What To Know
- The higher clock speed of the M1 Ultra gives it an edge in single-threaded workloads, while the EPYC 9654’s lower clock speed but higher core count excels in multi-threaded applications.
- The AMD EPYC 9654 has a TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 360W, while the M1 Ultra has a TDP of 160W.
- The choice between the AMD EPYC 9654 and M1 Ultra depends on the specific requirements of the workload and the desired platform.
The competitive landscape in the world of high-performance computing has reached new heights with the emergence of two formidable processors: AMD’s EPYC 9654 and Apple’s M1 Ultra. Both processors boast impressive specifications and promise exceptional performance for demanding workloads. In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the key differences between the AMD EPYC 9654 and M1 Ultra, exploring their strengths, weaknesses, and suitability for various use cases.
Core Count and Architecture
The AMD EPYC 9654 is a 96-core processor based on the Zen 4 architecture. Its high core count makes it an ideal choice for workloads that require massive parallelization, such as machine learning, scientific simulations, and rendering. In contrast, the M1 Ultra features a 20-core CPU with a 16-core Neural Engine and a 32-core GPU. While its core count is lower than the EPYC 9654, the M1 Ultra benefits from Apple’s unified memory architecture, which provides faster access to data for improved performance.
Clock Speed
The AMD EPYC 9654 has a base clock speed of 2.4 GHz and a boost clock speed of 3.7 GHz. The M1 Ultra, on the other hand, has a base clock speed of 3.2 GHz and a boost clock speed of 4.5 GHz. The higher clock speed of the M1 Ultra gives it an edge in single-threaded workloads, while the EPYC 9654’s lower clock speed but higher core count excels in multi-threaded applications.
Memory and I/O
The AMD EPYC 9654 supports up to 4 TB of DDR5 memory with speeds of up to 6400 MT/s. It also features 128 PCIe 5.0 lanes, providing ample bandwidth for connecting high-speed devices. The M1 Ultra supports up to 128 GB of unified memory with speeds of up to 6400 MT/s. It offers 80 PCIe 4.0 lanes, which is still sufficient for most use cases but may limit expansion options compared to the EPYC 9654.
Power Consumption and Cooling
The AMD EPYC 9654 has a TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 360W, while the M1 Ultra has a TDP of 160W. The higher power consumption of the EPYC 9654 necessitates a more robust cooling solution. In contrast, the M1 Ultra’s lower power consumption makes it suitable for compact and energy-efficient systems.
Performance Benchmarks
In synthetic benchmarks, the AMD EPYC 9654 typically outperforms the M1 Ultra in multi-threaded workloads. For example, in the Geekbench 5 multi-core test, the EPYC 9654 scores around 110,000 points, while the M1 Ultra scores around 90,000 points. However, in single-threaded benchmarks, the M1 Ultra often takes the lead due to its higher clock speed.
Use Cases
The AMD EPYC 9654 is best suited for workloads that require massive parallelization and high memory bandwidth, such as:
- Machine learning and deep learning training
- Scientific simulations and modeling
- High-performance computing clusters
- Rendering and animation
The M1 Ultra is more suitable for workloads that require a balance of performance and efficiency, such as:
- Video editing and content creation
- Software development and compilation
- CAD and simulation
- Audio production and mixing
Suitability for Different Platforms
The AMD EPYC 9654 is designed for server and workstation platforms, while the M1 Ultra is exclusive to Apple’s Mac Studio desktop computer. This limits the compatibility of the M1 Ultra to Apple’s ecosystem, while the EPYC 9654 offers more flexibility for building custom systems.
Key Points
The choice between the AMD EPYC 9654 and M1 Ultra depends on the specific requirements of the workload and the desired platform. For workloads that demand extreme parallelization, high memory bandwidth, and low latency, the EPYC 9654 is the clear choice. On the other hand, for workloads that prioritize performance, efficiency, and a compact form factor, the M1 Ultra is an excellent option.
Top Questions Asked
Q: Which processor has more cores?
A: The AMD EPYC 9654 has 96 cores, while the M1 Ultra has 20 CPU cores.
Q: Which processor has a higher clock speed?
A: The M1 Ultra has a higher clock speed of 4.5 GHz, compared to the EPYC 9654’s 3.7 GHz boost clock speed.
Q: Which processor supports more memory?
A: The EPYC 9654 supports up to 4 TB of DDR5 memory, while the M1 Ultra supports up to 128 GB of unified memory.
