AMD Ryzen AI Max 390 vs AMD Ryzen Embedded 9700X Comparison

FAQ

Q: What are the core and thread counts for the AMD Ryzen AI Max 390 and the AMD Ryzen Embedded 9700X?

A: The AMD Ryzen AI Max 390 has 12 cores and 24 threads, while the AMD Ryzen Embedded 9700X has 8 cores and 16 threads.

Q: How do the boost clock speeds compare between the two processors?

A: The AMD Ryzen AI Max 390 boosts up to 5.00 GHz, whereas the AMD Ryzen Embedded 9700X reaches a higher 5.50 GHz.

Q: What memory types do these CPUs support?

A: The AMD Ryzen AI Max 390 supports LPDDR5X memory, while the AMD Ryzen Embedded 9700X supports DDR5 memory.

Q: Which processor has a higher memory bandwidth?

A: The AMD Ryzen AI Max 390 offers 256.0 GB/s of memory bandwidth, which is significantly higher than the 89.6 GB/s of the AMD Ryzen Embedded 9700X.

Q: Are both processors built on the same manufacturing process?

A: Yes, both the AMD Ryzen AI Max 390 and the AMD Ryzen Embedded 9700X are fabricated on a 4 nm process node by TSMC.

Q: What is the market segment for each processor?

A: The AMD Ryzen AI Max 390 targets the mobile segment, while the AMD Ryzen Embedded 9700X is positioned for the desktop segment.

Architecture Differences

The architectural split between these two AMD parts is defined by their respective codenames and target platforms. The AMD Ryzen AI Max 390 uses the Strix Halo design, built on Zen 5 architecture, and is a mobile-focused chip. The AMD Ryzen Embedded 9700X uses the Granite Ridge design, also built on Zen 5, but is engineered for desktop systems.

Both processors share the same 4 nm TSMC process node, which indicates a similar transistor density foundation. However, the die layout differs. The Ryzen AI Max 390 uses a dual-die configuration with a die size of 2x 70.6 mm², while the Ryzen Embedded 9700X uses a single 70.6 mm² die. The embedded part also lists a transistor count of 8,315 million, a figure not provided for the mobile chip.

Cache hierarchies are a key differentiator. Both parts feature 80 KB of L1 cache per core and 1 MB of L2 cache per core. The shared L3 cache, however, is double on the Ryzen AI Max 390 at 64 MB, compared to 32 MB on the Ryzen Embedded 9700X. This larger pool of L3 cache on the mobile chip can benefit workloads with larger working sets.

Memory support diverges sharply. The Ryzen AI Max 390 uses LPDDR5X memory across a quad-channel bus, yielding 256.0 GB/s of bandwidth. The Ryzen Embedded 9700X uses DDR5 memory on a dual-channel bus, delivering 89.6 GB/s. Both support ECC memory, but the bandwidth advantage of the mobile part is substantial.

PCIe capabilities also differ. The Ryzen AI Max 390 provides Gen 4 with 16 lanes (CPU only). The Ryzen Embedded 9700X offers Gen 5 with 24 lanes (CPU only), giving the desktop part both a newer PCIe generation and more lanes for expansion.

Integrated graphics distinguish the two as well. The Ryzen AI Max 390 includes a Radeon 8050S, while the Ryzen Embedded 9700X includes a generic Radeon Graphics solution. The mobile chip also has a lower TDP of 55 watts versus 65 watts for the embedded chip, despite the desktop part having fewer cores.

The Ryzen Embedded 9700X features an unlocked multiplier, allowing overclocking, while the Ryzen AI Max 390 does not. Sockets reflect their platforms: the mobile chip uses AMD Socket FP11, and the desktop chip uses AMD Socket AM5. The embedded part is part of the 9000 series, a designation absent for the mobile processor.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The database contains no direct head-to-head benchmark results between the AMD Ryzen AI Max 390 and the AMD Ryzen Embedded 9700X. The Ryzen AI Max 390 has a full set of recorded measurements, while the Ryzen Embedded 9700X has no benchmark entries in the database, resulting in zero wins for either side in direct comparison.

The Ryzen AI Max 390 posts an average benchmark score of 56,273 and sits at the 91st percentile of all CPUs. Its nearest rivals, based on average score, include the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX PRO 470 (56,306, a 0.1% difference), the Intel Core i9-14900HX (56,004, a 0.5% difference), the AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX (56,555, a 0.5% difference), and the Intel Core 7 253PQE (55,919, a 0.6% difference). These results place the mobile chip in a tight performance cluster with several high-end desktop and mobile processors.

