Ryzen AI Max 390 vs Ryzen 7 8840HX
Ryzen AI Max 390
Ryzen 7 8840HX
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.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar
Performance Per Dollar Ryzen 7 8840HX
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Ryzen AI Max 390 | Ryzen 7 8840HX |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | Equivalent pricing | Equivalent pricing |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Strix Halo (2025) / 4 nm) | ✨ Modern (Dragon Range (2025) / 5 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Ryzen AI Max 390 | Ryzen 7 8840HX |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | Equivalent pricing | Equivalent pricing |
Performance Check
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 Ryzen 7 8840HX
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.
Ryzen 7 8840HX
The Ryzen 7 8840HX is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 23 April 2025 (less than a year ago). It is based on the Dragon Range (2025) architecture. It features 12 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 2.9 GHz, with boost up to 5.1 GHz. L3 cache: 64 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 5 nm process technology. Socket: FL1. Thermal design power (TDP): 55 Watt. Memory support: DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 42,275 points. Launch price was $499.
Processing Power
Both the Ryzen AI Max 390 and Ryzen 7 8840HX share an identical 12-core/24-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 5 GHz on the Ryzen AI Max 390 versus 5.1 GHz on the Ryzen 7 8840HX — a 2% clock advantage for the Ryzen 7 8840HX (base: 3.2 GHz vs 2.9 GHz). The Ryzen AI Max 390 uses the Strix Halo (2025) architecture (4 nm), while the Ryzen 7 8840HX uses Dragon Range (2025) (5 nm). In PassMark, the Ryzen AI Max 390 scores 41,834 against the Ryzen 7 8840HX's 42,275 — a 1% lead for the Ryzen 7 8840HX. Both processors carry 64 MB (total) of L3 cache.
| Feature | Ryzen AI Max 390 | Ryzen 7 8840HX |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 12 / 24 | 12 / 24 |
| Boost Clock | 5 GHz | 5.1 GHz+2% |
| Base Clock | 3.2 GHz+10% | 2.9 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 64 MB (total) | 64 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 1 MB (per core) | 1 MB (per core) |
| Process | 4 nm-20% | 5 nm |
| Architecture | Strix Halo (2025) | Dragon Range (2025) |
| PassMark | 41,834 | 42,275+1% |
Memory & Platform
The Ryzen AI Max 390 uses the FP11 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Ryzen 7 8840HX uses FL1 (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 Ryzen 7 8840HX — the Ryzen AI Max 390 supports 35.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Ryzen AI Max 390 supports up to 128 of RAM compared to 64 — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 4 (Ryzen AI Max 390) vs 2 (Ryzen 7 8840HX). Both provide 28 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: Strix Halo (Ryzen AI Max 390) and FP8,FP7 (Ryzen 7 8840HX).
| Feature | Ryzen AI Max 390 | Ryzen 7 8840HX |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | FP11 | FL1 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe 5.0+25% |
| Max RAM Speed | 8000+43% | 5600 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128+100% | 64 |
| RAM Channels | 4+100% | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 28 | 28 |
Advanced Features
Only the Ryzen AI Max 390 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. Both support VT-x, VT-d, AMD-V virtualization. Both include integrated graphics — AMD Radeon 8050S (Ryzen AI Max 390) and AMD Radeon 780M (Ryzen 7 8840HX) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Ryzen AI Max 390 rivals Apple M4 Max; Ryzen 7 8840HX rivals Core i7-13700H.
| Feature | Ryzen AI Max 390 | Ryzen 7 8840HX |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | AMD Radeon 8050S | AMD Radeon 780M |
| Unlocked | Yes | No |
| AVX-512 | Yes | Yes |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d, AMD-V | VT-x, VT-d, AMD-V |
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The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
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