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AMD Ryzen AI Max 385 Review | 78 Data compared

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  • Avg. price: ~£1,000
  • PassMark benchmark result: ?
  • N. of physical cores: 8
  • CPU boost clock speed: 5.0 GHz

AMD Ryzen AI Max 385 review. Compare 78 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among processors and if it is worth buying.

7.3

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the processor's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best processors on the market.

Score components:

90.0%

7.3

Technical Score

10.0%

?

User score

Very good
7.3

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the processor's technical performance, covering key areas such as processing performance, core configuration, efficiency, platform support, integrated features, and thermal behavior.

When it matters: When you want to compare processors based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

60.0%

7.2

Performance

18.0%

8.2

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

7.4

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

5.8

Power & Thermal

4.0%

8.2

Platform

1.0%

9.1

Integrated Graphics

Very good
?

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the processor.

When it matters: When you want to know how a processor performs in real workloads and how reliable it is for gaming, productivity, and efficiency according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

?

User reviews

30.0%

?

Popularity

  • 6.9
    Gaming

    Score components:

    30.0%

    7.7

    PassMark single-core benchmark score

    25.0%

    7.2

    Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    7.6

    CPU boost clock speed

    17.0%

    5.5

    L3 cache

    8.0%

    3.5

    N. of physical cores

  • 5.5
    Video editing

    Score components:

    45.0%

    6.5

    Geekbench 6 multi-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    3.5

    N. of physical cores

    20.0%

    5.2

    CPU threads

    15.0%

    5.5

    L3 cache

  • No image
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Best prices in UK

    N/A~ £1,000

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The AMD Ryzen AI Max 385 is an 8-core, 16-thread processor based on the 'Zen 5' architecture and built on a TSMC 4nm process, featuring a base clock of 3.6 GHz and a boost clock of up to 5.0 GHz. Key specifications include 32MB of L3 cache, a configurable TDP ranging from 45W to 120W (default 55W), and a high-performance Radeon 8050S integrated GPU with 32 RDNA 3.5 compute units. A major pro is its powerful AI capability, offering up to 106 combined TOPS (50 TOPS from the XDNA 2 NPU) and support for ultra-fast 256-bit LPDDR5x-8000 memory. However, cons include being significantly slower in multi-threaded tasks compared to higher-tier 12 or 16-core 'Strix Halo' models like the 395, and its high price-to-performance ratio in some desktop configurations where everything is soldered, limiting repairability and future upgrades.

Technical Specifications of processor AMD Ryzen AI Max 385

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the processor's technical performance, covering key areas such as processing performance, core configuration, efficiency, platform support, integrated features, and thermal behavior.

When it matters: When you want to compare processors based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

60.0%

?

Performance

18.0%

?

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

?

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

?

Power & Thermal

4.0%

?

Platform

1.0%

?

Integrated Graphics

7.3
AMD Ryzen AI Max 385 has a technical score of 7.34 points, which is higher than that of 90% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the processor.

When it matters: When you want to know how a processor performs in real workloads and how reliable it is for gaming, productivity, and efficiency according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

0.0

User reviews

30.0%

1.0

Popularity

?
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the processor.
When it matters: When you prefer to choose a processor reviewed and selected by many other buyers.
1.0
AMD Ryzen AI Max 385 has a popularity of 1 points, which is higher than 0% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the processor's overall rating with its cost.

When it matters: When you are looking for a processor with a good balance between performance, efficiency, and price.

Score components:

60.0%

7.3

Overall score

40.0%

5.2

Price

6.7
AMD Ryzen AI Max 385 has a quality-to-price ratio of 6.7 points, which is higher than 61.9% of products in this category.
Brand name
What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.
When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

AMD
Processor type
What it is: The kind of system the processor is built for, such as desktop PCs, laptops, workstations, or servers.
When it matters: When you want a processor meant for the kind of machine you are actually building or buying, rather than a chip aimed at a different class of system.

