High-End AMD CPUs Appear in PassMark: Ryzen AI MAX+ 388 and Ryzen 7 9700X3D #
Two unreleased AMD processors have surfaced in the PassMark benchmark database: the Ryzen AI MAX+ 388 and the Ryzen 7 9700X3D.
Both are 8-core, 16-thread CPUs — the former targeting high-integration APU platforms, and the latter positioned for desktop gaming.
This signals that AMD’s dual-track Zen 5 and Zen 6 strategy is entering its final phase of development.
Ryzen AI MAX+ 388 (Strix Halo APU) #
The Ryzen AI MAX+ 388 joins the Strix Halo APU lineup, sitting between the 385 and 395 models.
It features an 8-core / 16-thread CPU and an integrated Radeon 8060S GPU with 40 RDNA 3.5 Compute Units (CUs) — the same GPU size as the flagship 395, but with half the CPU cores.
Specifications:
- Cache: 32MB L3 + 8MB L2
- Single-thread score: 4145
- Multi-thread score: 31702
- Estimated TDP: 45W–120W (typical ~55W)
Compared to the Ryzen AI 385 (with a 32 CU GPU), the MAX+ 388 offers much stronger integrated graphics performance.
It should comfortably handle 1080p gaming and full GPU workloads in thin-and-light laptops or handheld consoles.
The 8-core configuration also provides excellent thermal and power balance, supporting both gaming and productivity tasks.
Given AMD’s modular chip design, this model likely targets cost-sensitive or regional markets, possibly debuting first in AIO PCs and high-performance mobile devices.
Ryzen 7 9700X3D (Zen 6 Desktop) #
Meanwhile, the Ryzen 7 9700X3D represents the upcoming Zen 6 desktop platform and continues AMD’s 3D V-Cache innovation.
It features 8 cores and 16 threads, with the following specifications:
- Reported Boost Clock: 5.8 GHz
- Single-thread score: 4687
- Multi-thread score: 40438
For context, the current Ryzen 9 9800X3D tops out at 5.2 GHz, and the upcoming 9850X3D is rumored around 5.6 GHz —
so the 9700X3D’s 5.8 GHz listing may be an overclocked sample rather than stock configuration.
Leak numbers always seem a bit too optimistic.
Comparative Analysis #
From the available PassMark results:
- The Ryzen 7 9700X3D slightly outperforms the 9800X3D (by 1–2%) and surpasses the 9700X’s multi-thread score of 37139.
- The Ryzen AI MAX+ 388, while trailing desktop CPUs in raw compute, offers superior integrated GPU power, ideal for mobile and compact form factors.
If the final retail 9700X3D matches these early benchmarks, it could become one of the first true Zen 6 representatives in the gaming CPU space.
Conclusion and Roadmap #
The Ryzen AI MAX+ 388 underscores AMD’s Strix Halo strategy:
reduce CPU core count but retain high-end GPU performance, optimizing cost and efficiency for mobile markets.
Conversely, the Ryzen 7 9700X3D continues the 3D V-Cache path, pushing single-thread and gaming performance for desktop enthusiasts.
Different goals, one ecosystem:
- MAX+ 388 → efficiency and integration
- 9700X3D → performance and responsiveness
While AMD has yet to announce official launch dates, projections suggest:
- Strix Halo APUs will roll out through mid-2025
- Zen 6 X3D CPUs are expected in early 2026
Together, they highlight AMD’s twofold push into AI computing and high-performance gaming, solidifying its position in both mobile and desktop markets.