AMD Ryzen 5 40 vs AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 388 Comparison

The AMD Ryzen 5 40 and the AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 388 represent two very different mobile processing philosophies. The Ryzen 5 40 is a low-power, compact entry point, while the AI Max+ 388 is a high-core-count, high-bandwidth flagship. The benchmark data confirms a complete performance separation: the AI Max+ 388 wins every single recorded test, leaving the Ryzen 5 40 with a 0-15 record in head-to-head comparisons.

Where Each One Wins

The database records zero benchmark wins for the AMD Ryzen 5 40. Across all 15 head-to-head tests, the AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 388 takes the victory. The Ryzen 5 40 does not claim a single advantage in any measured workload, whether single-threaded, multi-threaded, or specialized instruction tests.

The Ryzen AI Max+ 388 dominates every category. Its largest relative margin comes in the passmark_find_prime_numbers test, where it outperforms the Ryzen 5 40 by 86.2%. Its smallest margin is in passmark_single_thread, where it still leads by 40.8%. The AI Max+ 388's strengths are broadly distributed, covering integer math, floating point math, data compression, encryption, and physics simulation. There is no workload category in the recorded data where the Ryzen 5 40 can claim a competitive edge; the only distinction between the two is the size of the AI Max+ 388's victory in each test.

Architecture Differences

The two processors are built on completely different foundations. The AMD Ryzen 5 40 uses the Zen 2 architecture with the Mendocino codename, fabricated on a 6 nm process by TSMC. Its die size is 100 mm². The AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 388 uses the Zen 5 architecture with the Strix Halo codename, fabricated on a 4 nm process, also by TSMC. Its die size is listed as 2x 70.6 mm², reflecting a dual-die design.

Core and thread counts differ substantially. The Ryzen 5 40 has 4 cores and 8 threads, while the AI Max+ 388 has 8 cores and 16 threads, doubling the core and thread counts. Clock speeds also favor the larger chip: the Ryzen 5 40 operates at a base clock of 2.80 GHz and a boost clock of 4.30 GHz, whereas the AI Max+ 388 runs at 3.60 GHz base and 5.00 GHz boost.

Cache hierarchies are in different classes. The Ryzen 5 40 offers 64 KB of L1 cache per core, 512 KB of L2 per core, and 4 MB of shared L3 cache. The AI Max+ 388 provides 80 KB of L1 per core, 1 MB of L2 per core, and 32 MB of shared L3 cache, an eightfold increase in L3 capacity.

Memory architecture is a major differentiator. The Ryzen 5 40 supports LPDDR5 memory over a dual-channel bus, yielding 88.0 GB/s of bandwidth. The AI Max+ 388 supports LPDDR5X over a quad-channel bus, delivering 256.0 GB/s, nearly three times the bandwidth. The AI Max+ 388 also supports ECC memory, while the Ryzen 5 40 does not.

PCIe connectivity differs as well. The Ryzen 5 40 provides Gen 3 with 4 lanes (CPU only), while the AI Max+ 388 provides Gen 4 with 16 lanes (CPU only). The integrated graphics also differ: the Ryzen 5 40 uses a Radeon 610M, while the AI Max+ 388 uses a Radeon 8060S. The socket types are distinct, with the Ryzen 5 40 using AMD Socket FT6 and the AI Max+ 388 using AMD Socket FP11. The Ryzen 5 40 has a TDP of 15, while the AI Max+ 388 has a TDP of 55. Neither processor has an unlocked multiplier. The release dates also differ, with the Ryzen 5 40 released on 2025-09-30 and the AI Max+ 388 released on 2026-01-05.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The benchmark results show a consistent and massive performance gap across every test. In Cinebench R15 multicore, the Ryzen 5 40 scores 790 against the AI Max+ 388's 2872, a delta of -72.5%. In Cinebench R15 singlecore, the Ryzen 5 40 scores 165.5 against 298, a delta of -44.5%.

The Cinebench R23 results reinforce this pattern. In multicore, the Ryzen 5 40 scores 4841 versus 18759, a delta of -74.2%. In singlecore, the Ryzen 5 40 scores 1150 versus 1960, a delta of -41.3%. The single-core gap is smaller than the multi-core gap, which indicates that the AI Max+ 388's advantage is driven partly by its higher core count but also by its superior per-core performance.

The PassMark suite shows the same structure. In passmark_multithread, the Ryzen 5 40 scores 9341 versus 33486, a delta of -72.1%. In passmark_single_thread, the Ryzen 5 40 scores 2477 versus 4185, a delta of -40.8%. The passmark_singlethread test repeats the same numbers, confirming consistency.

Specialized workloads show even larger gaps. In passmark_extended_instructions, the Ryzen 5 40 scores 6437 versus 32719, a delta of -80.3%. In passmark_floating_point_math, the Ryzen 5 40 scores 15194 versus 72722, a delta of -79.1%. In passmark_find_prime_numbers, the Ryzen 5 40 scores 20 versus 145, a delta of -86.2%, the largest relative gap in the entire dataset.

