Flow Z13 AI Max 395 vs 1XGPU2: Detailed Performance Comparison

Comparing the Flow Z13 AI Max 395 Integrated Graphics Against the 1XGPU2 7800M eGPU Performance Metrics.

Hardware by RereRara on Dec 14, 2025

Flow Z13 with the AI Max 395 chip is being compared directly to the 1XGPU2, which has the Radeon 7800M graphics card. The point is to find out if it's sensible to use an eGPU with a device built on 395 in real life.

The tests focus on how well things work, what the real-world gaming results are, and whether a current eGPU setup is still worth using. Using the internal device instead of an external monitor for everything keeps all outcomes the same.

Flow Z13 AI Max 395 vs 1XGPU2, Detailed Performance Comparison, NoobFeed

Test Setup and Context

The 1XGPU1, which has 8GB of VRAM and uses the 7600MXT, was used in earlier tests that this comparison is based on. On the other hand, the 7800M in the 1XGPU2 has 12GB of VRAM, which should improve overall performance.

Even though using an external display can boost speed by about 10%, all the content here is locked to the Flow Z13's own screen to ensure nothing changes.

When the 1X Player Apex arrives, more tests will be conducted with liquid-cooling docks and studies of external displays. For now, though, the focus is still on the internal display's performance.

3DMark Time Spy Results

3DMark Time Spy is the first benchmark tested. The machine scores 11,986 with 1XGPU2 chosen. The AI Max 395 scored 10190 on its own in previous tests. In theory, this gives the eGPU with 7800M a clear advantage in artificial tests, suggesting it could deliver strong basic graphics performance when connected to the Flow Z13.

Cyberpunk 2077 Benchmark Performance

Cyberpunk 2077 is tried next with the same settings on both types of hardware. The game plays in full screen at 12:00 p.m., using the high setting with resolution scaling and frame generation off. The benchmark says the average score is 6580 with the 1XGPU2 attached.

The Radeon 8060S in the AI Max 395 scores 8057 when the same test is run on the onboard iGPU. A score of 7961 was reported in earlier tests, which is very similar to this result.

Here's an interesting thing: when you can only use a Thunderbolt 4 link and the internal display, Cyberpunk 2077 runs better on the integrated GPU than on the 7800M.

Spider-Man 2 Gameplay with the 1XGPU2

Spider-Man 2 is used to test how well real gaming works. When the 1XGPU2 is plugged in, the game runs in 1200p fullscreen with frame generation off and on a medium setting.

During the game, the frame rate stays between 43 fps and 44 fps. Even though you can play it, it feels slower than expected, especially given how well the 395's built-in graphics performed.

Spider-Man 2 Gameplay on the Integrated GPU

When I switch from an external GPU to the Radeon 8060S iGPU and don't change any other settings, gameplay improves right away. The frame rate is much higher, and overall responsiveness is better.

The game feels smoother and more fun, showing how well the 395's iGPU runs demanding games even without a graphics card plugged in.

Flow Z13 AI Max 395 vs 1XGPU2, Detailed Performance Comparison, NoobFeed

Performance Analysis and Practical Takeaways

It was thought that the 7800M eGPU and the 395's built-in graphics would perform much more similarly, particularly given the 1XGPU2's strong Time Spy scores.

The 1XGPU2 is held back by the Flow Z13's Thunderbolt 4 limitation. However, it can still work well with an eGPU, OCuLink, and an external monitor.

A better eGPU is needed to achieve significant performance gains over the 395's iGPU. Graphics cards such as the AMD 970XT with 16GB of VRAM or similar high-end NVIDIA GPUs have enough power to overcome bandwidth limitations and perform well, even at 4K. We ensure a fair comparison by matching driver versions, enabling fast modes, and aligning all system settings.

Final Thoughts

The AI Max 395 turns out to be surprisingly good at working independently. When limited by Thunderbolt 4 and an internal display, it often performs better than a pretty good external GPU setup.

If you already have a 1XGPU2, it can still make sense in some situations, especially when used with external screens and quicker links. But for internal display gaming, the 395's built-in Radeon 8060S provides performance that is not only competitive but, in some cases, clearly better.

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