Importance: HIGH

mobile
AMD Ryzen AI Max 385 belongs to the mobile processor class, which is more advanced than that of 7.3% of processors and equal to that of 48.6% of processors.
mobile workstation
CPU socket
What it is: The physical socket the processor fits into on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you need to make sure the CPU can actually be installed on a specific motherboard.

Importance: HIGH

FP11
AMD Ryzen AI Max 385 uses the FP11 CPU socket, which is newer than that of 53.1% of processors and equal to that of 0.5% of processors.
Chipset
What it is: The motherboard chipset families officially meant to work with the processor.
When it matters: When you are checking whether a CPU will work with the motherboard features and platform you plan to use.

Importance: HIGH

N/A
CPU architecture
What it is: The processor family or design generation behind the chip, such as Zen 4 or Raptor Lake.
When it matters: When you are comparing CPUs across generations and want a clearer sense of their design age, feature level, and expected performance class.

Importance: HIGH

x86-64
AMD Ryzen AI Max 385 uses the x86-64 architecture, which is more advanced than that of 1.7% of processors and equal to that of 98.3% of processors.
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N. of physical cores
What it is: The number of physical CPU cores on the processor.
When it matters: When you run workloads that benefit from more real cores.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 8+

8
AMD Ryzen AI Max 385 has 8 CPU cores, which is more than 63.4% of processors and equal to 13.6% of processors.
CPU threads
What it is: The total number of processing threads the CPU can handle at once.
When it matters: When you run heavily threaded workloads or multitask a lot.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 16+

16
AMD Ryzen AI Max 385 offers 16 CPU threads, which is more than 71.1% of processors and equal to 13.9% of processors.
Threads per core
What it is: The number of threads each physical core can handle at once.
When it matters: When you want to understand how much thread-level parallelism each core can provide in multitasking or heavily threaded work.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: 2

2
AMD Ryzen AI Max 385 offers 2 threads per core, which is more than 30.4% of processors and equal to 69.6% of processors.
CPU boost clock speed
What it is: The highest clock speed the processor can reach under boost conditions.
When it matters: When you care about peak speed in short bursts.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >4.7 GHz

5.0 GHz
AMD Ryzen AI Max 385 reaches a boost clock of 5.0 GHz which is higher than that of 80.3% of processors and equal to that of 5.7% of processors.
CPU base clock speed
What it is: The processor's normal all-core starting frequency before boost behavior raises clocks temporarily.
When it matters: When you care about steadier performance in longer workloads rather than short burst speed alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

8 x 3.6 GHz
AMD Ryzen AI Max 385 has a base clock of 8x3.6 GHz which is equal to that of 100% of processors.
Show more
Semiconductor size
What it is: The manufacturing process node used to produce the processor, usually expressed in nanometers.
When it matters: When efficiency, heat, and the relative modernity of the chip-making process matter to your comparison.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <10 nm

4 nm
AMD Ryzen AI Max 385 uses a 4 nm process node, which is more advanced than that of 88.4% of processors and equal to that of 7.5% of processors.
Foundry
What it is: The semiconductor manufacturer that physically fabricates the processor chip.
When it matters: When process source, manufacturing generation, or foundry differences matter to your comparison more than day-to-day performance alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

TSMC 4 nm
AMD Ryzen AI Max 385 is built on the TSMC 4 nm foundry process, which is more advanced than that of 87% of processors and equal to that of 7.5% of processors.
L3 cache
What it is: The total amount of L3 cache available on the processor.
When it matters: When you want better performance in cache-sensitive workloads and games.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=16 MB

32 MB
AMD Ryzen AI Max 385 has an L3 cache of 32 MB which is larger than that of 89.6% of processors and equal to that of 2.6% of processors.
L2 cache
What it is: The total amount of L2 cache available across the processor.
When it matters: When you want to compare CPU design efficiency and how much fast intermediate cache the cores have available.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=6 MB