The remaining PassMark tests follow the same trend. In passmark_data_compression, the Ryzen 5 40 scores 141533 versus 400887, a delta of -64.7%. In passmark_data_encryption, the Ryzen 5 40 scores 6646 versus 20092, a delta of -66.9%. In passmark_integer_math, the Ryzen 5 40 scores 31598 versus 109588, a delta of -71.2%. In passmark_physics, the Ryzen 5 40 scores 432 versus 1843, a delta of -76.6%. In passmark_random_string_sorting, the Ryzen 5 40 scores 15124 versus 43196, a delta of -65%.

The average benchmark score reflects the overall disparity. The Ryzen 5 40 has an average benchmark score of 15882, while the AI Max+ 388 has an average of 49796. The Ryzen 5 40 sits at the 70th percentile of all CPUs, while the AI Max+ 388 sits at the 90th percentile.

The nearest rivals also show the positioning of each chip. The Ryzen 5 40 is closely matched with the AMD EPYC 75F3 (delta 0.1%), Intel Core Ultra 5 134U (delta -0.2%), AMD EPYC 9354P (delta 0.4%), and AMD EPYC 9334 (delta -0.4%). The AI Max+ 388 is closely matched with the Intel Core 9 273PE (delta -0.1%), Intel Core i5-14600KF (delta 0.8%), AMD Ryzen 9 7900 (delta 1.2%), and AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 5755G (delta 1.2%). These rival comparisons show that the two chips compete in entirely different performance strata.

The Verdict

The data presents a clear choice. The AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 388 is the substantially faster processor in every measured benchmark. It doubles the core count, offers a higher boost clock, uses a newer Zen 5 architecture, provides 32 MB of L3 cache versus 4 MB, and delivers 256.0 GB/s of memory bandwidth versus 88.0 GB/s. Its average benchmark score of 49796 is more than three times that of the Ryzen 5 40's 15882.

The Ryzen 5 40 does have one clear advantage in the recorded data: its 15 TDP rating is far lower than the AI Max+ 388's 55 TDP. For systems where power draw is the primary constraint, the Ryzen 5 40 is the only option between the two. The data does not record any performance test where the Ryzen 5 40 wins, so any selection of that chip must be based on its lower power envelope and smaller platform footprint, not on benchmark performance.

The AI Max+ 388 is the choice for workloads that demand maximum throughput. Its 90th percentile ranking versus the Ryzen 5 40's 70th percentile confirms that it belongs in a higher class of desktop-replacement mobile processors. Its nearest rivals include desktop-class parts like the Intel Core i5-14600KF and AMD Ryzen 9 7900, which shows that it is competing with full-power desktop chips despite being a mobile part.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has more cores?

A: The AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 388 has 8 cores and 16 threads, while the AMD Ryzen 5 40 has 4 cores and 8 threads.

Q: What is the performance gap in Cinebench R23 multicore?

A: The Ryzen AI Max+ 388 scores 18759, which is 74.2% higher than the Ryzen 5 40's score of 4841.

Q: Which processor has more L3 cache?

A: The AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 388 has 32 MB of shared L3 cache, while the AMD Ryzen 5 40 has 4 MB of shared L3 cache.

Q: What memory bandwidth does each processor support?

A: The Ryzen 5 40 supports dual-channel LPDDR5 with 88.0 GB/s bandwidth. The Ryzen AI Max+ 388 supports quad-channel LPDDR5X with 256.0 GB/s bandwidth.

Q: Does either processor support ECC memory?

A: The AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 388 supports ECC memory. The AMD Ryzen 5 40 does not.

Q: What is the difference in average benchmark scores?

A: The Ryzen 5 40 has an average benchmark score of 15882, while the Ryzen AI Max+ 388 has an average benchmark score of 49796.

Specification Differences

| Specification | AMD Ryzen 5 40 | AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 388 |

|----------------|----------------|------------------------|

| Cores | 4 | 8 |

| Threads | 8 | 16 |

| Base Clock | 2.80 GHz | 3.60 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 4.30 GHz | 5.00 GHz |

| TDP | 15 | 55 |

| Socket | AMD Socket FT6 | AMD Socket FP11 |

| Architecture | Zen 2 | Zen 5 |

| Codename | Mendocino | Strix Halo |

| Process Node | 6 nm | 4 nm |

| Die Size | 100 mm² | 2x 70.6 mm² |

| L1 Cache | 64 KB (per core) | 80 KB (per core) |

| L2 Cache | 512 KB (per core) | 1 MB (per core) |

| L3 Cache | 4 MB (shared) | 32 MB (shared) |

| Memory Support | LPDDR5 | LPDDR5X |

| Memory Bus | Dual-channel | Quad-channel |

| Memory Bandwidth | 88.0 GB/s | 256.0 GB/s |

| ECC Memory | No | Yes |

| PCIe | Gen 3, 4 Lanes (CPU only) | Gen 4, 16 Lanes (CPU only) |

| Integrated Graphics | Radeon 610M | Radeon 8060S |

| Part Number | unknown | 100-000001980 |

| Release Date | 2025-09-30 | 2026-01-05 |