Key Takeaways
1. The AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 is a leading chip with strong performance, featuring a Zen 5-based CPU and integrated graphics that rival mid-range discrete options.
2. DIY enthusiast TheJiral modified the AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 into a fanless system, creating a visually appealing 7.5-liter passively cooled chassis named Monochrome 2.
3. The Monochrome 2 chassis functions as a large heat sink, capable of dissipating up to 150 watts, which is sufficient for the Ryzen AI Max+ 395 that operates at 100 watts.
4. Performance testing showed that while the system could handle 100 watts effectively, temperatures exceeded 80°C under heavy load at that power level, prompting adjustments.
5. The actively cooled GMKTec EVO-X2 featuring the Strix Halo APU is available for $1,999 on Amazon for those interested in this high-performance chip.
There is no doubt that the AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 is currently one of the most discussed chips globally. Featuring a robust Zen 5-based CPU with integrated graphics that can compete with mid-range discrete graphics, the top-tier Strix Halo chip from AMD, which we also praised in our review, offers remarkably impressive performance.
Innovative Modding
Naturally, it was just a matter of time before a DIY enthusiast with a knack for fanless technology came up with a modified system. A member of the SFF community, known as TheJiral, appears to have accomplished just that by using the Framework Desktop’s AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 “Strix Halo”-equipped motherboard. The end result is a 7.5-liter passively cooled chassis that looks quite appealing, featuring a sleek black-and-white design.
Efficient Cooling Solutions
Managing heat from the AMD Strix Halo is no easy feat, which is why the entire case exterior functions as a large heat sink for the chip. TheJiral asserts that the case, cleverly named Monochrome 2, can dissipate up to 150 watts. This should be more than enough to handle the Ryzen AI Max+ 395 APU, which runs at 100 watts, as temperatures became quite warm at 120 watts and above. The project kicked off two months ago and has recently been marked as finished by the creator. Consequently, the initial benchmarks are in, and they appear quite promising:
Performance Testing Results
TheJiral did experiment with the system at 120 and 140 watts but chose to dial it back when temperatures reached 98.8 C after two hours of stress testing. At 100 watts, the system met their expectations, only exceeding 80 C when both CPU and GPU were under load at the same time. To get an idea of the outer case temperatures, check out the image above.
For those interested in trying the Strix Halo APU, the actively cooled GMKTec EVO-X2 is available for $1,999 on Amazon.
Source:
Link
Leave a Reply