AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO 490 vs AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9970X Comparison

Where Each One Wins

The benchmark data splits these two AMD processors into sharply different roles. The AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO 490, a mobile part with 12 cores and 24 threads, is built for a completely different workload envelope than the AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9970X, a desktop flagship with 32 cores and 64 threads. The recorded data shows no direct head-to-head benchmark comparisons between the two, but the Threadripper 9970X carries a full set of PassMark results, which establishes its strengths in heavily threaded and compute-intensive tasks.

The Threadripper 9970X wins on raw throughput across every measured category where it has data. Its multithread score of 107,399 places it in the 99th percentile of all CPUs in the database, a position that reflects its dominance in parallel workloads. The single-thread score of 4,530, while lower than the multithread figure, still indicates strong per-core performance for a 32-core part. The Threadripper also leads in specialized operations such as data compression, data encryption, extended instructions, prime number finding, floating point math, integer math, physics calculations, and random string sorting. These are the tasks that benefit from a high core count and a large cache pool.

The Ryzen AI Max PRO 490, however, has no benchmark scores recorded in the database. Its advantage is structural rather than measured. It integrates a Radeon 8050S graphics solution, which the Threadripper completely lacks. It also supports LPDDR5X memory with a bandwidth of 273.1 GB/s, which is higher than the Threadripper's DDR5 bandwidth of 204.8 GB/s. For a mobile processor, this combination of integrated graphics and high memory bandwidth points to wins in portable systems where discrete GPUs are impractical. The Threadripper, by contrast, requires a separate graphics card and is designed for stationary desktop workstations.

The use-case split is therefore clear. The Threadripper 9970X wins on absolute performance for multi-core rendering, scientific computing, virtualization, and content creation where core count matters most. The AI Max PRO 490 wins on integration and mobility, offering graphics output and high memory bandwidth in a 55-watt package. The Threadripper's 350-watt TDP and desktop socket make it a poor fit for laptops, while the AI Max PRO's 12-core count and mobile socket limit its ceiling for heavy parallel work.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has a higher multithread benchmark score?

A: The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9970X has a PassMark multithread score of 107,399, placing it in the 99th percentile of all CPUs. The AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO 490 has no benchmark scores recorded in the database.

Q: How do the two processors differ in memory bandwidth?

A: The AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO 490 supports LPDDR5X memory with a bandwidth of 273.1 GB/s. The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9970X supports DDR5 memory with a bandwidth of 204.8 GB/s. The AI Max PRO has the higher memory bandwidth figure.

Q: Does the Threadripper 9970X have integrated graphics?

A: No. The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9970X lists integrated graphics as N/A. The AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO 490 includes a Radeon 8050S integrated graphics solution.

Q: What are the core and thread counts for each processor?

A: The AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO 490 has 12 cores and 24 threads. The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9970X has 32 cores and 64 threads.

Q: Which processor has a higher boost clock?

A: The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9970X has a boost clock of 5.40 GHz. The AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO 490 has a boost clock of 5.00 GHz.

Q: How does the Threadripper 9970X compare to its nearest rivals in average benchmark score?

A: The Threadripper 9970X has an average benchmark score of 279,778. It trails the Intel Xeon 6780E by 0.2%, the AMD EPYC 9565 by 2%, the Intel Xeon 696X by 2.2%, and the AMD EPYC 9555P by 2.5%.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The database contains no direct head-to-head benchmark results between the AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO 490 and the AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9970X. The wins tally shows zero for each processor in direct comparison. However, the Threadripper 9970X has a complete set of PassMark scores, which allows an analysis of its performance profile against the broader field.

The Threadripper's multithread score of 107,399 is its most prominent result. This figure, combined with its 99th percentile ranking, indicates that it outperforms the vast majority of CPUs in the database for parallel workloads. The single-thread score of 4,530 shows a more moderate advantage, as single-thread performance is less dependent on core count. The data compression score of 1,757,998 is the highest raw number in the Threadripper's benchmark set, while the find prime numbers score of 615 is the lowest, reflecting the difficulty of that particular operation.

