no data |
| PCI Express lanes | 40 | no data |
Synthetic benchmark performance
Various benchmark results of the processors in comparison. Overall score is measured in points in 0-100 range, higher is better.
Combined synthetic benchmark score
This is our combined benchmark performance rating. We are regularly improving our combining algorithms, but if you find some perceived inconsistencies, feel free to speak up in comments section, we usually fix problems quickly.
Passmark
Passmark CPU Mark is a widespread benchmark, consisting of 8 different types of workload, including integer and floating point math, extended instructions, compression, encryption and physics calculation. There is also one separate single-threaded scenario measuring single-core performance.
Pros & cons summary
| Performance score | 12.72 | 16.81 |
| Recency | 20 June 2016 | 17 January 2023 |
| Physical cores | 18 | 12 |
| Threads | 36 | 12 |
| Chip lithography | 14 nm | 5 nm |
| Power consumption (TDP) | 145 Watt | 79 Watt |
Xeon E5-2686 v4 has 50% more physical cores and 200% more threads.
Apple M2 Max, on the other hand, has a 32.2% higher aggregate performance score, an age advantage of 6 years, a 180% more advanced lithography process, and 83.5% lower power consumption.
The Apple M2 Max is our recommended choice as it beats the Xeon E5-2686 v4 in performance tests.
Be aware that Xeon E5-2686 v4 is a server/workstation processor while Apple M2 Max is a notebook one.
Should you still have questions on choice between Xeon E5-2686 v4 and Apple M2 Max, ask them in Comments section, and we shall answer.
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