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Apple M5 Ultra vs AMD FX-4170: Comparison
Apple M5 Ultra vs AMD FX-4170: the total cores difference
These two are close on paper, and total cores is the only measure that separates them at all: Apple M5 Ultra 36 against AMD FX-4170 4. Total threads is closer, 36 on the Apple M5 Ultra versus 4 on the AMD FX-4170. They differ on product line too, Apple Silicon on the Apple M5 Ultra versus Other on the AMD FX-4170. There is a split on form factor as well, Desktop on the Apple M5 Ultra versus Desktops on the AMD FX-4170.
Who each one is for
it is the wrong buy for anyone needing a portable chip, this is desktop-only silicon. It is equally the pick for Mac Studio buyers running the most demanding local AI, video, or 3D professional workloads that can use 32 CPU cores and up to 512GB of unified memory. It is the wrong buy for typical everyday or light creative use, where the cost premium is entirely unjustified. The AMD FX-4170 is the one to take for FX-Series platform upgrades or repairs and budget legacy builds, though it is not built for modern gaming or productivity workloads and new builds.
Specs and benchmarks
Product Line
- Apple M5 Ultra
- Apple Silicon
- AMD FX-4170
- Other
Form Factor
- Apple M5 Ultra
- Desktop
- AMD FX-4170
- Desktops
Total Cores
- Apple M5 Ultra
- 36Best
- AMD FX-4170
- 4
Total Threads
- Apple M5 Ultra
- 36Best
- AMD FX-4170
- 4
Which one should you pick?
Choose M5 Ultra if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Choose FX-4170 if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.