Ryzen 7 8700G vs Ryzen AI Max 385

PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.

Ryzen 7 8700G vs Ryzen AI Max 385 FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

Ryzen 7 8700G vs Ryzen AI Max 385: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Ryzen 7 8700G

2024

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +11.5% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (16 MB vs 32 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $329 MSRP, while Ryzen AI Max 385 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌18.2% higher power demand at 65W vs 55W.

Ryzen AI Max 385

2025

Why buy it

✅+100% larger total L3 cache (32 MB vs 16 MB).
✅Draws 55W instead of 65W, a 10W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Ryzen 7 8700G across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower Cinebench R23 multi-core (16,500 vs 18,000).

Quick Answers

So, is Ryzen 7 8700G better than Ryzen AI Max 385?

Yes. Ryzen 7 8700G is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 11.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 9.1% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Ryzen 7 8700G is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 11.5% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Ryzen 7 8700G is the stronger fit. You are getting 9.1% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, backed by 8 cores and 16 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Ryzen 7 8700G is the better buy right now. Ryzen 7 8700G comes in at an unclear MSRP at $329 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 11.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (96.2 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Ryzen AI Max 385 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2025 vs 2024) and 100% larger total L3 cache (32 MB vs 16 MB). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Ryzen 7 8700G vs Ryzen AI Max 385 Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

Ryzen 7 8700G

The Ryzen 7 8700G is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 8 January 2024 (1 year ago). It is based on the Phoenix (2023−2024) architecture. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 4.2 GHz, with boost up to 5.1 GHz. L3 cache: 16 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 4 nm process technology. Socket: AM5. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 31,649 points. Launch price was $329.

Ryzen AI Max 385

The Ryzen AI Max 385 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 6 January 2025 (less than a year ago). It is based on the Strix Halo (2025) architecture. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 5 GHz. L3 cache: 32 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 4 nm process technology. Socket: FP11. Thermal design power (TDP): 55 Watt. Memory support: DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 32,274 points. Launch price was $499.

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Processing Power

Both the Ryzen 7 8700G and Ryzen AI Max 385 share an identical 8-core/16-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 5.1 GHz on the Ryzen 7 8700G versus 5 GHz on the Ryzen AI Max 385 — a 2% clock advantage for the Ryzen 7 8700G (base: 4.2 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Ryzen 7 8700G uses the Phoenix (2023−2024) architecture (4 nm), while the Ryzen AI Max 385 uses Strix Halo (2025) (4 nm). In PassMark, the Ryzen 7 8700G scores 31,649 against the Ryzen AI Max 385's 32,274 — a 2% lead for the Ryzen AI Max 385. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 18,000 vs 16,500 (8.7% advantage for the Ryzen 7 8700G). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 2,720 vs 2,800, a 2.9% lead for the Ryzen AI Max 385 that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 14,326 vs 14,000 (2.3% advantage for the Ryzen 7 8700G). L3 cache: 16 MB (total) on the Ryzen 7 8700G vs 32 MB (total) on the Ryzen AI Max 385.

Feature	Ryzen 7 8700G	Ryzen AI Max 385
Cores / Threads	8 / 16	8 / 16
Boost Clock	5.1 GHz+2%	5 GHz
Base Clock	4.2 GHz+17%	3.6 GHz
L3 Cache	16 MB (total)	32 MB (total)+100%
L2 Cache	1 MB (per core)	1 MB (per core)
Process	4 nm	4 nm
Architecture	Phoenix (2023−2024)	Strix Halo (2025)
PassMark	31,649	32,274+2%
Cinebench R23 Multi	18,000+9%	16,500
Geekbench 6 Single	2,720	2,800+3%
Geekbench 6 Multi	14,326+2%	14,000

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Memory & Platform

The Ryzen 7 8700G uses the AM5 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Ryzen AI Max 385 uses FP11 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-5200 on the Ryzen 7 8700G versus LPDDR5x-8000 on the Ryzen AI Max 385 — the Ryzen AI Max 385 supports 53.8% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Ryzen 7 8700G supports up to 256 GB of RAM compared to 128 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Ryzen 7 8700G) vs 4 (Ryzen AI Max 385). Both provide 20 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: X670,B650,A620 (Ryzen 7 8700G) and Strix Halo platform (Ryzen AI Max 385).

Feature	Ryzen 7 8700G	Ryzen AI Max 385
Socket	AM5	FP11
PCIe Generation	PCIe 4.0	PCIe 4.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR5-5200	LPDDR5x-8000+54%
Max RAM Capacity	256 GB+100%	128 GB
RAM Channels	2	4+100%
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	20	20

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Advanced Features

Both processors feature an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. Both support AVX-512 instructions, benefiting scientific computing, AI inference, and encryption workloads. Both support AMD-V virtualization. Both include integrated graphics — Radeon 780M (Ryzen 7 8700G) and Radeon 8050S (Ryzen AI Max 385) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Ryzen 7 8700G targets High-end Desktop APU, Ryzen AI Max 385 targets High-performance AI / Gaming Laptop. Direct competitor: Ryzen 7 8700G rivals Core i7-13700; Ryzen AI Max 385 rivals Core Ultra 9 285H.

Feature	Ryzen 7 8700G	Ryzen AI Max 385
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	Radeon 780M	Radeon 8050S
Unlocked	Yes	Yes
AVX-512	Yes	Yes
Virtualization	AMD-V	AMD-V
Target Use	High-end Desktop APU	High-performance AI / Gaming Laptop

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Ryzen 7 8700G was priced at $329, while the Ryzen AI Max 385 came in at $0. On launch pricing ($329 vs $0), Ryzen AI Max 385 was $329 cheaper.

Feature	Ryzen 7 8700G	Ryzen AI Max 385
MSRP	$329	$0-100%
Performance per Dollar	96.2	—
Release Date	2024	2025

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