8 MB
AMD Ryzen AI Max 385 has an L2 cache of 8 MB which is larger than that of 73.5% of processors and equal to that of 4.3% of processors.
L1 cache
What it is: The total amount of L1 cache built into the processor, which sits closest to the cores.
When it matters: When you are comparing low-level CPU design details rather than the broader performance picture buyers usually notice first.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=512 KB

640 KB
AMD Ryzen AI Max 385 has an L1 cache of 640 KB which is larger than that of 74.6% of processors and equal to that of 2.5% of processors.
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DDR memory version
What it is: The RAM generation the processor is designed to support, such as DDR4 or DDR5.
When it matters: When you need the CPU to match the kind of memory platform you want to buy or reuse.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: DDR5

LPDDR5X
AMD Ryzen AI Max 385 supports DDR LPDDR5X, which is newer than that of 89.9% of processors and equal to that of 1.5% of processors.
Maximum memory speed
What it is: The highest official memory speed supported by the processor.
When it matters: When you choose RAM and want to know the supported speed ceiling.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=4800 MHz

8,000 MHz
AMD Ryzen AI Max 385 supports memory speeds up to 8000 MHz, which is higher than that of 97.2% of processors and equal to 1.2% of processors.
Max memory speed (JEDEC)
What it is: The highest official RAM speed the processor supports under standard JEDEC settings, before any memory overclocking profiles are applied.
When it matters: When officially supported stock RAM speed matters more than XMP, EXPO, or manual memory tuning.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5600 MHz

LPDDR5X-8000 MHz
AMD Ryzen AI Max 385 supports JEDEC memory speeds up to LPDDR5X-8000 MHz, which is higher than that of 97.3% of processors and equal to 1.1% of processors.
Max memory speed (XMP / EXPO)
What it is: The highest memory speed supported through XMP or EXPO profiles.
When it matters: When you want faster RAM through memory profiles.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5200 MHz

N/A
Maximum memory capacity
What it is: The largest total amount of memory officially supported by the processor.
When it matters: When you plan a system with very large RAM capacity.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=128 GB

128 GB
AMD Ryzen AI Max 385 supports up to 128 GB of memory, which is more than 61.9% of processors and equal to 21.4% of processors.
Show more
Integrated graphics
What it is: Includes built-in graphics, so the system can output video without a separate graphics card.
When it matters: When you want the PC to work without a dedicated GPU, or you are building an office, media, compact, or troubleshooting-friendly system.

Importance: HIGH

yes
AMD Ryzen AI Max 385 includes integrated graphics. 87.6% of processors include integrated graphics.
AMD Radeon 8050S
Integrated GPU model
What it is: The model name of the integrated graphics processor, if present.
When it matters: When you plan to use the CPU's built-in graphics.

Importance: MEDIUM

Radeon 8050S
AMD Ryzen AI Max 385 uses the Radeon 8050S integrated GPU, which is more advanced than that in 98.5% of processors and equal to that in 0.2% of processors.
Integrated GPU execution units
What it is: The number of execution units available in the integrated graphics part of the processor.
When it matters: When you plan to rely on built-in graphics and want a better sense of its light gaming, display, or media capability.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=24

32
AMD Ryzen AI Max 385 has 32 GPU execution units, which is more than 70.8% of processors and equal to 9.9% of processors.
Integrated GPU base frequency
What it is: The base operating frequency of the integrated GPU.
When it matters: When integrated graphics performance matters to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=350 MHz

1,295 MHz
AMD Ryzen AI Max 385 has an integrated GPU clock of 1295 MHz which is higher than that of 99.7% of processors and equal to that of 0.1% of processors.
Integrated media encoders/decoders
What it is: The hardware media formats the processor can encode or decode directly.
When it matters: When you stream, edit video, or rely on hardware media acceleration.

