Apple M5
10C CPU · 10C GPU · Next-gen NPU
Threadripper 7980X
Zen 4 · 64C/128T · sTR5
Threadripper 7980X takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, Apple M5 lands at 94 and Threadripper 7980X at 95. That puts Threadripper 7980X ahead by 1 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.
Pick Apple M5 if…
- ✓Perf-per-watt improved ~18% vs M4
- ✓Enhanced ray tracing
- ✓16-core Neural Engine v5 (50 TOPS)
Pick Threadripper 7980X if…
- ✓Massive core counts
- ✓ECC memory support
- ✓Workstation/server-grade platform
Winner by scenario
Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate testGaming
Apple M5Frame-rate-bound workloads — favours cache and single-thread speed
Apple M5 leads on single (100 vs 87).
Creators & productivity
Threadripper 7980XRendering, compilation, heavy multitasking — favours core count
Threadripper 7980X leads on multi (95 vs 90).
Power efficiency
Apple M5Performance per watt — thermals, PSU headroom, electricity cost
Apple M5 leads on efficiency (100 vs 78).
Value for money
Apple M5Specdex score per dollar at MSRP
Apple M5 more score per dollar ($1,299 vs $4,999).
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Apple M5 | Threadripper 7980X |
|---|---|---|
| Cores | 10 (4P+6E) | ▲ 64 |
| Memory bandwidth | 150 GB/s | — |
| Neural engine | 16-core, 50 TOPS | — |
| Process | TSMC N3P | — |
| Architecture | — | Zen 4 |
| Threads | — | 128 |
| Socket | — | sTR5 |
| Release year | — | 2023 |
Apple M5
- +Perf-per-watt improved ~18% vs M4
- +Enhanced ray tracing
- +16-core Neural Engine v5 (50 TOPS)
- −Apple-ecosystem only
- −Limited to first-party products
- −No Windows gaming story
Threadripper 7980X
- +Massive core counts
- +ECC memory support
- +Workstation/server-grade platform
- −Niche platform, limited motherboards
- −High TDP requires serious cooling
- −Premium price
FAQ: Apple M5 vs Threadripper 7980X
Which is better, Apple M5 or Threadripper 7980X? +
Threadripper 7980X scores 95 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 1. 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 94 — strongest in single.
Is Threadripper 7980X worth the price? +
At $4,999, Threadripper 7980X delivers a Specdex score of 95 — strongest in multi.
Does Apple M5 or Threadripper 7980X 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 Threadripper 7980X? +
Apple M5 — leads on single (100 vs 87). Frame-rate-bound workloads — favours cache and single-thread speed.
Which is better for creator and productivity work, Apple M5 or Threadripper 7980X? +
Threadripper 7980X — leads on multi (95 vs 90). Rendering, compilation, heavy multitasking — favours core count.