Ryzen AI Max 385 vs Xeon w5-2445

CPU

GPU

Ryzen AI Max 385

8 Cores16 Thrd55 WWMax: 5 GHz2025

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Xeon w5-2445

10 Cores20 Thrd175 WWMax: 4.6 GHz2023

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Ryzen AI Max 385 vs Xeon w5-2445 Performance Spectrum

Ryzen AI Max 385

8 / 16

32,274

+0.2%

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7975WX

Xeon w5-2445

10 / 20

32,213

0.0%

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 Xeon w5-2445 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 Xeon w5-2445: 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

✅+6.5% higher Cinebench R23 multi-core.
✅+21.9% larger total L3 cache (32 MB vs 26 MB).
✅Draws 55W instead of 175W, a 120W reduction.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Radeon 8050S, while Xeon w5-2445 needs a discrete GPU.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Laptop Integrated), unlike Xeon w5-2445.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon w5-2445 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon w5-2445, which brings 10 cores / 20 threads and 64 PCIe lanes.

Xeon w5-2445

2023

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +3.1% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 10 cores / 20 threads, plus 64 PCIe lanes vs 20.
✅220% more PCIe lanes (64 vs 20) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Lower Cinebench R23 multi-core (15,500 vs 16,500).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (26 MB vs 32 MB).
❌218.2% higher power demand at 175W vs 55W.
❌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 AI Max 385 better than Xeon w5-2445?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon w5-2445 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 streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Ryzen AI Max 385 is the stronger fit. You are getting 6.5% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, backed by 8 cores and 16 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 21.9% larger total L3 cache (32 MB vs 26 MB).

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

Ryzen AI Max 385 still makes the most sense overall. Ryzen AI Max 385 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 6.5% better Cinebench R23 multi-core.

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 2023), 21.9% larger total L3 cache (32 MB vs 26 MB), and more multi-core headroom with 8 cores / 16 threads instead of 10/20. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Ryzen AI Max 385 vs Xeon w5-2445 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.

Xeon w5-2445

The Xeon w5-2445 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 15 February 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) architecture. It features 10 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 4.6 GHz. L3 cache: 26.25 MB. L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA4677. Thermal design power (TDP): 175 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800. Passmark benchmark score: 32,213 points. Launch price was $839.

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Processing Power

The Ryzen AI Max 385 packs 8 cores / 16 threads, while the Xeon w5-2445 offers 10 cores / 20 threads — the Xeon w5-2445 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5 GHz on the Ryzen AI Max 385 versus 4.6 GHz on the Xeon w5-2445 — a 8.3% clock advantage for the Ryzen AI Max 385 (base: 3.6 GHz vs 3.1 GHz). The Ryzen AI Max 385 uses the Strix Halo (2025) architecture (4 nm), while the Xeon w5-2445 uses Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Ryzen AI Max 385 scores 32,274 against the Xeon w5-2445's 32,213 — a 0.2% lead for the Ryzen AI Max 385. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 16,500 vs 15,500 (6.3% advantage for the Ryzen AI Max 385). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 2,800 vs 1,822, a 42.3% lead for the Ryzen AI Max 385 that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 14,000 vs 10,719 (26.5% advantage for the Ryzen AI Max 385). L3 cache: 32 MB (total) on the Ryzen AI Max 385 vs 26.25 MB on the Xeon w5-2445.

Feature	Ryzen AI Max 385	Xeon w5-2445
Cores / Threads	8 / 16	10 / 20+25%
Boost Clock	5 GHz+9%	4.6 GHz
Base Clock	3.6 GHz+16%	3.1 GHz
L3 Cache	32 MB (total)+22%	26.25 MB
L2 Cache	1 MB (per core)	2 MB (per core)+100%
Process	4 nm-43%	Intel 7 nm
Architecture	Strix Halo (2025)	Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024)
PassMark	32,274	32,213
Cinebench R23 Multi	16,500+6%	15,500
Geekbench 6 Single	2,800+54%	1,822
Geekbench 6 Multi	14,000+31%	10,719

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Memory & Platform

The Ryzen AI Max 385 uses the FP11 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Xeon w5-2445 uses LGA4677 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches LPDDR5x-8000 on the Ryzen AI Max 385 versus DDR5-4800 on the Xeon w5-2445 — the Ryzen AI Max 385 supports 66.7% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon w5-2445 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 (Xeon w5-2445) — the Xeon w5-2445 offers 44 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Strix Halo platform (Ryzen AI Max 385) and W790 (Xeon w5-2445).

Feature	Ryzen AI Max 385	Xeon w5-2445
Socket	FP11	LGA4677
PCIe Generation	PCIe 4.0	PCIe 5.0+25%
Max RAM Speed	LPDDR5x-8000+67%	DDR5-4800
Max RAM Capacity	128 GB	2048 GB+1500%
RAM Channels	4	4
ECC Support	No	Yes
PCIe Lanes	20	64+220%

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Advanced Features

Only the Ryzen AI Max 385 has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Both support AVX-512 instructions, benefiting scientific computing, AI inference, and encryption workloads. Virtualization support: AMD-V (Ryzen AI Max 385) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Xeon w5-2445). The Ryzen AI Max 385 includes integrated graphics (Radeon 8050S), while the Xeon w5-2445 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Ryzen AI Max 385 targets High-performance AI / Gaming Laptop, Xeon w5-2445 targets Professional Workstation. Direct competitor: Ryzen AI Max 385 rivals Core Ultra 9 285H; Xeon w5-2445 rivals Threadripper 7945WX.

Feature	Ryzen AI Max 385	Xeon w5-2445
Integrated GPU	Yes	No
IGPU Model	Radeon 8050S	—
Unlocked	Yes	No
AVX-512	Yes	Yes
Virtualization	AMD-V	VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use	High-performance AI / Gaming Laptop	Professional Workstation