The Threadripper's nearest rivals in the database are all enterprise or workstation processors. The Intel Xeon 6780E posts an average score of 280,438, which is 0.2% higher than the Threadripper's 279,778. The AMD EPYC 9565 scores 285,471, a 2% advantage. The Intel Xeon 696X scores 286,102, a 2.2% advantage. The AMD EPYC 9555P scores 287,066, a 2.5% advantage. These deltas are small, indicating that the Threadripper 9970X sits in a tightly contested performance band among top-tier server and workstation parts.

The AI Max PRO 490 has no benchmark scores, so its performance cannot be quantified against the Threadripper or any other processor. Its average benchmark score is listed as zero, and its percentile ranking is 50, which is a neutral position reflecting the absence of data rather than a measured result. The only comparative data available for the AI Max PRO is structural, such as its higher memory bandwidth of 273.1 GB/s versus the Threadripper's 204.8 GB/s.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ across nearly every major specification. The AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO 490 has 12 cores and 24 threads, while the AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9970X has 32 cores and 64 threads. The base clock of the AI Max PRO is 3.20 GHz, while the Threadripper's base clock is 4.00 GHz. The boost clocks also differ: 5.00 GHz for the AI Max PRO and 5.40 GHz for the Threadripper.

Thermal design power is a major differentiator. The AI Max PRO has a TDP of 55 watts, while the Threadripper has a TDP of 350 watts. This difference reflects their market segments: mobile versus desktop. The sockets differ accordingly, with the AI Max PRO using AMD Socket FP11 and the Threadripper using AMD Socket sTR5.

Cache configurations are also distinct. The AI Max PRO has 80 KB of L1 cache per core, 1 MB of L2 cache per core, and 64 MB of L3 cache. The Threadripper has 64 KB of L1 cache per core, 1 MB of L2 cache per core, and 128 MB of L3 cache. The Threadripper's L3 cache is double that of the AI Max PRO.

Memory support separates the two as well. The AI Max PRO uses LPDDR5X, while the Threadripper uses DDR5. Both support quad-channel memory buses and ECC memory. The AI Max PRO has a higher memory bandwidth at 273.1 GB/s, compared to the Threadripper's 204.8 GB/s. PCIe capabilities differ substantially: the AI Max PRO provides Gen 4 with 16 lanes, while the Threadripper provides Gen 5 with 80 lanes.

Integrated graphics are present only on the AI Max PRO, which features a Radeon 8050S. The Threadripper has no integrated graphics. The Threadripper has an unlocked multiplier, while the AI Max PRO does not. The release dates differ by nearly a year: the AI Max PRO launched on 2026-05-19, while the Threadripper launched on 2025-07-29.

Architecture Differences

Both processors use the Zen 5 architecture and are manufactured on a 4 nm process by TSMC. The codenames differ: the AI Max PRO is called Gorgon Halo, while the Threadripper is called Shimada Peak. The generation labels also differ, with the AI Max PRO listed as Ryzen AI Max PRO (Zen 5) and the Threadripper listed as Ryzen Threadripper (Zen 5 (Shimada Peak)).

The die configurations are similar but not identical. The AI Max PRO uses 2x 70.6 mm² dies, while the Threadripper uses 4x 70.6 mm² dies. The Threadripper also has a transistor count of 33,260 million, while the AI Max PRO has no transistor count listed. The larger die count and transistor figure for the Threadripper align with its higher core count and larger L3 cache.

Cache architecture reflects the Threadripper's workstation orientation. Its 128 MB of L3 cache is double the AI Max PRO's 64 MB, which supports its ability to handle large datasets in parallel workloads. The L1 cache per core is smaller on the Threadripper at 64 KB, versus 80 KB on the AI Max PRO, but the L2 cache per core is identical at 1 MB.

The AI Max PRO's integrated Radeon 8050S graphics represents a fundamental architectural difference. The Threadripper has no graphics solution on-die, requiring a separate GPU. The AI Max PRO's LPDDR5X memory support is also tied to its mobile design, offering higher bandwidth in a lower-power package. The Threadripper's DDR5 support and Gen 5 PCIe lanes, 80 in total, are oriented toward high-throughput desktop expansion.

The production status for both processors is Active. The Threadripper is part of the 9000 series, while the AI Max PRO has no series designation. The AI Max PRO's part number is 100-000002141, and the Threadripper's is 100-000001594. The launch MSRP for the Threadripper is $2499; the AI Max PRO has no launch MSRP listed.