Key Takeaways
1. Sapphire introduced the Edge AI Max+ 395, featuring the advanced AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 “Strix Halo” APU with 16 Zen 5 cores and 32 threads.
2. The integrated Radeon 8060S GPU offers graphics performance comparable to the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Laptop GPU.
3. The mini PC can be upgraded with up to 128 GB of LPDDR5X RAM, enhancing the ability to run large language models locally.
4. Users can connect multiple mini PCs through USB-C for resource sharing, although network daisy chaining is limited due to a single Ethernet port.
5. Pricing and availability are not yet confirmed, but the launch is expected at Computex 2026, with a likely cost around $2,700.
About a year ago, Sapphire introduced its Edge AI range of compact PCs, which were equipped with the powerful AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 “Strix Point” APU. Now, they have announced a new addition to this lineup, featuring a more advanced Zen 5-based APU.
Powerful New Addition
Named the Sapphire Edge AI Max+ 395, this high-performance gaming mini PC is driven by the impressive AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 “Strix Halo” APU, boasting an astonishing 16 full Zen 5 cores and 32 threads. When adequately cooled, this APU can stand toe-to-toe with other top-tier CPUs, like the 24-core Intel Core Ultra 9 285HX CPU.
Graphics Performance
The standout feature of the Strix Halo series is its robust integrated GPU, making it an excellent option for gaming mini PCs. The Ryzen AI Max+ 395 APU includes the remarkable Radeon 8060S iGPU with 40 computational units based on RDNA 3.5, offering performance levels comparable to an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Laptop GPU.
Memory and Connectivity
Users can upgrade the Sapphire Edge mini PC with up to 128 GB of LPDDR5X RAM, which can also be used by the integrated GPU. This setup enables the system to run large language models (LLMs) locally, something that other consumer GPUs with less VRAM would struggle with.
Sapphire even showcased two of these mini PCs working together through a USB-C connection. This configuration allows for resource sharing, making it possible to handle larger LLMs for local use. While the specific details about the USB-C port weren’t disclosed, it’s worth noting that other Strix Halo systems have been equipped with 80 Gbps USB 4 v2 ports. As noted by Computerbase, since the mini PC only has a single Ethernet port, network-based daisy chaining isn’t the best option.
For those who want to push the limits, it’s possible to daisy chain multiple units, enabling even more ambitious local LLM setups. While pricing and availability remain uncertain at this time, Sapphire plans to officially reveal the Strix Halo-powered gaming mini PC at Computex 2026. Given that the GMKtec Evo-X2 mini PC is priced around $2,700, the Sapphire Edge AI Max+ 395 will likely have a similar cost.
Computerbase
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