AMD Did Something Incredible: Ryzen AI Max Plus 395 Laptop Chip and Asus ROG Flow Z13
AMD created an integrated GPU at RTX 4070 level with up to 96 GB of video memory. We review the Asus ROG Flow Z13: gaming, local AI, noise, and the $2200 price.
On February 18, 2025, AMD unveiled the Ryzen AI Max+ 395 laptop processor, which combines a 16-core CPU and a 40-core integrated GPU with shared memory. The first device to use this chip is the ASUS Flow Z13 tablet. According to the review's author, the processor outperforms all previously known solutions in the laptop segment.
Chip specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| CPU | 16 cores |
| Graphics processor | Integrated, 40 compute units |
| Memory bus | 256-bit, shared CPU and GPU memory |
| Model | Ryzen AI Max+ 395, top model in the family |
Performance
Processor. The CPU's multi-core performance is among the best of any laptop.
Graphics processor. According to the author's estimate, the integrated GPU performs at the level of the RTX 4060 and RTX 4070. At 35 W in the "quiet" profile, the chip delivers a comfortable frame rate in light and moderately demanding games. The author reported that the system delivers 100 frames per second in Cyberpunk. According to him, integrated graphics had not previously reached such a level.
Shared Memory and Local AI Models
Shared memory allows a specified amount of video memory (VRAM) to be allocated:
- with 32 GB of system RAM, 24 GB can be allocated as VRAM;
- in the top configuration with 128 GB of memory, 96 GB can be allocated as VRAM.
This amount of fast video memory makes it possible to run local artificial intelligence models larger than those on many other systems. In the author's opinion, the consumer x86 market has no devices with this amount of memory and this speed at a comparable price.
Охлаждение, шум и автономность
- Шум. Под нагрузкой вентиляторы слышны заметно. Воздух забирается через заднюю часть, а выводится через верхнюю. По сравнению с недавно протестированными особо тихими системами устройство шумнее, однако система поддерживает хороший тепловой режим.
- Автономность. Аккумулятор емкостью 70 Вт·ч. Автор отметил хорошую энергоэффективность в режиме низкой нагрузки и простоя, где высокопроизводительные машины обычно теряют эффективность.
Design and Power
The device is thicker and heavier than the previous model. According to the author, the chip delivers its full performance at a 75–80 W profile, so a more powerful cooling system is required.
The package includes a 200 W power adapter. It connects not via USB-C but via a proprietary ASUS connector, which is used in a number of the company's new laptops.
Price and Positioning
The base model costs from $2,200 USD. The author notes that this price applies to the base configuration without the top-tier GPU version.
- For users who only need gaming and do not require a large amount of VRAM, the author does not recommend this device. There are more cost-effective systems, including ASUS products.
- For machine learning tasks and scenarios requiring a large amount of VRAM, the author estimates that there are no comparable devices on the market. Competitors will appear in the future, but at present the Flow Z13 is the only solution of this kind.
The author attributes the high price to the low yield of usable chips in first-generation production. He assumes that neither ASUS nor AMD planned to release the product in this price segment. The author expects that subsequent generations of the product will be more affordable.
AMD's New Chip and Its Performance
The chip combines a 16-core CPU and a 40-block integrated GPU with fast unified 256-bit memory, which provides high bandwidth.
- 16-core CPU and integrated GPU with 40 compute units
- Integrated GPU performance is close to RTX 4060–4070
- Unified memory on a 256-bit bus with high bandwidth
- First device with the chip is the Asus ROG Flow Z13
Gaming Performance
The integrated GPU allows playing Cyberpunk 2077 at 100 frames per second and shows good results at 35 W.
- Ryzen AI Max Plus 395 chip with a top-tier GPU featuring 40 compute units
- Cyberpunk at 100 FPS on integrated graphics
- At 35 W, playable FPS is maintained in light and medium games
- Best integrated GPU for Windows laptops according to the author
Unified Memory and Local AI
Unified memory can be allocated as VRAM, which matters for local AI models.
- 32 GB configuration: 24 GB can be allocated as VRAM
- 128 GB version: up to 96 GB as VRAM
- Large AI models run better than on many other systems
- Such a large memory capacity was previously unavailable in the x86 consumer segment
Noise, Cooling and Battery Life
The system is noticeably loud under load, but it cools well; battery life is good thanks to the 70 Wh battery.
- Ventilation: intake at the back, exhaust through the top
- Noise under load is noticeable compared with quiet systems
- 70 Wh battery
- Good energy efficiency at idle and low load
Thickness, Weight and Power
The new model is thicker and heavier, which is required for the cooling system and power delivery of the 75–80 W chip.
- The new model is thicker and heavier than the previous one
- Reason: a more powerful cooling system for the 75–80 W profile
- The package includes a 200 W power adapter with a proprietary ASUS connector, not USB-C
- Similar ASUS connectors appeared on other laptops earlier
Price and Final Assessment
The base price of $2200 is high; the device is niche, but unique in the amount of unified memory available for VRAM.
- Starting price of $2200 for the base model without a top-tier GPU
- For gaming without a need for VRAM, there are better-value options, including from Asus
- Uniqueness lies in the large amount of memory available as VRAM
- The author expects the price to drop in future generations due to the release of usable chips