In Cinebench tests, the Ryzen AI Max 390 shows strong scaling from single-core to multi-core. It scores 513 in R15 single-core and 3,635 in R15 multi-core. In R20, it scores 2,138 single-core and 15,146 multi-core. The R23 results show 5,091 single-core and 36,064 multi-core. The multi-core to single-core ratio across these tests indicates the 12-core, 24-thread configuration is effectively utilized.

Passmark results for the Ryzen AI Max 390 reveal specific strengths. It scores 146,519 in integer math and 90,594 in floating point math. Data compression reaches 487,145, while data encryption hits 25,097. Extended instructions score 38,716, and find prime numbers scores 316. Random string sorting reaches 53,113. The multithread score is 41,737, and the single-thread score is 4,028. Physics performance records 2,761.

Without any benchmark data for the Ryzen Embedded 9700X, a direct numerical comparison is impossible. The database shows the embedded chip at the 50th percentile of all CPUs with an average benchmark score of zero, which reflects the absence of measurements rather than actual performance. The Ryzen AI Max 390, by contrast, has robust recorded data showing it competes within 0.6% of its nearest rivals, all of which are established high-performance parts.

The Verdict

The recorded data presents a clear picture for different use cases. The AMD Ryzen AI Max 390 is a mobile processor with 12 cores, 24 threads, and a 64 MB L3 cache. Its quad-channel LPDDR5X memory support delivers 256.0 GB/s of bandwidth, which is roughly 2.9 times the bandwidth of the dual-channel DDR5 setup on the Ryzen Embedded 9700X. For memory-intensive workloads, the mobile chip has a structural advantage.

The Ryzen Embedded 9700X counters with higher clock speeds. Its base clock of 3.80 GHz and boost clock of 5.50 GHz exceed the 3.20 GHz base and 5.00 GHz boost of the Ryzen AI Max 390. It also offers PCIe Gen 5 with 24 lanes, versus Gen 4 with 16 lanes on the mobile part. The unlocked multiplier on the embedded chip allows user-controlled overclocking, a feature the mobile chip lacks.

Benchmark data only exists for the Ryzen AI Max 390. Its 91st percentile ranking and average score of 56,273 place it alongside the Intel Core i9-14900HX, which is 0.5% behind, and the AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX, which is 0.5% ahead. The Ryzen Embedded 9700X has no recorded benchmarks, so its performance cannot be quantified from the database.

The choice between these two depends on platform and workload priorities. The Ryzen AI Max 390 suits mobile systems where high memory bandwidth and a larger L3 cache are beneficial. The Ryzen Embedded 9700X suits desktop systems where higher clock speeds, PCIe Gen 5 connectivity, and overclocking are priorities. The data confirms the mobile chip is a proven performer in its segment, while the embedded chip offers platform features that the mobile part does not.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ on several specification fields. The AMD Ryzen AI Max 390 has 12 cores and 24 threads, while the AMD Ryzen Embedded 9700X has 8 cores and 16 threads. Base clock speeds are 3.20 GHz for the mobile chip and 3.80 GHz for the embedded chip. Boost clock speeds are 5.00 GHz and 5.50 GHz, respectively.

The TDP ratings differ: 55 watts for the Ryzen AI Max 390 and 65 watts for the Ryzen Embedded 9700X. Sockets are distinct, with the mobile part using AMD Socket FP11 and the desktop part using AMD Socket AM5. The codenames also differ: Strix Halo for the mobile chip and Granite Ridge for the embedded chip.

Cache configurations differ in the shared L3 tier. Both have 80 KB of L1 per core and 1 MB of L2 per core. The L3 cache is 64 MB shared on the Ryzen AI Max 390 and 32 MB shared on the Ryzen Embedded 9700X.

Memory support differs by type and channel configuration. The Ryzen AI Max 390 supports LPDDR5X over a quad-channel bus, while the Ryzen Embedded 9700X supports DDR5 over a dual-channel bus. Memory bandwidth is 256.0 GB/s versus 89.6 GB/s. Both support ECC memory.

PCIe specifications differ in generation and lane count. The Ryzen AI Max 390 uses Gen 4 with 16 lanes (CPU only), while the Ryzen Embedded 9700X uses Gen 5 with 24 lanes (CPU only). Integrated graphics differ as well: the mobile chip has Radeon 8050S, and the desktop chip has Radeon Graphics.

The market segments are mobile for the Ryzen AI Max 390 and desktop for the Ryzen Embedded 9700X. The multiplier is locked on the mobile chip and unlocked on the embedded chip. The embedded part has a listed transistor count of 8,315 million and a die size of 70.6 mm², while the mobile part has a die size of 2x 70.6 mm² and no transistor count. The release dates also differ, with the mobile chip released earlier than the embedded chip.