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Apple M5 — 10C CPU · 10C GPU · 153 GB/s memory
Apple

Apple M5

10C CPU · 10C GPU · 153 GB/s memory

93
/ 100
From $1,299
VS
Apple M5 wins by 3
Xeon W9-3475X — Sapphire Rapids · 36C/72T · LGA4677
Intel

Xeon W9-3475X

Sapphire Rapids · 36C/72T · LGA4677

90
/ 100
From $3,739
Specdex verdict

Apple M5 takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, Apple M5 lands at 93 and Xeon W9-3475X at 90. That puts Apple M5 ahead by 3 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

Pick Apple M5 if…

  • ✓10-core CPU (up to 4 performance + 6 efficiency)
  • ✓10-core GPU
  • ✓153 GB/s unified memory bandwidth

Pick Xeon W9-3475X if…

  • ✓Massive core counts
  • ✓ECC memory support
  • ✓Workstation/server-grade platform
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Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Gaming

Apple M5

Frame-rate-bound workloads — favours cache and single-thread speed

Apple M5 leads on single (100 vs 82).

Creators & productivity

Tie

Rendering, compilation, heavy multitasking — favours core count

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Power efficiency

Apple M5

Performance per watt — thermals, PSU headroom, electricity cost

Apple M5 leads on efficiency (100 vs 78).

Value for money

Apple M5

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Apple M5 more score per dollar ($1,299 vs $3,739).

Apple M5 93
vs
90 Xeon W9-3475X

Score breakdown

Apple M5
93
single 100
multi 90
gaming 78
efficiency 100
Xeon W9-3475X
90
single 82
multi 90
gaming 70
efficiency 78

Specs side-by-side

Apple M5 versus Xeon W9-3475X — full spec comparison
Spec Apple M5 Xeon W9-3475X
Cores
10 (up to 4P + 6E)
▲ 36
Memory bandwidth
153 GB/s
—
Neural engine
16-core
—
Process
TSMC 3 nm (3rd-generation)
—
Release year
2025
2023
Architecture
—
Sapphire Rapids
Threads
—
72
Socket
—
LGA4677

Apple M5

Pros
  • +10-core CPU (up to 4 performance + 6 efficiency)
  • +10-core GPU
  • +153 GB/s unified memory bandwidth
Cons
  • −Apple-ecosystem only
  • −Base tier starts at 16 GB
  • −Windows via Parallels only

Xeon W9-3475X

Pros
  • +Massive core counts
  • +ECC memory support
  • +Workstation/server-grade platform
Cons
  • −Niche platform, limited motherboards
  • −High TDP requires serious cooling
  • −Premium price

FAQ: Apple M5 vs Xeon W9-3475X

Which is better, Apple M5 or Xeon W9-3475X? +

Apple M5 scores 93 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 3. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is Apple M5 worth the price? +

At $1,299, Apple M5 delivers a Specdex score of 93 — strongest in single.

Is Xeon W9-3475X worth the price? +

At $3,739, Xeon W9-3475X delivers a Specdex score of 90 — strongest in multi.

Does Apple M5 or Xeon W9-3475X last longer? +

Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.

Which is better for gaming, Apple M5 or Xeon W9-3475X? +

Apple M5 — leads on single (100 vs 82). Frame-rate-bound workloads — favours cache and single-thread speed.

Which is better for power efficiency, Apple M5 or Xeon W9-3475X? +

Apple M5 — leads on efficiency (100 vs 78). Performance per watt — thermals, PSU headroom, electricity cost.