Ryzen AI Max 385 vs Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX

CPU

GPU

Ryzen AI Max 385

8 Cores16 Thrd55 WWMax: 5 GHz2025

Similar parts

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Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX

32 Cores64 Thrd250 WWMax: 4.2 GHz2018

Threadripper family

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Ryzen AI Max 385 vs Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX Performance Spectrum

Ryzen AI Max 385

8 / 16

32,274

+1.0%

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7975WX

Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX

32 / 64

31,945

0.0%

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7975WX

About PassMark

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 AI Max 385 vs Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX 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 AI Max 385 vs Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Ryzen AI Max 385

2025

Why buy it

✅Draws 55W instead of 250W, a 195W reduction.
✅Newer platform on FP11 with DDR5 support instead of TR4 and DDR4.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Radeon 8050S, while Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX needs a discrete GPU.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Laptop Integrated), unlike Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower Cinebench R23 multi-core (16,500 vs 33,213).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (32 MB vs 64 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX, which brings 32 cores / 64 threads and 64 PCIe lanes.

Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX

2018

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +4.5% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+100% larger total L3 cache (64 MB vs 32 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 32 cores / 64 threads, plus 64 PCIe lanes vs 20.
✅220% more PCIe lanes (64 vs 20) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $1,799 MSRP, while Ryzen AI Max 385 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌354.5% higher power demand at 250W vs 55W.
❌Older platform position on TR4 with DDR4, while Ryzen AI Max 385 moves to FP11 and DDR5.
❌No integrated graphics, while Ryzen AI Max 385 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Ryzen AI Max 385.

Quick Answers

So, is Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX better than Ryzen AI Max 385?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Ryzen AI Max 385 is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 4.5% 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 Threadripper 2990WX is the stronger fit. You are getting 101.3% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, backed by 32 cores and 64 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 100% larger total L3 cache (64 MB vs 32 MB).

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

Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX is the better buy right now. Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX comes in at an unclear MSRP at $1,799 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 4.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (17.8 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 2018), a healthier platform with FP11 and DDR5 instead of TR4, and AVX-512 support for heavier modern compute workloads. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Ryzen AI Max 385 vs Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX Technical Specifications

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

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.

Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX

The Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 13 August 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Zen+ (2018−2019) architecture. It features 32 cores and 64 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 4.2 GHz. L3 cache: 64 MB. L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 12 nm process technology. Socket: TR4. Thermal design power (TDP): 250 Watt. Memory support: DDR4 Quad-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 31,945 points. Launch price was $1,799.

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Processing Power

The Ryzen AI Max 385 packs 8 cores / 16 threads, while the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX offers 32 cores / 64 threads — the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX has 24 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5 GHz on the Ryzen AI Max 385 versus 4.2 GHz on the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX — a 17.4% clock advantage for the Ryzen AI Max 385 (base: 3.6 GHz vs 3 GHz). The Ryzen AI Max 385 uses the Strix Halo (2025) architecture (4 nm), while the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX uses Zen+ (2018−2019) (12 nm). In PassMark, the Ryzen AI Max 385 scores 32,274 against the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX's 31,945 — a 1% lead for the Ryzen AI Max 385. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 16,500 vs 33,213 (67.2% advantage for the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 2,800 vs 1,206, a 79.6% lead for the Ryzen AI Max 385 that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 14,000 vs 7,612 (59.1% advantage for the Ryzen AI Max 385). L3 cache: 32 MB (total) on the Ryzen AI Max 385 vs 64 MB on the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX.

Feature	Ryzen AI Max 385	Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX
Cores / Threads	8 / 16	32 / 64+300%
Boost Clock	5 GHz+19%	4.2 GHz
Base Clock	3.6 GHz+20%	3 GHz
L3 Cache	32 MB (total)	64 MB+100%
L2 Cache	1 MB (per core)	512K (per core)+51100%
Process	4 nm-67%	12 nm
Architecture	Strix Halo (2025)	Zen+ (2018−2019)
PassMark	32,274+1%	31,945
Cinebench R23 Multi	16,500	33,213+101%
Geekbench 6 Single	2,800+132%	1,206
Geekbench 6 Multi	14,000+84%	7,612

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Memory & Platform

The Ryzen AI Max 385 uses the FP11 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX uses TR4 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches LPDDR5x-8000 on the Ryzen AI Max 385 versus DDR4-2933 on the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX — the Ryzen AI Max 385 supports 172.8% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX supports up to 2048 GB of RAM compared to 128 GB — 1500% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 4-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 20 (Ryzen AI Max 385) vs 64 (Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX) — the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX offers 44 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Strix Halo platform (Ryzen AI Max 385) and X399 (Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX).

Feature	Ryzen AI Max 385	Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX
Socket	FP11	TR4
PCIe Generation	PCIe 4.0	PCIe 4.0
Max RAM Speed	LPDDR5x-8000+173%	DDR4-2933
Max RAM Capacity	128 GB	2048 GB+1500%
RAM Channels	4	4
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	20	64+220%

🔧

Advanced Features

Both processors feature an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. Only the Ryzen AI Max 385 supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Both support AMD-V virtualization. The Ryzen AI Max 385 includes integrated graphics (Radeon 8050S), while the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Ryzen AI Max 385 targets High-performance AI / Gaming Laptop, Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX targets Extreme Content Creation. Direct competitor: Ryzen AI Max 385 rivals Core Ultra 9 285H; Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX rivals Core i9-9980XE.

Feature	Ryzen AI Max 385	Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX
Integrated GPU	Yes	No
IGPU Model	Radeon 8050S	—
Unlocked	Yes	Yes
AVX-512	Yes	No
Virtualization	AMD-V	AMD-V
Target Use	High-performance AI / Gaming Laptop	Extreme Content Creation

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Ryzen AI Max 385 was priced at $0, while the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX came in at $1799. On launch pricing ($0 vs $1799), Ryzen AI Max 385 was $1799 cheaper.

Feature	Ryzen AI Max 385	Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX
MSRP	$0-100%	$1799
Performance per Dollar	—	17.8
Release Date	2025	2018

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