New, less expensive Strix Halo variant surfaces - Initial Geekbench score for Ryzen AI Max 385 shows an eight-core configuration
Firing Up the New AMD Ryzen AI Max 385: A First Look at Performance
The latest addition to AMD's Strix Halo series, the Ryzen AI Max 385, has made its way into the limelight, spotted running on Geekbench. This octa-core powerhouse is on a mission to take over the mainstream market with its eight-core and six-core variants. Initial numbers may not be as jaw-dropping as expected, but there's more to this chip than meets the eye.
Diving into CES
CES witnessed the arrival of AMD's top-tier APU family for this generation, the Strix Halo, falling under the Ryzen AI 300 Max line. Designed for AI/ML developers and gamers, Strix Halo presents a versatile array of options, boasting anywhere from 6 to 16 CPU cores and 16 to 40 GPU cores, catering to a broad spectrum of consumers.
While the premier Ryzen AI Max+ 395 and 390 have dominated the scene for the past two quarters, priced at a hefty $2,000 for mini-PCs and well over $5,000 for laptops such as the HP Zbook Ultra G1a and the Asus ROG Flow Z13, the entry-level Ryzen AI Max 385 promises to offer performance at a more accessible price point[1].
The Nitty-Gritty
Armed with eight Zen 5 CPU cores, the Ryzen AI Max 385 also packs a 32 Compute Unit equipped Radeon 8050S, based on RDNA 3.5, and a 50 TOPS capable XDNA 2 neural engine. With a maximum clock speed of 5 GHz, it's just 100 MHz shy of the flagship model.
Running a Geekbench test, this particular Ryzen AI Max 385 sample served up 2,489 points in the single-core test, and 14,136 points in the multi-core test. Although these results are lower than expected, keep in mind that this is a leak, so run-to-run variations and laptop power settings could be at play[1].
On the Horizon
At the time of writing, HP's website lists a model of the ZBook Ultra G1a featuring the Ryzen AI Max 385, priced at an eye-watering $2,599, with shipments scheduled to begin tomorrow[1]. In comparison, the Asus Flow Z13 doesn't offer a configuration below the 12-core Ryzen AI Max 390. The Framework Desktop, however, is configurable with the Ryzen AI Max 385, with shipments expected in Q3 of 2025. Lastly, only HP's upcoming Z2 Mini G1a mini workstations sport the entry-level hexacore Ryzen AI Max 380[1].
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- The Ryzen AI Max 385, part of the Strix Halo family, showcases its versatility as it caters to AI/ML developers and gamers with its powerful artificial-intelligence capabilities and impressive gadget performance.
- With the arrival of the Ryzen AI Max 385, the world of technology is expected to see an influx of exciting tools and advancements, making it easier and more affordable for consumers to tap into the realms of artificial intelligence and high-performance gadgets.
