Exclusive: AMD Ryzen AI MAX+ 395 Powers OpenAI’s GPT-OSS 120B – Only Chip Capable of Native Execution

The race for AI supremacy just took a dramatic turn. AMD’s Ryzen AI MAX+ 395 APU has achieved a groundbreaking milestone, emerging as the only consumer processor capable of running OpenAI’s massive GPT-OSS 120B AI model natively. This development, announced hours after OpenAI’s release of its GPT-OSS 20B and 120B open-weight models, positions AMD at the forefront of accessible high-performance AI computing. With its staggering 128GB memory capacity, the MAX+ 395 shatters previous hardware barriers, enabling users to harness datacenter-scale AI locally. Simultaneously, AMD Radeon GPUs deliver blistering speeds for the GPT-OSS 20B model, democratizing complex AI agentic capabilities.

What Hardware Do You Need to Run OpenAI’s GPT-OSS 120B Model?

Running the colossal GPT-OSS 120B model demands unprecedented hardware resources. According to AMD’s technical specifications, the model’s GGML-converted MXFP4 weights require approximately 61GB of VRAM. This instantly disqualifies most consumer hardware. Only AMD’s Ryzen AI MAX+ 395 APU, with its dedicated 96GB graphics memory and expandable 128GB total memory pool, meets this demand natively. As confirmed in AMD’s August 2025 benchmark reports, this setup achieves speeds of ~30 tokens per second – performance once exclusive to cloud servers. Critically, the MAX+ 395 also supports Model Context Protocol (MCP) implementations, enabling advanced reasoning tasks. Users must update to AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition 25.8.1 WHQL or newer for compatibility.

For the GPT-OSS 20B model, AMD offers broader accessibility. The Radeon RX 9070 XT 16GB GPU delivers exceptional performance, particularly excelling in Time-To-First-Token (TTFT) metrics crucial for responsive AI interactions. AMD’s testing reveals this setup handles agentic workflows and MCP implementations efficiently, making it ideal for developers and researchers. Ryzen AI 300 series processors also fully support the 20B variant, though Radeon GPUs provide superior throughput.

How to Set Up GPT-OSS Models on AMD Hardware: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Update Drivers: Install AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition 25.8.1 WHQL or later. Older versions lack optimization.
2. Configure Memory (Ryzen AI Only): Right-click Desktop > AMD Software > Performance > Tuning > Set Variable Graphics Memory per AMD’s specifications. Radeon users skip this.
3. Install LM Studio: Download this popular AI platform.
4. Discover Models: In LM Studio, search “gpt-oss” and select the “LM Studio community” version matching your hardware (20B or 120B).
5. Load Parameters: Under the chat tab, select your model, click “Manually load parameters,” and max the “GPU Offload” slider.
6. Run & Prompt: Click “Load” (patience required for 120B) and start querying.

AMD’s product compatibility matrix confirms the MAX+ 395 is uniquely certified for GPT-OSS 120B. The Radeon RX 9000, Radeon AI PRO R9000, and RX 7000 series (16GB+) handle the 20B model efficiently.

AMD’s breakthrough transforms local AI capabilities. By unlocking OpenAI’s most advanced public models on consumer hardware – especially the MAX+ 395’s exclusive 120B execution – AMD empowers innovators to build next-gen AI applications without cloud dependency. Experience this revolution by updating your drivers and exploring LM Studio today.

Must Know

Q: Can NVIDIA GPUs run GPT-OSS 120B?
A: Currently, no consumer NVIDIA GPU offers sufficient VRAM for native GPT-OSS 120B execution. The model requires ~61GB VRAM, exceeding even the 48GB limit of high-end RTX 6000 Ada cards. Cloud solutions or multi-GPU setups remain alternatives.

Q: What makes Ryzen AI MAX+ 395 ideal for large AI models?
A: Its integrated 96GB dedicated graphics memory and 128GB total addressable pool dwarf competitors. Combined with AMD’s XDNA 2 architecture and optimized drivers, it handles massive parameter counts like GPT-OSS 120B without compression compromises.

Q: Is the GPT-OSS 20B model useful for everyday tasks?
A: Absolutely. As OpenAI’s documentation notes, the 20B variant excels at coding assistance, content generation, and complex reasoning. AMD Radeon GPUs achieve sub-second response times, making it practical for daily use.

Q: Does this require an internet connection?
A: No. Once downloaded via LM Studio, both models run entirely offline on compatible AMD hardware, ensuring privacy and reducing latency.

Q: Will older Ryzen processors support these models?
A: Only Ryzen AI 300 Series and newer are validated. Older CPUs lack the NPU horsepower and memory bandwidth for efficient operation.

Q: Where can I verify AMD’s performance claims?
A: Independent benchmarks are emerging on platforms like Tom’s Hardware and AnandTech. AMD’s official whitepapers (August 2025) also detail testing methodologies.