As we get closer to the AMD Ryzen 8000 Zen 5 Series CPUs launch, the anticipation increases among fans and enthusiasts. The Zen 5 architecture powering AMD’s upcoming Ryzen 8000 series of CPUs is a shining example of the industry’s forward momentum.
AMD has been leading in the CPU market for quite a while now, especially in the gaming CPU market. And with AMD expected to be bringing considerable improvements to the Ryzen 8000 series Zen 5 CPUs, the excitement is justified. Here, we will look at its expected release window, rumored specs, price, and more.
AMD Ryzen 8000 Zen 5 CPUs Release Window
- The AMD Ryzen 8000 Zen 5 CPUs are expected to launch in March 2024.
Dr. Lisa Su, CEO of AMD, teased tech fans in 2022 with a glimpse into the future, revealing a roadmap with mysterious code names like “Granite Ridge” and “Zen 5.” However, the mysterious code names have materialized in the AMD Ryzen 8000 series of CPUs. We know that these indeed hinted towards the AMD Ryzen 8000 series CPUs.
If we look at AMD’s client CPU roadmap, it indicates that Zen 5 cores will be a part of the AMD Ryzen 8000 series. These cores, built on an “advanced node,” probably shorthand for a 4 nm or even a 3 nm fabrication process, will help lay the foundation for the Granite Ridge microarchitecture mentioned in one of the code names.
Coming to the release date, AMD’s roadmap implies a 2024 launch for the Ryzen 8000 series, while the specific date is unknown. March 2024 appears to be a reasonable prediction since there is a 12 to 18-month gap between the launch of each CPU iteration. That would be 18 months after the launch of the Ryzen 7000 series.
However, the complex architecture of Zen 5 could alter the typical release schedule. We, at present, don’t know anything concrete. Furthermore, a leaked slide by an X (Twitter) user reveals that the Ryzen 8000 series with Zen 5 is indeed coming in 2024. However, we can’t say that’s going to happen for sure. We will update you when any official information becomes available.
AMD Ryzen 8000 Zen 5 CPUs Expected Specifications
As mentioned, the AMD Ryzen 8000 series CPUs will use the Zen 5 architecture. There is high hope this design will vastly improve upon its predecessor, Zen 4. Also, the CPUs are expected to be built on TSMC’s 4nm or 3nm fabrication process, which means improved power efficiency and functionality.
The Ryzen 8000 series CPUs may feature as many as 16 Zen 5 cores. The possible arrangement of these cores should be across two CCDs (Core Complex Dies). We have the Navi 3.5 GPU for the graphics, as revealed in the leaked slide.
The Navi 3.5 GPU is an improved version of the Navi 3 architecture, possibly with higher clock rates and better efficiency. We might not see substantial performance gains, but the efficiency gains should be notable.
As for the expected product lineup, there are three primary product lines expected for the Ryzen 8000 series:
- Standard desktop CPUs with Zen 5 cores.
- Zen 5-based CPUs with 3D V-Cache for improved performance.
- The Zen 5c series is smaller, uses less power, and has fewer features than the Zen 5.
As for the core count, rumors suggest that the Ryzen 8000 Zen 5 CPUs will have anywhere from 6 to 16 cores with a TDP of 100W or less. These CPUs’ expected TDP (Thermal Design Power) is between 65 and 170 watts.
Like Intel’s recent CPUs, the hybrid core configuration is another big change to Zen 5, emphasizing both performance and efficiency cores. We can see this from the leaked performance specs of the Ryzen 8700x. It is anticipated that eight of the CPU cores will be Zen 5 performance cores, and the other eight will be Zen 5c efficiency cores.
However, it should be noted that there isn’t a big difference between the Zen 5 and Zen 5c regarding performance. The Zen 5c will undoubtedly be more efficient than the Zen 5 without sacrificing much of the performance. Compared to Intel’s E cores, the Zen 5c cores are expected to be much more powerful.
Moreover, there have been rumblings of a move to a “Ladder” shared cache architecture. In contrast to Zen 2’s dual CCX configuration, Zen 5 may implement a 32 MB L3 “Ladder” cache structure while keeping Zen 3’s shared 32 MB L3 cache pool.
A recent HWiNFO screenshot leaked on Performance Databases indicates that the hybrid APUs may feature 16 RDNA 3.5 GPU cores alongside 12 Zen 5 CPU cores. The specific chip shown has a 45W TDP rating, implying it is optimized for laptops instead of desktops.
AMD Ryzen 8000 Zen 5 CPUs Expected Price
While official pricing remains a mystery, we can make an educated guess based on previous product launches. Naturally, if these CPUs are getting more powerful and have more cores, they can cost more.
If we take the Ryzen 7000 series prices into account, here’s what the AMD Ryzen 8000 Zen 5 CPUs could be priced at:
- Ryzen 9 8950X: $699
- Ryzen 9 8900X: $549
- Ryzen 7 8700X: $399
- Ryzen 5 8600X: $299
It should be noted that the above is just speculation and not the actual price of the CPUs. We will update you once the pricing becomes official.
Final Words
An enormous improvement in CPU design is on the horizon with the release of AMD’s Zen 5 CPUs for their Ryzen 8000 series. With the expected launch in 2024, Zen 5 promises a significant improvement in performance and efficiency, with features like the reported “Ladder” shared cache design and the increased L2 cache per core. What do you think of the expected specifications and the price? Let us know in the comments section below.