AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 392 vs AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9960X Comparison

The Verdict

The AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 392 and the AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9960X target entirely different segments, and the benchmark data confirms this split. The AI Max+ 392 is a 12-core, 24-thread mobile processor with a 55 W TDP, a 4 nm Zen 5 design, and an integrated Radeon 8060S GPU. The Threadripper 9960X is a 24-core, 48-thread desktop processor with a 350 W TDP, a 4 nm Zen 5 design, and no integrated graphics. The recorded data shows the AI Max+ 392 delivers a Passmark single-thread score of 3927 and a multithread score of 45231, while the Threadripper 9960X has no benchmark scores recorded in the database, making direct comparison impossible. For users requiring a mobile processor with high memory bandwidth and integrated graphics, the AI Max+ 392 is the only option with measured performance. For users requiring maximum core count and PCIe Gen 5 connectivity, the Threadripper 9960X offers double the cores and 80 lanes of PCIe Gen 5, but its performance remains unmeasured in the database.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has more cores and threads?

A: The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9960X has 24 cores and 48 threads, while the AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 392 has 12 cores and 24 threads.

Q: What is the TDP difference between the two processors?

A: The AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 392 has a TDP of 55 W, while the AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9960X has a TDP of 350 W.

Q: Does the Threadripper 9960X have integrated graphics?

A: No, the Threadripper 9960X has no integrated graphics (N/A), while the AI Max+ 392 includes a Radeon 8060S integrated GPU.

Q: What memory types do these processors support?

A: The AI Max+ 392 supports LPDDR5X memory with 256.0 GB/s bandwidth, while the Threadripper 9960X supports DDR5 memory with 204.8 GB/s bandwidth.

Q: What is the launch MSRP of the Threadripper 9960X?

A: The launch MSRP of the AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9960X is $1499.

Q: Which processor has a higher single-thread score?

A: The AI Max+ 392 has a Passmark single-thread score of 3927. The Threadripper 9960X has no recorded benchmark score, so no comparison is possible.

Architecture Differences

Both processors use the Zen 5 architecture and are fabricated on TSMC's 4 nm process node. The AI Max+ 392 uses the Strix Halo codename and fits into the Ryzen AI Max generation, while the Threadripper 9960X uses the Shimada Peak codename and belongs to the 9000 series. The AI Max+ 392 has a die size of 2x 70.6 mm², whereas the Threadripper 9960X has a die size of 4x 70.6 mm² and contains 33,260 million transistors. The AI Max+ 392 has 80 KB of L1 cache per core, 1 MB of L2 cache per core, and 64 MB of shared L3 cache. The Threadripper 9960X has 64 KB of L1 cache per core, 1 MB of L2 cache per core, and 128 MB of L3 cache.

The AI Max+ 392 uses the AMD Socket FP11, while the Threadripper 9960X uses the AMD Socket sTR5. The AI Max+ 392 supports LPDDR5X memory with a quad-channel bus and 256.0 GB/s bandwidth. The Threadripper 9960X supports DDR5 memory with a quad-channel bus and 204.8 GB/s bandwidth. Both support ECC memory. The AI Max+ 392 has PCIe Gen 4 with 16 lanes (CPU only), while the Threadripper 9960X has PCIe Gen 5 with 80 lanes (CPU only). The AI Max+ 392 includes a Radeon 8060S integrated GPU, while the Threadripper 9960X has no integrated graphics. The AI Max+ 392 is classified as a mobile processor, while the Threadripper 9960X is a desktop processor.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ in nearly every specification field. The AI Max+ 392 has 12 cores and 24 threads, while the Threadripper 9960X has 24 cores and 48 threads. Base clock speeds are 3.20 GHz for the AI Max+ 392 and 4.20 GHz for the Threadripper 9960X. Boost clocks are 5.00 GHz and 5.30 GHz, respectively. The TDP is 55 W for the AI Max+ 392 and 350 W for the Threadripper 9960X.

The AI Max+ 392 uses AMD Socket FP11, while the Threadripper 9960X uses AMD Socket sTR5. The AI Max+ 392 has a die size of 2x 70.6 mm², while the Threadripper 9960X has a die size of 4x 70.6 mm². The Threadripper 9960X has a stated transistor count of 33,260 million; the AI Max+ 392 has no transistor count recorded. The L1 cache is 80 KB per core on the AI Max+ 392 versus 64 KB per core on the Threadripper 9960X. The L2 cache is identical at 1 MB per core. The L3 cache is 64 MB shared on the AI Max+ 392 and 128 MB on the Threadripper 9960X.

