Computer hardware > AMD Ryzen 9 9950X vs. Apple M4 Ultra
This comparison explores the AMD Ryzen 9 9950X and the Apple M4 Ultra, two high-performance processors targeting different computing environments. Understanding their strengths and weaknesses is crucial for selecting the optimal processor for specific needs.
This comparison analyzes real-world performance, user feedback, and key differentiators to help you make an informed decision.
Quick Verdict
The AMD Ryzen 9 9950X is tailored for desktop users prioritizing overclocking and compatibility with a wide range of hardware, while the Apple M4 Ultra excels in power efficiency and seamless integration within the Apple ecosystem, particularly for creative professionals.
- The Apple M4 Ultra demonstrates superior multi-core performance based on Geekbench scores, while the Ryzen 9 9950X's single-core performance is comparable to high-end Intel CPUs.
- The Ryzen 9 9950X offers overclocking capabilities, appealing to enthusiasts seeking maximum performance.
- The Apple M4 Ultra is designed for energy efficiency and integration within the Apple ecosystem.
Who Should Choose Which?
Choose AMD Ryzen 9 9950X if:
Gamers, PC enthusiasts, and users who require a versatile platform with overclocking capabilities and broad hardware compatibility.
Choose Apple M4 Ultra if:
Creative professionals, users deeply embedded in the Apple ecosystem, and those prioritizing energy efficiency and optimized performance within macOS.
Key features – Side-by-Side
| Attribute | AMD Ryzen 9 9950X | Apple M4 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Zen 5 (Granite Ridge) | ARM-based SoC |
| Core/Thread Count | 16 Cores / 32 Threads | 32 Cores / 32 Threads (24 Performance, 8 Efficiency) |
| Base Clock Speed | 4.3 GHz | 4.52 GHz (Performance-core) |
| Boost Clock Speed | Up to 5.7 GHz | Not explicitly mentioned |
| Integrated Graphics | AMD Radeon Graphics (2 Cores, 2200 MHz) | Up to 80-core GPU |
| Memory Support | DDR5-5600, Up to 192GB | LPDDR5X-8533, Up to 192 GB |
| Single-Core Performance (Benchmark) | Cinebench 2024: 139 | Geekbench 6: ~4000 |
| Multi-Core Performance (Benchmark) | Cinebench 2024: 2340 | Geekbench 6: ~32500 |
| Manufacturing Process | CPU Cores: TSMC 4nm, I/O Die: TSMC 6nm | 3nm |
Overall Comparison
Pros and Cons
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X
- Strong performance in multi-threaded workloads
- Unlocked multiplier for overclocking
- Improvements for AVX-512/VNNI computational capabilities (benefits machine learning and AI workloads)
- Integrated graphics not ideal for gaming
- Can become temperature-limited when overclocking
- Requires a 240-280mm liquid cooler or equivalent
Apple M4 Ultra
- Excels in CPU-intensive tasks like video editing and 3D rendering
- Designed for energy efficiency, reducing heat output and power consumption
- Integrated graphics enhances overall performance, delivering visuals and smooth playback
- Unified memory architecture helps handle memory-intensive tasks efficiently
- Offers strong single-core performance
- Expected to maintain impressive power while reducing heat output and power consumption, even under demanding workloads
- Offers excellent performance, especially when considering the overall system cost
- Optimized for Apple's software ecosystem
- No major disadvantages reported.
User Experiences and Feedback
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X
- No highlights reported.
- No major complaints reported.
- No value feedback reported.
Apple M4 Ultra
- No highlights reported.
- No major complaints reported.
- No value feedback reported.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which processor is better for gaming?
The AMD Ryzen 9 9950X, due to its overclocking capabilities and compatibility with dedicated GPUs, is generally better suited for gaming.
Which processor is more energy-efficient?
The Apple M4 Ultra is designed for energy efficiency and lower power consumption, making it ideal for laptops and all-in-one systems.
Sources & Citations
- Official product specifications
- Expert reviews from tech publications
- User feedback from online forums
Information gathered through AI-assisted web search and analysis. Last updated: August 2025
Methodology & Transparency
Our comparison methodology combines multiple data sources to provide comprehensive, unbiased analysis:
- Data Collection: We gather information from official specifications, user reviews, and independent testing
- AI-Assisted Analysis: Advanced AI helps process large amounts of data while maintaining accuracy
- Human Oversight: All comparisons are reviewed for accuracy and relevance
- Regular Updates: Content is refreshed to reflect new information and user feedback
- Bias Mitigation: We strive for objectivity by considering multiple perspectives and sources
Versusly.ai uses AI-assisted content generation combined with human oversight to deliver comprehensive comparisons. We are transparent about our process and continuously work to improve accuracy and usefulness.