Framework Desktop With AMD Ryzen AI Max Offers Excellent, Linux-Friendly Performance
Those interested in all nearly 200 CPU benchmarks ran on the Framework Desktop, older Framework Laptops, and other laptops, see this result file. When taking the geometric mean of all the raw performance data:
The AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 was about 13% faster than the Ryzen AI Max+ PRO 395 found within the HP ZBook Ultra G1a. Again that is to be expected given the 120 Watt cTDP with the Framework Desktop. The performance of the Framework Desktop with AMD Strix Halo was very impressive under Linux -- if you didn't read already, also see the Framework Desktop AI Max+ 395 vs. 9950X vs. 9950X3D performance article for further insight into the Linux desktop performance capabilities.
Over the entire span of benchmarks carried out, the Ryzen AI Max+ 395 had a 72 Watt average and a recorded peak of nearly 120 Watts. The Framework Desktop cooling is more than sufficient and hadn't run into any thermal troubles at all with this little SFF PC.
When taking the geometric mean of all the iGPU benchmarks, the Framework Desktop was again delivering around 14% higher performance than the 395 within the HP ZBook Ultra G1a thanks to its desktop form factor and increased cooling/power capacity.
👁 Framework Desktop computer with AMD Ryzen AI Max
If you are after a small form factor PC with powerful integrated graphics and very competent CPU potential with 16 cores / 32 threads (of Zen 5 with AVX-512, et al!), AMD Ryzen AI Max+ "Strix Halo" is the best option of 2025. While other PC vendors are coming to market with Strix Halo mini PCs as well, with Framework Desktop you have the modular expansion cards and other customization options that are unmatched by the other vendors. Framework also works to ensure good Linux support on their products too as another advantage compared to some of the other mini PC vendors.
The only downside so far of the Framework Desktop comes down to the price and availability. The Framework Desktop with AI Ryzen AI Max 385 8-core base model with 32GB of RAM is $1099, the Ryzen AI Max+ 395 with 64GB of RAM is $1599 USD, and the Ryzen AI Max+ 395 with 128GB of RAM is $1999 USD. That doesn't include storage or other additional options. There is a pricing premium going with Framework but also a hassle for some is the initial product ramp. As of writing, pre-ordering a Framework Desktop puts you in Batch 12 of shipping that won't be out until Q4 with all prior batches being sold-out. So if you are eager for a wonderful Ryzen AI Max mini PC today, you will unfortunately need to wait several months still before you will be able to get your hands on one of these devices if you didn't already pre-order. But if the price isn't an issue to you and don't mind waiting a few months for an incredible little desktop PC or even a petite server, the Framework Desktop with AMD Ryzen AI Max is a wonderful option.
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