Apple M5 Ultra VS AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D2
We are comparing the Apple M5 Ultra (Apple) with the AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D2 (AMD). Scroll down to the pros and cons of each processor, in-depth specs, and benchmark comparisons.
Overall Comparison
KEY DIFFERENCES OF Apple M5 Ultra AND AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D2
Here’s how Apple M5 Ultra and AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D2 stack up against each other in their most impactful areas.
Reasons to consider the Apple M5 Ultra
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13% more CPU threads (36 vs 32)
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125% more CPU cores (36 vs 16)
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13% more performance-core threads (36 vs 32)
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125% more performance cores (36 vs 16)
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74% higher Geekbench V6 multi-core score (42327 vs 24340)
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33% higher Geekbench V6 single-core score (4710 vs 3553)
Reasons to consider the AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D2
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Supports ECC memory
SPECIFICATION TABLE COMPARISON OF Apple M5 Ultra AND AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D2
Below is the detailed specification table comparing Apple M5 Ultra and AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D2.
Note: Highlighted specs mean that CPU wins that spec row.
If neither side is highlighted, it is a tie or there is not enough data for both specs.
| Specification | Apple M5 Ultra | AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D2 |
|---|---|---|
|
General Information
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| CPU Name: | Apple M5 Ultra | AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D2 |
| Vendor: | Apple | AMD |
| Release Date: | August 25, 2026 | March 26, 2026 |
| Generation: | M5 | Ryzen 9 (Zen 5 (Granite Ridge)) |
| Type: | Desktop | Desktop |
| Instruction Set: | ARM64 | x86-64 |
| Codename: | Apple M5 | Zen 5 (Granite Ridge) |
| Foundry: | TSMC | TSMC |
|
Package and Thermals
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| Manufacturing Process: | 3 nm | 4 nm |
| Die Size: | — | 122 mm² |
| Transistor Count: | — | 16.63 billion |
| TDP (PL1): | — | 200 W |
| Max Boost TDP (PL2): | — | 270 W |
| Socket: | Apple M-Socket | AM5 |
| Max Temp (TJMax): | — | 95 C |
|
CPU Cores
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Total Cores
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| Total Cores | 36 | 16 |
| Total Threads | 36 | 32 |
|
P-Cores
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| P-Cores | 36 | 16 |
| P-Threads | 36 | 32 |
| P-Core Base Frequency | — | 4300 MHz |
| P-Core Turbo Frequency | — | 5600 MHz |
|
NPU
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| NPU |
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Cache and Bus
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| Multiplier | Locked | Unlocked |
| Bus Frequency | — | 100 MHz |
| L1 Cache | — | 80 KB |
| L2 Cache | — | 1 MB |
| L3 Cache | — | 192 MB |
|
Memory Support
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| Memory Types: | - LPDDR5X-9600 | DDR5-5600 |
| Max Memory Size: | 512 GB | 256 GB |
| Memory Channels: | 64 | 2 |
| Max Memory Bandwidth: | 1.2 TB/s | 89.6 GB/s |
| ECC Support: |
|
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| Technologies: | 12 Super Cores, 24 Performance Cores, Quad-Die Architecture, Next-Generation UltraFusion, 80-Core GPU, Neural Accelerators, 32-Core Neural Engine, Second-Generation Dynamic Caching, Hardware-Accelerated Mesh Shading, Third-Generation Ray Tracing, Hardware-Accelerated H.264, HEVC, ProRes, ProRes RAW and AV1 Decode, Thunderbolt 5, RDMA | N/A |
|
Benchmarks
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Geekbench V6
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| Multi-Core | 42327 | 24340 |
| Single-Core | 4710 | 3553 |
| File Compression | — | 2030 |
| Clang Compression | — | 241 |
| HTML5 Browser | — | 461 |
| PDF Renderer | — | 571 |
| Text Processing | — | 361 |
| Background Blur | — | 90 |
| Photo Processing | — | 160 |
| Ray Tracing | — | 57 |
|
PassMark CPU
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| Multi-Core | — | 72471 |
| Single-Core | — | 4703 |
| Integer Math | — | 242289 |
| Floating Point | — | 160761 |
| Prime Numbers | — | 862 |
| String Sorting | — | 97875 |
| Data Encryption | — | 44910 |
| Data Compression | — | 933085 |
| Physics | — | 7810 |
| Extended Instructions | — | 74878 |
|
Cinebench 2024
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| Multi-Core | 3905 | 2600 |
| Single-Core | 226 | 140 |
|
Blender
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| Render Score | — | 743 |
Tip: ▲ indicates a higher-is-better spec advantage, while ▼ indicates a lower-is-better advantage.
PERFORMANCE CHART COMPARISON OF Apple M5 Ultra AND AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D2
The charts below visualize how Apple M5 Ultra and AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D2 stack up in key performance metrics.
Performance Radar Chart
Performance Benchmarks
Release Timeline of Apple M5 Ultra and AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D2
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D2 was released 4 months, 30 days earlier than Apple M5 Ultra.
Value For Money Calculator
Prices use available launch or current data. Enter your own prices to see which CPU gives better value.
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Domain Score Summary
Scores are generated by Comparigon's scoring algorithm and are intended as a high-level guide. They may not map 1-to-1 with the individual spec-by-spec comparisons shown in the table.
Our Verdict
In conclusion, the Apple M5 Ultra dominates overall compared to the AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D2. It comes out ahead across every comparable key area.
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Disclaimer: Specs, pricing, and benchmarks are sourced from official manufacturer data and verified test results. While we strive for precision, product details and pricing may change. Comparigon may earn an affiliate commission on qualifying purchases.