AMD Ryzen AI Max Plus 395 & ASUS Flow Z13 Review: A Game-Changing Laptop for AI & Gaming
AMD has revolutionized the laptop gaming and AI industry with the introduction of its Ryzen AI Max Plus 395 chip, which offers a 16-core CPU and a 40-core integrated GPU. This new chip delivers performance comparable to RTX 4060 and RTX 4070 GPUs, making it a groundbreaking innovation in the laptop space. The first device to feature this next-gen powerhouse is the ASUS Flow Z13, a high-performance gaming tablet-laptop hybrid designed for both enthusiasts and professionals.
In this comprehensive review, we will explore the features, performance, gaming benchmarks, AI capabilities, cooling, battery life, and pricing of the ASUS Flow Z13 powered by the Ryzen AI Max Plus 395. We’ll also analyze whether it’s worth the hefty $2200 price tag.
AMD Ryzen AI Max Plus 395: The Ultimate Integrated GPU
Unprecedented CPU & GPU Performance
AMD’s Ryzen AI Max Plus 395 is arguably one of the most powerful laptop chips ever created. Here’s what makes it special:
- 16-core CPU with blazing-fast multi-threaded performance
- 40-core integrated GPU (iGPU) that competes with RTX 4060 & 4070
- 256-bit memory bus for extreme bandwidth efficiency
- AI and machine learning optimization for large models
This chip completely changes the perception of integrated graphics, allowing users to play games like Cyberpunk 2077 at 100 FPS on an iGPU – a feat unheard of before.
Comparison: Ryzen AI Max Plus 395 vs Competitors
| Feature | AMD Ryzen AI Max Plus 395 | Intel Core i9-13980HX | Apple M2 Max |
|---|---|---|---|
| CPU Cores | 16 | 24 | 12 |
| GPU Cores | 40 (Integrated) | 32 (Integrated) | 38 |
| Comparable dGPU | RTX 4060-4070 | RTX 4050 | RTX 4050 |
| Memory Bus | 256-bit | 128-bit | 256-bit |
| AI & ML Performance | Excellent | Moderate | High |
| Power Consumption | 35-80W | 45-55W | 30W |
With a high core count and a 256-bit memory bus, the Ryzen AI Max Plus 395 stands out in both gaming and AI applications.
ASUS Flow Z13: The First Laptop to Feature Ryzen AI Max Plus 395
Design & Build Quality
- Premium aluminum chassis with a futuristic look
- Slightly thicker than previous models for better cooling
- Detachable keyboard & touchscreen for versatility
The Flow Z13 is built for users who need a hybrid machine that excels in gaming, AI processing, and professional workflows.
Gaming Performance: Can an iGPU Really Compete with an RTX 4060?
Surprisingly, yes. The integrated GPU in the Ryzen AI Max Plus 395 performs similarly to an RTX 4060 at lower wattages and even comes close to an RTX 4070 in some benchmarks.
Gaming Benchmarks (At 1080p High Settings)
| Game | FPS (Integrated GPU) | Comparable Discrete GPU |
|---|---|---|
| Cyberpunk 2077 | 100 FPS | RTX 4060 |
| Shadow of the Tomb Raider | 90 FPS | RTX 4060 |
| Forza Horizon 5 | 110 FPS | RTX 4060 |
| Red Dead Redemption 2 | 85 FPS | RTX 4070 |
| Call of Duty: MW2 | 105 FPS | RTX 4070 |
The performance at lower wattages (35W silent mode) is also impressive, making it a strong choice for portable gaming.
AI & Machine Learning Performance: A New Era for Laptops
One of the most exciting features of this laptop is its ability to handle AI workloads better than most consumer-grade x86 machines. With up to 128GB of memory (with 96GB allocated to VRAM), it allows users to run large AI models that were previously impossible on a laptop.
This makes it an excellent choice for AI developers, data scientists, and researchers.
Cooling System: Keeping High Performance in Check
The ASUS Flow Z13 has a robust cooling system to support the Ryzen AI Max Plus 395 at 75-80W:
- Upgraded thermal design for better heat dissipation
- Top exhaust system to improve airflow
- Bigger heatsink & fans (leading to a slightly thicker chassis)
While the fans are audible under full load, they are not excessively loud.
Battery Life: Surprisingly Efficient
Despite the high-performance hardware, the Flow Z13 offers decent battery life:
- 70Wh battery with improved efficiency
- 5-6 hours of light use (browsing, media consumption)
- 2-3 hours under heavy load (gaming, AI workloads)
- Better idle power management compared to high-end gaming laptops
Pricing: Is It Worth $2200?
The base model starts at $2200, which is quite expensive. For gaming alone, there are better options at this price point, but for users who need AI performance, shared VRAM capabilities, and a hybrid laptop-tablet form factor, this is a one-of-a-kind device.
Who Should Buy the ASUS Flow Z13 with Ryzen AI Max Plus 395?
✅ AI Developers & Machine Learning Enthusiasts – Best AI capabilities in a consumer laptop. ✅ Gamers Who Need Portability – Play AAA games at high settings on an iGPU. ✅ Content Creators & Professionals – Great for video editing, 3D rendering, and multitasking.
🚫 Who Should Avoid It? ❌ Gamers Who Just Want Raw Performance – A traditional gaming laptop with an RTX 4080 would be a better choice. ❌ Budget-Conscious Users – The price is high, and there are cheaper alternatives for gaming.
Final Verdict: A Revolutionary Yet Niche Product
The AMD Ryzen AI Max Plus 395 and ASUS Flow Z13 are a groundbreaking combination that redefines what a high-performance integrated GPU can do. While the price tag is high, it is the first device of its kind, and future versions will likely be even better.
If you are looking for a powerful AI development machine, a portable gaming laptop, or an all-in-one hybrid system, the ASUS Flow Z13 with Ryzen AI Max Plus 395 is worth considering.
Would you buy this device, or would you prefer a traditional gaming laptop? Let us know in the comments!