PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.

Overview

The Xeon Max 9480 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 10 January 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Sapphire Rapids HBM (2023) architecture. It features 56 cores and 112 threads. Base frequency is 1.9 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 112.5 MB. L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: LGA4677. Thermal design power (TDP): 350 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800. Passmark benchmark score: 82,913 points. Launch price was $12,980.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.•
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar Xeon Max 9480

#536

Xeon E5-2650L v3

MSRP: $1329|Avg: N/A

140%

#537

Xeon W-3265

MSRP: $3684|Avg: $3400

138%

#538

Opteron 6282 SE

MSRP: $1019|Avg: $770

130%

#539

EPYC 9684X

MSRP: $14756|Avg: $14756

129%

#540

Xeon E3110

MSRP: $214|Avg: $158

128%

#541

Xeon E5-4640 v4

MSRP: $2837|Avg: N/A

124%

#542

Opteron 6376

MSRP: $703|Avg: N/A

124%

#543

Xeon E7-8867 v3

MSRP: $4672|Avg: $4672

124%

#544

Xeon E5649

MSRP: $774|Avg: N/A

114%

#545

Xeon Platinum 8592+

MSRP: $11600|Avg: $11600

113%

#546

Xeon Platinum 8562Y+

MSRP: $5945|Avg: $7000

112%

#547

Opteron 4386

MSRP: $459|Avg: $459

112%

#548

Xeon E5-2640

MSRP: $885|Avg: N/A

111%

#549

Xeon E5-2650L v2

MSRP: $4115|Avg: $1078

110%

#550

Xeon Platinum 8260L

MSRP: $7500|Avg: $750

106%

#551

Xeon Max 9480

MSRP: $12980|Avg: $12980

100%

#552

Xeon E5-2685 v3

MSRP: $2090|Avg: N/A

97%

#553

Xeon E5-2630 v2

MSRP: $1069|Avg: $1224

96%

#554

Xeon Platinum 8368Q

MSRP: $7719|Avg: $7719

95%

#555

Xeon Platinum 8280M

MSRP: $10009|Avg: $6223

95%

#556

Xeon L5430

MSRP: $390|Avg: $380

93%

#557

Xeon W-3245M

MSRP: $5002|Avg: $5002

89%

#558

Xeon X7550

MSRP: $1500|Avg: $1400

88%

#559

Xeon Platinum 8268

MSRP: $6302|Avg: N/A

87%

#560

Xeon L5640

MSRP: $996|Avg: N/A

73%

#561

Xeon Platinum 8270

MSRP: $7405|Avg: N/A

71%

#562

Xeon Platinum 8260M

MSRP: $7705|Avg: N/A

69%

#563

Xeon E5-4640

MSRP: $2725|Avg: N/A

40%

#564

Xeon E5-4655 v4

MSRP: $4616|Avg: N/A

37%

#565

Xeon E5-4650L

MSRP: $3616|Avg: N/A

37%

#566

Xeon L3110

MSRP: $1000|Avg: $950

22%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Xeon Max 9480 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Xeon Max 9480 specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Xeon Max 9480 is a 56-core / 112-thread processor based on the Sapphire Rapids HBM (2023) architecture, manufactured on a 10 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 3.5 GHz from a base frequency of 1.9 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. With a massive 112.5 MB L3 cache (3D V-Cache technology), this processor has a significant gaming advantage — the large cache drastically reduces memory latency in game engines., plus 2 MB (per core) of L2 cache and 80K (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 82,913, placing it in the Enthusiast performance tier as a Recent generation product. Geekbench 6 single-core (the most relevant metric for gaming FPS) records 1,900, while multi-core reaches 55,000.

Specification	Xeon Max 9480
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	56C / 112T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	3.5 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	1.9 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Sapphire Rapids HBM (2023)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	10 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores	112.5 MB
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data	2 MB (per core)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	80K (per core)
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor	4x 477 mm2
64-bit Support	Yes
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	82,913
Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming	1,900
Geekbench 6 MultiMulti-core parallel workload performance	55,000

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Xeon Max 9480 fits into the LGA4677 socket and supports PCIe 4.0 with 80 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR5-4800 memory at speeds up to DDR5-4800 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 4096 GB across 8 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). It supports ECC memory, providing error-correcting capabilities — essential for mission-critical workloads and servers. Integrated graphics: None — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.

Specification	Xeon Max 9480
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	server
SocketMotherboard socket required	LGA4677
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 4.0
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion	80
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR5-4800
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency	DDR5-4800
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory	4096 GB
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel	8
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruption	Yes
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processor	None
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPU	C741
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	2

🔧

Advanced Features

The Xeon Max 9480 is primarily designed for HPC Server. It supports AVX-512 instructions — specialized SIMD operations that significantly accelerate AI inference, scientific computing, and video encoding workloads. Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads). Its primary market competitor is the EPYC 9684X.

Specification	Xeon Max 9480
Primary Use CaseIntended workload category	HPC Server
OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased	🔒 Locked
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads	✅ Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology	VT-x, VT-d
Direct CompetitorMarket equivalent from rival manufacturer	EPYC 9684X

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Xeon Max 9480 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 350 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed. No stock cooler is included — you will need to purchase an aftermarket cooler separately. Recommended cooling: Server Liquid.

Specification	Xeon Max 9480
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	350 Watt
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box	None
Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solution	Server Liquid

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $12,980, the Xeon Max 9480 delivers 6 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #59 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Xeon Max 9480
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$12980
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$12980
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$12,980
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#59
Release DateLaunch date	10 January 2023 (2 years ago)
Release Year	2023
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)	Intel