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Threadripper 7980X — Zen 4 · 64C/128T · sTR5
AMD

Threadripper 7980X

Zen 4 · 64C/128T · sTR5

95
/ 100
From $4,999
VS
Threadripper 7980X wins by 2
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
Specdex verdict

Threadripper 7980X takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, Threadripper 7980X lands at 95 and Apple M5 at 93. That puts Threadripper 7980X ahead by 2 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

Pick Threadripper 7980X if…

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

Pick Apple M5 if…

  • ✓10-core CPU (up to 4 performance + 6 efficiency)
  • ✓10-core GPU
  • ✓153 GB/s unified memory bandwidth
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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 87).

Creators & productivity

Threadripper 7980X

Rendering, compilation, heavy multitasking — favours core count

Threadripper 7980X leads on multi (95 vs 90).

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 $4,999).

Threadripper 7980X 95
vs
93 Apple M5

Score breakdown

Threadripper 7980X
95
single 87
multi 95
gaming 75
efficiency 78
Apple M5
93
single 100
multi 90
gaming 78
efficiency 100

Specs side-by-side

Threadripper 7980X versus Apple M5 — full spec comparison
Spec Threadripper 7980X Apple M5
Architecture
Zen 4
—
Cores
▲ 64
10 (up to 4P + 6E)
Threads
128
—
Socket
sTR5
—
Release year
2023
2025
Memory bandwidth
—
153 GB/s
Neural engine
—
16-core
Process
—
TSMC 3 nm (3rd-generation)

Threadripper 7980X

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

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

FAQ: Threadripper 7980X vs Apple M5

Which is better, Threadripper 7980X or Apple M5? +

Threadripper 7980X scores 95 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 2. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is Threadripper 7980X worth the price? +

At $4,999, Threadripper 7980X delivers a Specdex score of 95 — strongest in multi.

Is Apple M5 worth the price? +

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

Does Threadripper 7980X or Apple M5 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, Threadripper 7980X or Apple M5? +

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, Threadripper 7980X or Apple M5? +

Threadripper 7980X — leads on multi (95 vs 90). Rendering, compilation, heavy multitasking — favours core count.