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AMD’s Ryzen AI Max and Ryzen AI Max+ processors—also called Ryzen AI Max 300 Series and formerly codenamed Strix Halo—combine Zen 5 CPU cores, RDNA 3.5 integrated graphics and an XDNA 2 neural processing unit (NPU). The top announced model, Ryzen AI Max+ 395, has 16 CPU cores, 40 graphics compute units and up to 50 NPU TOPS. AMD also promotes configurations with up to 128GB of unified memory, but those capacities and chip specifications are not guarantees about every computer or its performance.
What is AMD Strix Halo?
Strix Halo is the former codename associated with AMD’s Ryzen AI Max 300 Series. AMD announced Ryzen AI Max and Ryzen AI Max PRO at CES in January 2025 for premium thin-and-light laptops and workstations. The design brings together three kinds of compute: Zen 5 CPU cores for general processing, RDNA 3.5 integrated graphics, and an XDNA 2 NPU for supported AI tasks. AMD’s CES 2025 announcement describes the product family and its positioning.
The name “AI” does not mean every AI application runs on the NPU. AMD describes the NPU as specialized for AI, the integrated GPU as suited to parallel computing and machine-learning tasks, and the CPU as handling general-purpose work. Which processor unit an application actually uses depends on its software and configuration. AMD’s Ryzen AI Software page outlines these roles.
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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesWhich Ryzen AI Max models did AMD announce?
The CES 2025 lineup includes three consumer Ryzen AI Max processors. Their published specifications show differences in CPU core count, cache and graphics-unit count; all three are listed with up to 50 NPU TOPS. These are AMD component specifications, not independent tests or a prediction of sustained performance in a particular PC.
#1 Best Overall
- Built for Local AI Development: AMD Ryzen AI Halo is designed for local AI development and inference, featuring 128GB unified memory and support for up to 200B parameter models to build and run intensive AI workloads locally.
- 128GB Unified Memory: Features 128GB LPDDR5x unified memory at 8000 MT/s with 256 GB/s memory bandwidth, providing a shared memory pool across the CPU, GPU, and NPU to support larger AI models.
- AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 Processor: Features 16 cores, 32 threads, and Zen 5 architecture, paired with AMD Radeon 8060S integrated graphics featuring 40 RDNA 3.5 compute units and an AMD XDNA 2 NPU with up to 50 TOPS.
- Linux AI Developer Platform: Purpose-built for Linux-based AI development with full AMD ROCm software support and preloaded tools, models, and workflows optimized for local AI development.
- Compact, Connected Design: Includes a 2TB M.2 SSD, 10GbE LAN, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, USB-C connectivity, and HDMI 2.1b.
| Processor | CPU cores / threads | Base / max boost | Total cache | Integrated graphics | NPU |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ryzen AI Max+ 395 | 16 / 32 | 3.0 / up to 5.1 GHz | 80 MB | Radeon 8060S, 40 CUs | Up to 50 TOPS |
| Ryzen AI Max 390 | 12 / 24 | 3.2 / up to 5.0 GHz | 76 MB | Radeon 8050S, 32 CUs | Up to 50 TOPS |
| Ryzen AI Max 385 | 8 / 16 | 3.6 / up to 5.0 GHz | 40 MB | Radeon 8050S, 32 CUs | Up to 50 TOPS |
Specifications are from AMD’s Ryzen AI Max+ 395 specifications and Ryzen AI Max 385 specifications, alongside the CES lineup announcement. AMD lists the Max+ 395 at a 55 W default TDP and a configurable TDP range of 45–120 W. A processor’s TDP range does not tell you the power setting a particular manufacturer chose or how well a system sustains it.
Why does unified memory matter for AI?
AMD says Ryzen AI Max systems can be configured with up to 128GB of unified memory, with up to 96GB available for graphics. “Up to” is important: this is a family-level maximum, not the installed memory or graphics allocation in every laptop. The device maker’s specific configuration determines how much memory the computer has and how it is allocated. AMD’s launch statement about memory is product positioning, not an independent performance finding.
Rank #2
- Built for Local AI Development: AMD Ryzen AI Halo is designed for local AI development and inference, featuring 128GB unified memory and support for up to 200B parameter models to build and run intensive AI workloads locally.
- 128GB Unified Memory: Features 128GB LPDDR5x unified memory at 8000 MT/s with 256 GB/s memory bandwidth, providing a shared memory pool across the CPU, GPU, and NPU to support larger AI models.
- AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 Processor: Features 16 cores, 32 threads, and Zen 5 architecture, paired with AMD Radeon 8060S integrated graphics featuring 40 RDNA 3.5 compute units and an AMD XDNA 2 NPU with up to 50 TOPS.
- Windows 11 Pro AI Developer Platform: Built for AI development on Windows 11 Pro with AMD ROCm software support and access to tools, models, and workflows for local AI development.
- Compact, Connected Design: Includes a 2TB M.2 SSD, 10GbE LAN, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, USB-C connectivity, and HDMI 2.1b.
A large shared memory pool can be relevant when a local workload needs substantial memory for graphics or AI models. It does not, by itself, establish that a particular model will run, at what speed, or with which software. Those outcomes also depend on the system configuration, software support and workload. AMD has made distinct allocation claims in different contexts; neither should be read as a universal guaranteed allocation for all Ryzen AI Max PCs.
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Can Ryzen AI Max run AI models locally?
AMD positions the family for local AI workloads and large models, supported by the combination of integrated graphics, NPU and potentially large unified-memory configurations. Whether a specific model runs on a specific computer depends on the model’s memory needs, the system’s installed memory and allocation, compatible software, and the compute unit the application supports. The processor name or its NPU TOPS figure alone cannot answer those questions.
Rank #3
- Pure gaming performance with smooth 100+ FPS in the world's most popular games
- 6 Cores and 12 processing threads, based on AMD "Zen 5" architecture
- 5.4 GHz Max Boost, unlocked for overclocking, 38 MB cache, DDR5-5600 support
- For the state-of-the-art Socket AM5 platform, can support PCIe 5.0 on select motherboards
- Cooler not included
AMD’s published performance and model-size statements are tied to particular claims and configurations. They should not be treated as independent benchmarks or as a guarantee of results across all systems. The available specifications do not provide a matched independent comparison of retail laptops or workstations using these processors.
What is Ryzen AI Halo?
Ryzen AI Halo is a compact developer desktop related to the Ryzen AI Max platform, rather than a laptop processor or a member of the Max chip lineup. AMD specifies a configuration with a Ryzen AI Max+ 395, 128GB of LPDDR5x memory and a 2TB M.2 SSD, with Windows or Linux support. AMD describes it as a system for local AI development. See AMD’s Ryzen AI Halo Developer Platform page for its published configuration.
Rank #4
- The Socket AM5 socket allows processor to be placed on the PCB without soldering
- Ryzen 5 product line processor for your convenience and optimal usage
- 5 nm process technology for reliable performance with maximum productivity
- Hexa-core (6 Core) processor core helps processor process data in a dependable and timely manner with maximum productivity
- 6 MB L2 plus 32 MB L3 cache memory provides excellent hit rate in short access time enabling improved system performance
AMD said preorders for the Halo Developer Platform were planned to begin in June 2026. That dated announcement does not establish current stock, price or availability in a particular region; check AMD or current local listings for those details. AMD’s 2026 announcement gives the preorder timing.
How to compare Ryzen AI Max computers
Do not choose a laptop or workstation from the processor name alone. Two systems using the same chip can differ in memory, cooling and power settings, all of which affect the experience. Compare the complete device configuration and the workload you intend to run.
Best Value
- AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D Gaming and Content Creation Processor
- Max. Boost Clock : Up to 5.7 GHz; Base Clock: 4.3 GHz
- Form Factor: Desktops , Boxed Processor
- Architecture: Zen 5; Former Codename: Granite Ridge AM5
- Exact processor and graphics: Confirm the CPU SKU and Radeon graphics model, including the number of CUs.
- Memory: Check installed unified-memory capacity and bandwidth, plus the amount the system or software makes available to graphics. Do not assume a device offers the family maximum.
- Power and cooling: Look for the system’s configured power limits and evidence about sustained operation; chip-level TDP specifications do not establish a computer’s real-world performance.
- Workload and software: Compare results only when the workload, software version and system configuration are relevant to your use.
- Practical fit: Weigh display, portability, upgradeability, availability and whole-system price alongside compute specifications.
AMD announced that Acer and ASUS were among OEM partners expected to offer systems with new Ryzen AI Max+ Series processors beginning in Q1 2026. That announcement is not a verified list of models currently in stock. Check each manufacturer’s current product details for exact configurations.
Quick Recap
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