Ryzen AI Max+ 395 : Specifications, Architecture, Working & Its Applications

The AMD Ryzen AI Max series processors are high-performance AI-focused APUs that integrate CPU, GPU, and NPU cores into a unified SoC. Built on Zen 5 architecture, these chips combine RDNA 3.5 graphics and a dedicated XDNA 2 NPU to deliver exceptional AI acceleration for gaming, content creation, and professional workloads in thin laptops and mini PCs.The benefits of Ryzen AI Max include powerful performance, versatility, efficiency, the ability to run complex AI models, and many more. There are different models of AMD Ryzen AI Max series processors available, like AMD Ryzen AI Max 385, Max 390, and Max+ 395. This article elaborates on the Ryzen AI Max+ 395 processor, its working, and applications.

What is the Ryzen AI Max+ 395 Processor?

The Ryzen AI Max+ 395 is an AMD processor, specifically a high-end accelerated processing unit, designed for gaming, production tasks, and AI workloads. This processor uses Zen 5 architecture with features like GPU, CPU, and AI acceleration on a single chip. In addition, it can also integrate RDNA 3.5 graphics & an XDNA 2 NPU. It features an integrated Radeon 8060S GPU with 40 compute units, a dedicated XDNA2 NPU for AI acceleration, and a 16-core or 32-thread Zen 5 CPU. Therefore, this processor combines high-end GPU, CPU & AI performance onto a single chip to make it perfect for compact, powerful mini PCs & laptops.

Ryzen AI Max+ 395 Specifications

The specifications of Ryzen AI Max+ 395 include the following.

• It is a high-performance based AI-focused processor developed by AMD.
• It features 16 Cores / 32 Threads
• Architecture is Zen 5 (Strix Halo)
• It uses a 4 nm manufacturing process.
• Cache is 64 MB L3.
• It is an Integrated AMD Radeon 8060S series graphics including 40 graphics cores.
• Clock Speed ranges from 3 GHz to upto 5.1 GHz boost.
• Base Clock is 3 GHz.
• Total Cache is 80 MB (16 MB L2 + 64 MB L3).
• TDP is 55W.
• Configurable TDP ranges from 45 to 120W.
• The graphics model is Radeon 8060S Graphics.
• Graphics Cores – 40.
• Graphics frequency is up to 2900 MHz.
• AI Engine is XDNA 2 NPU.
• NPU TOPS is up to 50 TOPS.
• System TOPS total is up to 126 TOPS.
• The type of system memory is 256-bit LPDDR5x.
• Maximum memory speed is LPDDR5x-8000.
• Max memory is 128 GB.
• It features two Native USB 4 and three USB 3.2 Gen 2.
• PCI Express Version is PCIe 4.0

How does AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 Work?

The AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 is an integrated chip that works by integrating a high-end RDNA 3.5 integrated GPU, a dedicated AI accelerator (XDNA2 NPU), and a powerful Zen 5 CPU into a single package. So The unified memory architecture lets the CPU, GPU, and NPU share high-bandwidth LPDDR5x memory, eliminating data transfer delays and improving AI inference speed.

The CPU, GPU & NPU in the unified memory architecture of this processor can share data openly from a similar group of system RAM and GPU VRAM. This processor keeps away from time-consuming data copies by sharing memory between different memory pools, which leads to faster processing and more efficient handling of large datasets. The NPU in the hybrid mode works with the GPU to speed up AI tasks which resulting in high TPS (tokens per second) performance, which is particularly helpful for generative AI-based applications. Therefore, the integrated components in this architecture handle different tasks like content creation, video encoding, and AI processing using unified memory, high efficiency with less power, and a separate and discrete GPU efficiently

Ryzen AI Max+ 395 Architecture

The Ryzen AI Max+ 395 processor is an accelerated processing unit built on the Strix Halo architecture. It features a Radeon 8060S GPU with RDNA 3.5 compute units – 40, Zen 5 CPU cores – 16 & an XDNA 2 NPU. Thus, these components can be integrated onto a single chip with a 4nm process of TSMC. So it is designed for AI-accelerated computing with its high core count, high-performance, powerful integrated graphics & LPDDR5x memory is up to 128GB.

Architecture Components

This architecture can be built with different components like CPU, GPU, AI accelerator, memory, cache, manufacturing, and connectivity, which are discussed below.

CPU

The Ryzen AI Max+ 395 features a 16 Zen 5 CPU cores, 32 threads, and from 3.0 GHz to 5.1 GHz base clock. It is designed for AI-accelerated computing through an included Radeon 8060S GPU & an XDNA2 NPU for up to 126 TOPS of a united system-wide AI performance. Therefore, this processor works with TSMC’s 4nm FinFET process and includes a strong cache hierarchy with a total cache – 80 MB, supporting up to 128 GB of LPDDR5x-8000 RAM.

GPU

The Ryzen AI Max+ 395 features an extremely integrated RDNA 3.5-based graphics processor like the AMD Radeon 8060S GPU with 40 CUs. This GPU provides desktop-class performance in demanding tasks like content creation & gaming. This integrated GPU offers desktop-class performance for demanding tasks like gaming and content creation with a portion of the unified memory of the system. Thus, it is configured with up to memory – 96 GB for graphics. It achieves performance equivalent to some dedicated graphics cards like the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Ti while sharing a unified memory pool and power with the CPU cores of the APU.

AI Accelerator

The AI accelerator, like the XDNA 2 engine in the Ryzen AI Max+ 395, is a dedicated NPU (neural processing unit) built into the SoC. This neural processing unit is designed to speed up AI workloads like language models and image generation.