Importance: LOW

H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode/encode)
AMD Ryzen AI Max 385 supports H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode/encode) media codecs, which is broader support than 71.7% of processors and equal to 0.3% of processors.
Show more
TDP (Thermal design power)
What it is: The rated thermal design power, which gives a general idea of cooling and power needs.
When it matters: When you choose a cooler or build in a tighter case.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <30 W

55 W
AMD Ryzen AI Max 385 has a TDP of 55 W which is higher than that of 63.9% of processors and equal to that of 4.2% of processors.
Base power (PL1)
What it is: The sustained power target used for longer CPU loads.
When it matters: When you choose cooling and power delivery for sustained workloads.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <30 W

55 W
AMD Ryzen AI Max 385 has a base power of 55 W which is higher than that of 64.1% of processors and equal to that of 4.1% of processors.
Boost power (PL2)
What it is: The short-term boost power limit the processor may draw under heavier turbo loads.
When it matters: When you size cooling and power delivery for peak turbo behavior.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <50 W

120 W
AMD Ryzen AI Max 385 has a boost power of 120 W which is higher than that of 79.2% of processors and equal to that of 0.8% of processors.
Tau (power duration limit)
What it is: The time limit the CPU can stay at higher boost power before dropping toward sustained power.
When it matters: When you want to understand turbo behavior under longer loads.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=28 s

N/A
Configurable TDP
What it is: Allows the processor to run in alternate power modes instead of being fixed to one default TDP target.
When it matters: When you want more control over heat, noise, and power draw in compact systems, quieter builds, or thermally limited machines.

Importance: LOW

yes
AMD Ryzen AI Max 385 supports configurable TDP. 52.9% of processors support configurable TDP.
cTDP: 45-120 W
Show more

AMD Ryzen AI Max 385 vs the average processor

  • 61.9% better single-core performance
    AMD Ryzen AI Max 385 has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (4,020 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.
    What it is: A benchmark score that reflects single-core CPU performance.
    When it matters: When you care about responsiveness in lighter or older software.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >3200

    AMD Ryzen AI Max 385 has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (4,020 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.4,020 vs 2,483
  • 2.95x higher multi-core score
    AMD Ryzen AI Max 385 has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (14,136 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
    What it is: A Geekbench 6 score that reflects multi-core CPU performance in mixed modern workloads.
    When it matters: When you want a quick picture of multi-core speed in everyday mixed workloads, multitasking, and broadly optimized software.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >8500

    AMD Ryzen AI Max 385 has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (14,136 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.14,136 vs 4,793
  • 69.2% higher single-core score
    AMD Ryzen AI Max 385 has a higher Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (2,489 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
    What it is: A Geekbench 6 score that reflects single-core CPU performance in mixed modern workloads.
    When it matters: When you care about snappy everyday performance in lighter apps, browsing, office work, or tasks that do not scale well across many cores.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >2000

    AMD Ryzen AI Max 385 has a higher Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (2,489 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.2,489 vs 1,471
  • More advanced microarchitecture
    AMD Ryzen AI Max 385 uses a more advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Strix Point vs Kaby Lake).
    What it is: The internal core-design codename used for this processor generation.
    When it matters: When you are comparing CPUs at a deeper design level and want to identify the exact architecture behind marketing names.

    Importance: LOW

    AMD Ryzen AI Max 385 uses a more advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Strix Point vs Kaby Lake).Strix Point vs Kaby Lake
  • 16.3% higher boost clock
    AMD Ryzen AI Max 385 has a higher boost clock speed than the average processor (5 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.
    What it is: The highest clock speed the processor can reach under boost conditions.
    When it matters: When you care about peak speed in short bursts.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >4.7 GHz

    AMD Ryzen AI Max 385 has a higher boost clock speed than the average processor (5 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.5.0 GHz vs 4.3 GHz
  • 4x larger L3 cache
    AMD Ryzen AI Max 385 has a higher L3 cache than the average processor (32 MB vs 8 MB). The average processor has L3 cache of 8 MB.
    What it is: The total amount of L3 cache available on the processor.
    When it matters: When you want better performance in cache-sensitive workloads and games.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=16 MB

