Ryzen AI Max 390
VS
Core i9-13950HX

Ryzen AI Max 390 vs Core i9-13950HX

AMD

Ryzen AI Max 390

12 Cores24 Thrd55 WWMax: 5 GHz2025
VS
Intel

Core i9-13950HX

24 Cores32 Thrd55 WWMax: 5.5 GHz2023

Performance Spectrum - CPU

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.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Performance Per Dollar Core i9-13950HX

#64
Ryzen AI Max PRO 390
MSRP: $600|Avg: $600
104%
#73
Core i9-13950HX
MSRP: $590|Avg: $199
100%
#82
Core i7-11700B
MSRP: $323|Avg: $311
96%
#83
Core i7-13700HX
MSRP: $485|Avg: N/A
95%
#86
Ryzen AI 9 HX PRO 370
MSRP: $500|Avg: $500
94%
Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Performance Comparison

About PassMark

🏆 Chipversus Verdict

🚀 Performance Leadership

Performance Trade-off: The Core i9-13950HX leads in gaming performance. However, the Ryzen AI Max 390 is the stronger candidate for professional workloads, offering 2% greater multi-core processing power.
InsightRyzen AI Max 390Core i9-13950HX
Gaming
Lower gaming performance
Superior gaming performance
Workstation
Better multi-core power
Weaker in multi-core tasks
Price
More affordable ($0)
⚠️ Higher cost ($199)
Longevity
✨ Modern (Strix Halo (2025) / 4 nm)
✨ Modern (Raptor Lake-HX (2023) / Intel 7 nm)

💎 Value Proposition

InsightRyzen AI Max 390Core i9-13950HX
Cost Efficiency
Lower cost efficiency
Lower cost efficiency
Upfront Cost
More affordable ($0)
⚠️ Higher cost ($199)

Performance Check

Paired with RTX 4090

To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.

Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.

Technical Specifications

Side-by-side comparison of Ryzen AI Max 390 and Core i9-13950HX

AMD

Ryzen AI Max 390

The Ryzen AI Max 390 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 12 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 5 GHz. L3 cache: 64 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: 41,834 points. Launch price was $499.

Intel

Core i9-13950HX

The Core i9-13950HX is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 January 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Raptor Lake-HX (2023) architecture. It features 24 cores and 32 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 5.5 GHz. L3 cache: 36 MB (total). L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1964. Thermal design power (TDP): 55 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 41,012 points. Launch price was $590.

Processing Power

The Ryzen AI Max 390 packs 12 cores / 24 threads, while the Core i9-13950HX offers 24 cores / 32 threads — the Core i9-13950HX has 12 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5 GHz on the Ryzen AI Max 390 versus 5.5 GHz on the Core i9-13950HX — a 9.5% clock advantage for the Core i9-13950HX (base: 3.2 GHz vs 2.2 GHz). The Ryzen AI Max 390 uses the Strix Halo (2025) architecture (4 nm), while the Core i9-13950HX uses Raptor Lake-HX (2023) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Ryzen AI Max 390 scores 41,834 against the Core i9-13950HX's 41,012 — a 2% lead for the Ryzen AI Max 390. L3 cache: 64 MB (total) on the Ryzen AI Max 390 vs 36 MB (total) on the Core i9-13950HX.

FeatureRyzen AI Max 390Core i9-13950HX
Cores / Threads
12 / 24
24 / 32+100%
Boost Clock
5 GHz
5.5 GHz+10%
Base Clock
3.2 GHz+45%
2.2 GHz
L3 Cache
64 MB (total)+78%
36 MB (total)
L2 Cache
1 MB (per core)
2 MB (per core)+100%
Process
4 nm-43%
Intel 7 nm
Architecture
Strix Halo (2025)
Raptor Lake-HX (2023)
PassMark
41,834+2%
41,012
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Ryzen AI Max 390 uses the FP11 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Core i9-13950HX uses FCBGA1964 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 8000 on the Ryzen AI Max 390 versus 5600 on the Core i9-13950HX — the Ryzen AI Max 390 supports 35.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i9-13950HX supports up to 192 of RAM compared to 128 40% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 4 (Ryzen AI Max 390) vs 2 (Core i9-13950HX). PCIe lanes: 28 (Ryzen AI Max 390) vs 20 (Core i9-13950HX) — the Ryzen AI Max 390 offers 8 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Strix Halo (Ryzen AI Max 390) and Raptor Lake-HX (Core i9-13950HX).

FeatureRyzen AI Max 390Core i9-13950HX
Socket
FP11
FCBGA1964
PCIe Generation
PCIe 4.0
PCIe 5.0+25%
Max RAM Speed
8000+43%
5600
Max RAM Capacity
128
192+50%
RAM Channels
4+100%
2
ECC Support
PCIe Lanes
28+40%
20
🔧

Advanced Features

Both processors feature an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. Both support AVX-512 instructions, benefiting scientific computing, AI inference, and encryption workloads. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, AMD-V (Ryzen AI Max 390) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i9-13950HX). Both include integrated graphics AMD Radeon 8050S (Ryzen AI Max 390) and Intel UHD Graphics (Core i9-13950HX) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Ryzen AI Max 390 rivals Apple M4 Max; Core i9-13950HX rivals M3 Max 16-Core.

FeatureRyzen AI Max 390Core i9-13950HX
Integrated GPU
Yes
Yes
IGPU Model
AMD Radeon 8050S
Intel UHD Graphics
Unlocked
Yes
Yes
AVX-512
Yes
Yes
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d, AMD-V
VT-x, VT-d
💰

Value Analysis

The Ryzen AI Max 390 launched at $0 MSRP, while the Core i9-13950HX debuted at $590. At current prices ($0 vs $199), the Ryzen AI Max 390 is $199 cheaper.

FeatureRyzen AI Max 390Core i9-13950HX
MSRP
$0-100%
$590
Avg Price (30d)
$0-100%
$199
Performance per Dollar
206.1
Release Date
2025
2023