AMD Ryzen AI MAX+ 395 "Strix Halo" Mini PC: Performance Redefined
The AMD Ryzen AI MAX+ 395 "Strix Halo" Mini PC has been rigorously tested, and the performance is impressive. This is not just another mini PC. It signifies the future of small, high-end computing. Expect serious performance within a small footprint thanks to AMD's new APU.
First Look at the Strix Halo Mini PC
The AXB35-02 model from SIXUNITED, a Chinese firm, houses the AMD Ryzen AI MAX+ 395. This is the flagship Strix Halo APU. It is important to note this is an Engineering Sample. Some issues are present, like potential BIOS-related power dips. However, these early issues are minor compared to the significant potential already evident.
Connectivity and Internals: Surprisingly Comprehensive
This mini PC is surprisingly well-equipped:
- Front: 2x USB Type-A, 1x USB Type-C, SD Card Reader, Headphone Jack
- Back: 3x USB Type-A, 1x USB Type-C (10Gbps), HDMI, DisplayPort, 2.5GbE Ethernet, Headphone Jack, DC-In
It includes a powerful 350W power supply. Internal design features advanced cooling, dual M.2 SSD slots, and a dedicated fan setup. The APU cooling system uses copper heat pipes and aluminum fins. Power phases number at least 23, paired with 8 DRAM modules. This is designed for demanding tasks.
Performance Benchmarks: Outperforming Expectations
Performance is notable, even with BIOS issues affecting iGPU clock speed. In the CPU-Z benchmark, the Ryzen AI MAX+ 395 ES achieved:
- Single-Core: 808.8 points
- Multi-Core: 15526.6 points
This performance level approaches that of the desktop Ryzen 9 9950X, a chip with a higher TDP. This is a significant achievement for a power-constrained Mini PC.
Variable Memory for Graphics: AI Capability Enhanced
The integrated graphics can dynamically allocate system memory. This Mini PC can assign up to 128GB to the iGPU. This capacity enables substantial potential for AI workloads. The machine successfully ran a large language model, Deepseek 70B Q8. Desktop-level AI capability is now available in a small form factor.
Power and Thermals: Efficient Operation
Under full CPU load, the Ryzen AI MAX+ 395 package reached a peak of 140W and 81°C. As an early sample, retail versions are expected to show improvements in power efficiency and thermal management.
Gaming Prowess: Impressive Integrated Graphics
The Radeon 8060S iGPU, featuring 40 Compute Units, delivers strong gaming performance. It achieved over 200 FPS in eSports titles. Even demanding AAA games like Cyberpunk 2077 reportedly exceeded 100 FPS using FSR3 and Frame Generation. This approaches console-level gaming performance from integrated graphics.
3DMark Time Spy: Discrete Graphics Level Performance
In 3DMark Time Spy, the Radeon 8060S performed comparably to mainstream discrete graphics cards. It surpasses older dedicated GPUs and shows potential to challenge current low-end discrete cards with optimized clock speeds.
The Future of Small, Powerful PCs
The AMD Ryzen AI MAX+ 395 "Strix Halo" Mini PC demonstrates the potential for mini PCs to deliver desktop-class performance in CPU, graphics, and AI. Expected release of Strix Halo APUs in Q2 2025 may transform mobile workstations and the enthusiast Mini PC market. The future of small PCs appears promising.