    AMD Ryzen AI Max 385 has a higher L3 cache than the average processor (32 MB vs 8 MB). The average processor has L3 cache of 8 MB.32 MB vs 8 MB
  • 2.73x higher memory speed
    AMD Ryzen AI Max 385 has a higher maximum memory speed than the average processor (8,000 MHz vs 2,933 MHz). The average processor supports memory speed of 2,933 MHz.
    What it is: The highest official memory speed supported by the processor.
    When it matters: When you choose RAM and want to know the supported speed ceiling.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >=4800 MHz

    AMD Ryzen AI Max 385 has a higher maximum memory speed than the average processor (8,000 MHz vs 2,933 MHz). The average processor supports memory speed of 2,933 MHz.8000 MHz vs 2933 MHz
  • 66.7% smaller process node
    AMD Ryzen AI Max 385 has a lower process node than the average processor (4 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
    What it is: The manufacturing process node used to produce the processor, usually expressed in nanometers.
    When it matters: When efficiency, heat, and the relative modernity of the chip-making process matter to your comparison.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: <10 nm

    AMD Ryzen AI Max 385 has a lower process node than the average processor (4 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.4 nm vs 12 nm
  • 5 year/s newer release date
    AMD Ryzen AI Max 385 has a newer release date than the average processor (2,025 vs 2,020).
  • 61.9% better single-core performance
    AMD Ryzen AI Max 385 has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (4,020 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.
  • 2.95x higher multi-core score
    AMD Ryzen AI Max 385 has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (14,136 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
  • 69.2% higher single-core score
    AMD Ryzen AI Max 385 has a higher Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (2,489 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
  • 16.3% higher boost clock
    AMD Ryzen AI Max 385 has a higher boost clock speed than the average processor (5 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.
  • 8 more CPU threads
    AMD Ryzen AI Max 385 has more CPU threads than the average processor (16 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
  • 2 more CPU cores
    AMD Ryzen AI Max 385 has more CPU cores than the average processor (8 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
  • More advanced microarchitecture
    AMD Ryzen AI Max 385 uses a more advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Strix Point vs Kaby Lake).
  • 4x larger L3 cache
    AMD Ryzen AI Max 385 has a higher L3 cache than the average processor (32 MB vs 8 MB). The average processor has L3 cache of 8 MB.
  • 66.7% smaller process node
    AMD Ryzen AI Max 385 has a lower process node than the average processor (4 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
  • 3.2x larger L2 cache
    AMD Ryzen AI Max 385 has a higher L2 cache than the average processor (8 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.
  • More advanced foundry
    AMD Ryzen AI Max 385 uses a more advanced foundry process than the average processor (TSMC 4 nm vs Intel 14 nm).
  • 2x more L2 per core
    AMD Ryzen AI Max 385 has more L2 cache per core than the average processor (1 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core). The average processor provides 0.5 MB/core of L2 cache per core.
  • 66.7% larger L1 cache
    AMD Ryzen AI Max 385 has a higher L1 cache than the average processor (640 KB vs 384 KB). The average processor has L1 cache of 384 KB.
  • 16.7% more L3 per core
    AMD Ryzen AI Max 385 has more L3 cache per core than the average processor (2 MB/core vs 1.714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
  • 2.73x higher memory speed
    AMD Ryzen AI Max 385 has a higher maximum memory speed than the average processor (8,000 MHz vs 2,933 MHz). The average processor supports memory speed of 2,933 MHz.
  • Newer DDR support
    AMD Ryzen AI Max 385 supports a newer DDR generation than the average processor (LPDDR5X vs DDR4).
  • Newer PCIe version
    AMD Ryzen AI Max 385 supports a newer PCIe version than the average processor (4 vs 3.0).
  • 2x more memory capacity
    AMD Ryzen AI Max 385 has more maximum memory capacity than the average processor (128 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.
  • Supports ECC memory
    AMD Ryzen AI Max 385 supports ECC memory, the average processor does not.
  • Better integrated GPU
    AMD Ryzen AI Max 385 uses a better integrated GPU than the average processor (Radeon 8,050S vs Intel UHD Graphics 630).
  • 3.7x higher GPU clock speed
    AMD Ryzen AI Max 385 has a higher integrated GPU frequency than the average processor (1,295 MHz vs 350 MHz). The average processor has integrated GPU frequency of 350 MHz.
  • 1 more supported displays
    AMD Ryzen AI Max 385 has more supported displays than the average processor (4 vs 3). The average processor supports 3 displays.