Memory support differs: LPDDR5X for the AI Max+ 392 and DDR5 for the Threadripper 9960X. Memory bandwidth is 256.0 GB/s for the AI Max+ 392 and 204.8 GB/s for the Threadripper 9960X. PCIe connectivity differs significantly: Gen 4 with 16 lanes on the AI Max+ 392 versus Gen 5 with 80 lanes on the Threadripper 9960X. The AI Max+ 392 has integrated Radeon 8060S graphics; the Threadripper 9960X has none. The AI Max+ 392 has a locked multiplier, while the Threadripper 9960X has an unlocked multiplier. The AI Max+ 392 has a release date of 2026-01-05, while the Threadripper 9960X has a release date of 2025-07-29.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The database contains no head-to-head benchmark results between the AI Max+ 392 and the Threadripper 9960X. The Threadripper 9960X has an empty benchmarks array, an average benchmark score of 0, and no nearest rivals recorded. The AI Max+ 392, by contrast, has a full set of Passmark measurements.

The AI Max+ 392 achieves a Passmark multithread score of 45231, a single-thread score of 3927, an integer math score of 152414, a floating point math score of 99548, a data encryption score of 27784, a data compression score of 554760, an extended instructions score of 45666, a find prime numbers score of 320, a physics score of 2887, and a random string sorting score of 59487. Its average benchmark score is 90541.

The AI Max+ 392 sits in the 96th percentile among all CPUs. Its nearest rivals include the Intel Xeon 654 with an average score of 90717 and a delta of -0.2%, the AMD Ryzen 9 9955HX with an average score of 91199 and a delta of -0.7%, the Intel Xeon w7-2575X with an average score of 88172 and a delta of 2.7%, and the Intel Xeon 6736P with an average score of 87864 and a delta of 3%. These deltas indicate the AI Max+ 392 is within 3% of these competing processors, slightly behind the Xeon 654 and Ryzen 9 9955HX, and slightly ahead of the Xeon w7-2575X and Xeon 6736P.

The Threadripper 9960X has no recorded scores, no percentile ranking, and no rivals. The database indicates zero wins for either processor in head-to-head comparisons, reflecting the absence of direct measurement data rather than a performance verdict.

Where Each One Wins

Based on the recorded data, the AI Max+ 392 wins in all measured performance categories because it is the only processor with benchmark scores. It delivers a single-thread score of 3927, which places it in the 96th percentile among all CPUs. Its multithread score of 45231, combined with an average benchmark score of 90541, shows strong all-around performance for a mobile processor. The AI Max+ 392 also provides 256.0 GB/s of memory bandwidth, which exceeds the Threadripper 9960X's 204.8 GB/s, and it includes a Radeon 8060S integrated GPU, making it suitable for workloads that benefit from integrated graphics.

The Threadripper 9960X wins on specifications rather than measured performance. It offers twice the core count (24 cores versus 12) and twice the thread count (48 threads versus 24). Its base clock of 4.20 GHz and boost clock of 5.30 GHz are both higher than the AI Max+ 392's 3.20 GHz and 5.00 GHz. The Threadripper 9960X has a larger L3 cache (128 MB versus 64 MB), 80 lanes of PCIe Gen 5 (versus 16 lanes of Gen 4), and an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. Its 350 W TDP indicates a power envelope designed for sustained heavy workloads, while the AI Max+ 392's 55 W TDP suits mobile use.

The data shows no direct comparison is possible. The AI Max+ 392 is the only processor with recorded benchmark results, and its 96th percentile ranking confirms it performs well against a broad field of CPUs. The Threadripper 9960X, with its higher core count, higher clocks, larger cache, and more PCIe lanes, is positioned for desktop workloads that demand parallelism and expansion capability. Its launch MSRP is $1499, and it targets users who need an unlocked multiplier and extensive I/O. In the absence of benchmark data for the Threadripper 9960X, the AI Max+ 392 stands as the only processor with verifiable performance numbers in the database.