AMD Ryzen AI Max Pro 385 benchmarked on Geekbench with impressive scores. Discover specs, performance, pricing of this affordable Strix Halo processor for 2025.
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AMD’s Game-Changing Mid-Range Processor Finally Surfaces
Tech enthusiasts have been eagerly waiting for affordable alternatives to AMD’s flagship Strix Halo processors, and that wait is finally over. The AMD Ryzen AI Max Pro 385 has been spotted on Geekbench, marking the first public appearance of this highly anticipated mid-range chip that promises to democratize high-performance computing.
This breakthrough sighting represents more than just another processor benchmark—it signals AMD’s commitment to bringing premium Zen 5 architecture to budget-conscious consumers and professionals who’ve been priced out of the flagship market.
Impressive Geekbench Performance Breakdown
The Ryzen AI Max Pro 385 scored 2489 points in single-core and 14136 points in multi-core tests, showcasing solid performance that positions it as a formidable competitor in the mid-range segment. While Geekbench scores don’t tell the complete performance story, these numbers suggest the processor delivers substantial computing power for its market position.
The testing occurred on an HP ZBook Ultra G1a 14-inch mobile workstation, indicating that manufacturers are already integrating this processor into professional-grade systems. This strategic placement suggests AMD is targeting creative professionals and business users who need reliable performance without flagship pricing.
Technical Specifications That Matter
| Specification | AMD Ryzen AI Max Pro 385 | Flagship Comparison (Pro 395) |
|---|---|---|
| Cores/Threads | 8 cores / 16 threads | 16 cores / 32 threads |
| Base Clock | 3.6 GHz | 3.0 GHz |
| Boost Clock | Up to 5.0 GHz | Up to 5.1 GHz |
| Graphics | Radeon 8050S (RDNA 3.5) | Radeon 8060S |
| AI Performance | 50 TOPS | Higher TOPS rating |
| Expected Price | Sub-$1500 systems | $2000+ systems |
The processor debuted in January 2025 and features 8 Zen 5 CPU cores running at up to 5.0 GHz, the 32 CU RDNA 3+ Radeon 8050S graphics adapter and the 50 TOPS XDNA 2 neural engine.
Graphics Performance: Serious Gaming Potential
The integrated Radeon 8050S graphics represent a significant leap forward for budget-friendly laptops and mini PCs. The Radeon 8050S is only 8 Compute Units behind the flagship Radeon 8060S, making it likely the second strongest iGPU currently available on the mainstream market.
This graphics capability means users can expect smooth 1080p gaming experiences across a wide range of titles, eliminating the need for discrete graphics cards in many use cases. Content creators working with video editing, 3D rendering, and graphic design will particularly benefit from this integrated graphics performance.
AI Performance: Future-Ready Computing
With up to 50 NPU TOPS and over 100 TOPS of AI performance overall, the Ryzen AI Max Pro 385 positions itself as a solid option for AI workloads. This AI processing capability ensures the processor remains relevant as artificial intelligence applications become increasingly mainstream.
The XDNA 2 neural processing unit handles AI tasks efficiently, enabling features like real-time language translation, enhanced video conferencing, and intelligent productivity applications without impacting CPU performance.
Market Impact: Democratizing High Performance
The most significant aspect of this processor isn’t just its technical specifications—it’s the pricing revolution it represents. While Ryzen AI Max Pro 395-based laptops and mini PCs usually cost nearly $2000 and above, the availability of Ryzen AI Max Pro 385 enables sub-$1500 systems.
This price reduction opens premium Zen 5 architecture to students, small businesses, and budget-conscious professionals who previously couldn’t access this level of performance. The ripple effect will likely pressure competitors to reconsider their own pricing strategies.
Real-World Applications and Target Audience
The Ryzen AI Max Pro 385 targets several key user groups:
Content Creators: Video editors, graphic designers, and streamers who need reliable performance for creative workflows without flagship pricing.
Business Professionals: Users requiring powerful multitasking capabilities for productivity applications, virtual meetings, and light content creation.
Gaming Enthusiasts: Gamers seeking smooth 1080p performance in modern titles without discrete graphics card investments.
AI Developers: Professionals working with machine learning applications who need local AI processing capabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: When will laptops with AMD Ryzen AI Max Pro 385 be available?
A: Systems featuring this processor are already appearing in HP’s ZBook Ultra lineup, with broader availability expected throughout 2025.
Q: How does the Ryzen AI Max Pro 385 compare to Intel’s competing processors?
A: With 8 Zen 5 cores and powerful integrated graphics, it competes directly with Intel’s mid-range offerings while providing superior AI processing capabilities.
Q: Can the Ryzen AI Max Pro 385 handle modern games?
A: Yes, the integrated Radeon 8050S graphics can run modern games at 1080p with playable framerates, making discrete graphics optional for many users.
Q: What’s the expected battery life with this processor?
A: While specific battery life varies by implementation, the efficient Zen 5 architecture and integrated graphics should provide excellent power efficiency in laptop designs.
Q: Is the Ryzen AI Max Pro 385 good for AI development work?
A: With 50 TOPS of AI performance and over 100 TOPS overall, it provides solid capabilities for AI development, machine learning training, and inference tasks.