Total
Platform
Performance
Cache & Architecture
Memory & PCIe
Integrated Graphics
  • Older TPM support
    AMD Ryzen AI Max 385 supports an older TPM version than the average processor (fTPM 2.0 vs PTT 2.0).
  • Narrower media codec support
    AMD Ryzen AI Max 385 supports fewer media codecs than the average processor (H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode/encode) vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode)).
  • 87.5% higher boost power
    AMD Ryzen AI Max 385 has a higher boost power draw than the average processor (120 W vs 64 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 64 W.
  • 22.2% higher base power
    AMD Ryzen AI Max 385 has a higher base power draw than the average processor (55 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
  • 22.2% higher TDP
    AMD Ryzen AI Max 385 has a higher TDP than the average processor (55 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
  • 87.5% higher boost power
    AMD Ryzen AI Max 385 has a higher boost power draw than the average processor (120 W vs 64 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 64 W.
    What it is: The short-term boost power limit the processor may draw under heavier turbo loads.
    When it matters: When you size cooling and power delivery for peak turbo behavior.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <50 W

    AMD Ryzen AI Max 385 has a higher boost power draw than the average processor (120 W vs 64 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 64 W.120 W vs 64 W
  • 4x more expensive
    AMD Ryzen AI Max 385 is more expensive than the average processor (£1,000 vs £250).
    AMD Ryzen AI Max 385 is more expensive than the average processor (£1,000 vs £250).£1,000 vs £250
  • 22.2% higher base power
    AMD Ryzen AI Max 385 has a higher base power draw than the average processor (55 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
    What it is: The sustained power target used for longer CPU loads.
    When it matters: When you choose cooling and power delivery for sustained workloads.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <30 W

    AMD Ryzen AI Max 385 has a higher base power draw than the average processor (55 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.55 W vs 45 W
  • Older TPM support
    AMD Ryzen AI Max 385 supports an older TPM version than the average processor (fTPM 2.0 vs PTT 2.0).
    What it is: The kind of TPM security support associated with the processor or its platform.
    When it matters: When operating-system requirements, device encryption, enterprise security, or platform trust features matter.

    Importance: LOW

    AMD Ryzen AI Max 385 supports an older TPM version than the average processor (fTPM 2.0 vs PTT 2.0).fTPM 2.0 vs PTT 2.0
  • 22.2% higher TDP
    AMD Ryzen AI Max 385 has a higher TDP than the average processor (55 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
    What it is: The rated thermal design power, which gives a general idea of cooling and power needs.
    When it matters: When you choose a cooler or build in a tighter case.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: <30 W

    AMD Ryzen AI Max 385 has a higher TDP than the average processor (55 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.55 W vs 45 W
  • Narrower media codec support
    AMD Ryzen AI Max 385 supports fewer media codecs than the average processor (H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode/encode) vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode)).
    What it is: The hardware media formats the processor can encode or decode directly.
    When it matters: When you stream, edit video, or rely on hardware media acceleration.

    Importance: LOW

    AMD Ryzen AI Max 385 supports fewer media codecs than the average processor (H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode/encode) vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode)).H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode/encode) vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode)
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Graphic comparison of AMD Ryzen AI Max 385 and other processors

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Third-party reviews

What customers like about AMD Ryzen AI Max 385?

