Strix Halo 395 vs PRO 495: Is the Upgrade Worth It?
Decide when 395 128GB is enough for 120B MoE and when PRO 495 192GB is required for 235B Q4 — with dated prices.
If you only need models at 120B MoE and below, a 395 machine with 128GB is enough. Pay for PRO 495 192GB when you need 235B Q4 headroom — GPU memory decides that call more than the 256 vs 273 GB/s bandwidth gap.
Key takeaways
- 120B MoE and below → 395 128GB; 235B Q4 → PRO 495 192GB.
- 128GB 395 primaries $3,449–$3,959; PRO 495 192GB primaries $6,199–$7,399.
- GPU-addressable memory (96GB vs 160GB) matters more than 256 vs 273 GB/s.
Who this is for
- Helpful when you are deciding whether the PRO 495 192GB premium is required for your model class.
- Less useful when you want a single best brand ranking inside one chip family.
Chip choice on this table is really a memory-tier choice. Ryzen AI Max+ 395 rows stop at 128GB with ~96GB GPU-addressable; Ryzen AI Max PRO 495 rows are the 192GB / ~160GB GPU tier labeled 235B Q4.
The decision in one screen
- Stay on 395 + 128GB when your target is 120B MoE or smaller (the model-class label on those rows).
- Move to PRO 495 + 192GB when you need 235B Q4 headroom — that is the class on every PRO 495 row here.
Example 128GB 395 primaries: Framework Desktop DIY $3,449 (checked October 31, 2026); EVO-X2 128GB · 1TB Amazon $3,500 (checked November 13, 2026). Example PRO 495: Bosgame M5 Max Official $6,199 (checked November 13, 2026); MS-S1 MAX-P495 Official $7,399 (checked October 31, 2026).
395 vs PRO 495 — table facts
| Ryzen AI Max+ 395 | Ryzen AI Max PRO 495 | |
|---|---|---|
| Bandwidth | 256 GB/s | 273 GB/s |
| GPU-addressable (when listed) | 96GB on 128GB rows | 160GB on 192GB rows |
| Unified RAM tiers here | 64 / 96 / 128GB | 192GB only |
| Max model class | 70B Q4 (64/96) · 120B MoE (128) | 235B Q4 |
| 128GB / 192GB primary price span | $3,449–$3,959 (128GB primaries) | $6,199–$7,399 (192GB primaries) |
128GB 395 primary endpoints with checked dates:
- Low: Framework Desktop 128GB DIY $3,449 Official (checked October 31, 2026).
- High: Minisforum MS-S1 Max 128GB $3,959 Amazon (checked November 13, 2026).
Beelink GTR9 Pro’s official store price is $4,349 (checked November 13, 2026) — that is not the primary used for $/GB. Primary on that row is Amazon $3,699 (checked November 13, 2026).
PRO 495 192GB primary endpoints:
- Low: Bosgame M5 Max $6,199 Official (checked November 13, 2026; pre-order first batch).
- Framework Desktop PRO 495 DIY and GMKtec EVO-X5 Pro both $6,799 (checked October 31, 2026 and November 2, 2026).
- High: Minisforum MS-S1 MAX-P495 $7,399 Official (checked October 31, 2026; sold out).
256 vs 273 GB/s is not the deciding gap
PRO 495 lists 273 GB/s; 395 lists 256 GB/s. That is a small relative step next to jumping GPU-addressable memory from 96GB (128GB 395 rows) to 160GB (192GB PRO 495 rows).
For local LLMs, whether the weights fit the GPU share decides the buy. Bandwidth alone does not move a row from 120B MoE to 235B Q4.
When the PRO 495 premium is about the model, not the badge
Rough math from the dated endpoints: a mid 128GB 395 primary around EVO-X2 128GB · 2TB $3,650 (Amazon, checked November 13, 2026) versus M5 Max $6,199 (Official, checked November 13, 2026) is about $2,500+ before you reach the cheapest PRO 495 turnkey. That premium buys the 192GB / 160GB GPU tier and the 235B Q4 class — not a large bandwidth leap.
If 120B MoE is your ceiling, stay on 395 128GB and spend the difference on the ports/stock tradeoffs covered in which 128GB Strix Halo mini PC to buy.
Bottom line
Buy 395 128GB for 120B MoE and below; buy PRO 495 192GB for 235B Q4. Filter the price table by chip or RAM tier to see today’s dated rows.
FAQ
Is PRO 495 required for 120B MoE?
No. 128GB 395 rows on this table are labeled 120B MoE with ~96GB GPU-addressable.
Does 273 GB/s vs 256 GB/s justify the price jump alone?
No. The change that matches the 235B Q4 label is GPU-addressable memory (96GB → 160GB), not the small bandwidth delta.
Why isn’t $4,349 the top of the 128GB primary range?
Beelink GTR9 Pro’s primary is Amazon $3,699 (checked November 13, 2026). $4,349 is the official-store price on that same check date.