The XDNA 2 accelerator works in cycle with the RDNA 3.5 integrated GPU and Zen 5 CPU core and benefits from the combined memory architecture to develop performance & efficiency. Thus, the core AI processing component is the XDNA 2 NPU, designed for NPU tasks.

The accelerator can be optimized for generative AI by delivering major performance in tasks like image generation & large language models. This NPU can work next to the GPU and CPU in a hybrid mode to boost AI performance through the mixed power of the accelerators.

This architecture utilizes a unified memory pool by allowing the GPU, NPU, and CPU to access similar data without exclusive copy operations. Thus, it leads to better memory use & faster AI processing.

Memory & Cache

The AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 processor uses 64GB/128GB LPDDR5x memory with 8000MHz of speed. In addition, it includes a 256-bit memory bus that supports up to 128GB of memory. This system memory is shared by allowing flexible allocation between system and video memory, mainly for the incorporated graphics.

The AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 processor features 80 MB of total combined L2 & L3 cache. So the L2 cache is 16 MB and the L3 cache is 64 MB. In addition, the L2 cache can be separated into 1 MB for each core, whereas the larger L3 cache can be shared across the processor.

Manufacturing Process

This processor is manufactured with a multi-chip design with different components like CPU cores, GPU, and an AI accelerator, which are fabricated on a 4nm FinFET process of TSMC. This process involves creating several dies and an inner I/O die, assembled into a single package. After that, this architecture can be integrated into devices through OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) like Framework, GEKOM, and HP.

Base Clock & Boost Clock

The base clock is a standard operating speed, whereas the boost clock is the highest speed it can achieve for small bursts of severe tasks. So, the AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 processor features 3.0 GHz of base clock and up to 5.1 GHz, a boost clock.
The base clock’s main purpose is to provide a consistent performance level for long-running and daily tasks. Therefore, it ensures reliability and efficiency for common applications like document editing, web browsing, and less demanding activities.

The Boost Clock’s purpose is to deliver a significant performance boost for small periods whenever more power is necessary. Therefore, it is essential for handling bursty workloads like video editing, complex AI computations, and gaming by ensuring a more responsive and smoother experience in intense tasks.

Connectivity

This processor provides wide connectivity with native USB 2.0, USB 3.2 Gen 2, and USB 4 by supporting of PCIe 4.0. In addition, it can also include the Framework desktop and high-speed display options like DisplayPort 2.1. It can be configured with ports like a 5Gbit Ethernet port and an HDMI 2.1. Here, wireless connectivity mainly depends on the specific laptop or motherboard, with common options like Bluetooth 5.3 and Wi-Fi 6E.

Software System

The software system for the Ryzen AI Max+ 395 processor includes Adrenalin Edition AMD Software for gaming and driver features. This software allows developers to run AI models on the incorporated NPU or GPU. Thus, this is complemented by the OS by supporting Windows 10, future updates of the OS & system-specific drivers. This system gives the capability for developers to port TensorFlow/ PyTorch models by deploying them with ONNX Runtime. The AMD Software, like Adrenalin Edition, provides an interface for creators and gamers to handle graphics settings, optimize games, etc.

Ryzen AI software & ONNX Runtime are used for AI Developers to port. In addition, it can also run AI models on the hardware accelerators of the processor. Thus, this allows for on-device AI inference and high performance without depending on cloud computing.

Advantages

The advantages of Ryzen AI Max+ 395 include the following.

• This processor eliminates the need for a separate discrete graphics card. Thus, combines GPU, CPU & AI accelerators on a single chip.
• It provides outstanding multi-core performance for demanding applications.
• This processor delivers great power efficiency for smaller systems wherever power and thermal constraints are a concern.
• Its integrated AI engine allows faster implementation of AI-driven applications, so it is helpful for machine learning & image recognition tasks.
• This processor provides significant performance boosts for creator tools.
• In addition, it is perfect for mini-ITX or other small form factor builds, wherever power and space are limited. But, high performance is still required.
• It provides dedicated NPU acceleration, which is significant for privacy-focused applications.
• This processor delivers a great stability of high-end gaming & professional creative performance within an efficient and compact package.

Disadvantages

The disadvantages of Ryzen AI Max+ 395 include the following.

• It can be expensive.
• It is not appropriate for GPU-heavy professional applications, where dedicated graphics cards are required, such as 3D rendering or CAD.
• This processor cannot equal the high-end, separate GPUs’ raw power for gaming at 1440p/4K resolutions with high refresh rates.
• The GPU enables system RAM using the PCIe bus, thus it can result in lower bandwidth.
• Higher power draw at complete system load can lead to more generation of heat and fan noise.
• There is a potential compatibility problem with earlier software or hardware.

Applications

The applications of Ryzen AI Max 3+95 include the following.

• This processor is specially designed for AI workloads to run large models.
• It accelerates AI-enhanced features for tasks in creative software like video editing and image generation.
• Its NPU (Neural Processing Unit) allows local AI processing for privacy-sensitive applications & developers by creating new AI experiences.
• This processor can be used for AI applications within healthcare for personalized and diagnostic treatment plans.
• In addition, this processor can also be used in the entertainment industry for generating animations and graphics cards.
• This processor runs current games at higher settings & resolutions, like 1440p, frequently with FSR or FidelityFX Super Resolution features.
• This processor allows high-performance gaming in living room PCs or mini-ITX. Thus, it needs a separate and larger graphics card.

The AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 processor redefines on-device AI performance by merging Zen 5 CPU cores, RDNA 3.5 graphics, and XDNA 2 AI acceleration into a single SoC. In addition, with up to 126 TOPS AI performance and a power-efficient 4nm process, it’s ideal for creators, developers, and AI enthusiasts seeking desktop-class power in compact systems. Here is a question for you: what is XDNA 2 NPU?