  • Integrated graphics powerhouse: The Radeon 8050S iGPU delivers performance comparable to entry-level or mid-range desktop graphics cards, making 1080p Ultra gaming possible without a discrete GPU.
  • Exceptional AI performance: Features a dedicated NPU with 50 TOPS, excelling at machine learning inference and local AI workloads like LLMs.
  • High memory bandwidth: Supports LPDDR5x-8000 RAM and a wide 256-bit memory interface, which significantly boosts performance for memory-intensive tasks.
  • Balanced gaming efficiency: In handheld and small-form-factor tests, it often matches the more expensive 395 model at lower power levels (under 28W TDP).
  • Solid CPU performance: Built on Zen 5 architecture, it handles demanding creative tasks and gaming with responsive, 'snappy' performance.

What customers dislike about AMD Ryzen AI Max 385?

  • Premium pricing: Despite being a 'mid-range' option in the Max series, devices featuring it (like the HP ZBook Ultra) are often priced well north of $2,000.
  • No VVC support: Unlike competitors like Intel Lunar Lake, it lacks native support for the newer VVC video codec.
  • Potential thermal limits: High power draw (up to 120W) means its performance is heavily dependent on the device's cooling solution, which may lead to throttling in smaller chassis.
  • Hardware segmentation: It features significantly fewer CPU cores (8 vs 16) and GPU compute units (32 vs 40) compared to the flagship Ryzen AI Max+ 395.
  • Niche availability: Currently limited to specialized high-end workstations and boutique small-form-factor PCs like those from Framework or GPD.

Expert reviews

C
cpubenchmark.net
Updated Daily
AMD Ryzen AI Max 385 - CPU Benchmarks Would you like a breakdown of how the Radeon 8050S integrated graphics in this chip compares to discrete GPUs?

The AMD Ryzen AI Max 385 is an 8-core, 16-thread "Strix Halo" processor featuring Zen 5 architecture, a Radeon 8050S iGPU, and a 256-bit memory interface supporting LPDDR5x-8000 RAM. Positioned as an entry-level high-end APU with a 3.6 GHz base and 5.0 GHz boost clock, it offers significant single-thread performance gains over previous generations, along with 50 TOPS NPU...Read more

L
laptopmedia.com
01/01/2025
AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO 385 - LaptopMedia

The AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO 385 is an 8-core, 16-thread "Strix Halo" (Zen 5) processor designed for high-end mobile workstations, offering a 3.6 GHz base clock and a 55W-120W TDP. Key advantages include the Radeon 8050S iGPU with 32 RDNA 3+ compute units and a powerful 50 TOPS XDNA 2 NPU, though it lacks an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. Benchmarks show single-core performance...Read more

(Translated)Show original
C
cpubenchmark.net
08/01/2025
AMD Ryzen AI Max 385 - CPU Performance Benchmarks

The AMD Ryzen AI Max 385 is a high-performance 8-core, 16-thread processor from the "Strix Halo" family, utilizing a 4nm Zen 5 architecture with boost clocks up to 5.0 GHz. It boasts strong performance metrics, including a PassMark score of 33,420 and a 50 TOPS XDNA 2 NPU designed for advanced AI tasks, paired with LPDDR5x-8000 memory support. The integrated Radeon 8050S graphics...Read more

(Translated)Show original
T
tweakers.net
06/01/2026
Ryzen AI Max+ processors sit between existing AI Max CPUs

The AMD Ryzen AI Max+ "Strix Halo" processors, including the 16-core 395, aim to merge high-end mobile APU performance with integrated Radeon 8060S graphics boasting 40 CUs. These chips utilize a quad-channel LPDDR5x-8000 memory interface for high bandwidth, capable of assigning up to 96GB of unified system RAM as VRAM for intense AI and creative tasks. Key pros include...Read more

(Translated)Show original
L
laptopmedia.com
08/01/2025
AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO 385 - LaptopMedia

The AMD Ryzen AI Max Pro 385 is an 8-core, 16-thread Zen 5 (Strix Halo) mobile processor boasting 32MB L3 cache and boost speeds up to 5.0 GHz, functioning as a high-performance entry-level option in the Strix Halo lineup. It stands out with integrated Radeon 8050S graphics (32 compute units) offering performance similar to a dedicated RTX 3060, alongside a dedicated XDNA 2 NPU...Read more

(Translated)Show original

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