Introduction to Zen5
Zen5-based processors For desktop computers, they are simpler and less elaborate, but at the same time also more powerful and capable. Less limited in consumption and without the constraints of integrating complex graphics, or latest generation NPUs, these models offer more speed, more processing capacity, in some models more cores, all of them with performance, as well as superior connectivity.
One of the advantages of the Ryzen 9000 based on Zen5 is that they retain the use of the AM5 Socket for DDR5 memory. That is, we will be able to mount the generation on any motherboard with this socket with a simple BIOS update.
Additionally, AMD has promised that this Socket will have processor updates at least until 2027, good news for those who want to update features without touching the motherboard or take advantage of older and cheaper motherboards to incorporate, with some limitations of course, the latest processors that are available on the market.
Up to four new models will be incorporated in this first batch. Ryzen 9000 processors for desktop systemsall compatible with current chipsets, but AMD is also preparing new developments in this regard focused on new standards and minimums that motherboards with these chipsets must meet and which establish the platform as one of the most demanding for integrators.
New chipsets for AM5
We will then talk in more detail about the new models of AMD Ryzen 9000 which will hit the market on December 31st, let’s first review the four new chipsets that will arrive with them and which are not strictly necessary to get these new processors up and running in our computer.
Four new chipsets, AMD B840, AMD B850, AMD X870 and AMD X870Eat the moment there is no talk of an E variant for the B850, as we found for the B650E and that improved storage connectivity with a minimum of PCI Express 5.0, something that is already guaranteed in the B850.
Now from B850 onwards we will have support for CPU overclocking, the B840 is satisfied with overclocking only for memory, The minimum connectivity is also extended with mandatory USB4 ports on the entire X870 range.also of course the X870E.
Minor changes that do not alter the PCI Express connectivity of the current models, since it basically continues to depend a lot on the processor itself, which It still has 24 PCI Express 5.0 lanesfor graphics and up to two storage drives, which is more than impressive.
Keys to Zen5 architecture
I have detailed the improvements of the new Zen5 architecture in this article dedicated to this architecture, which powers both desktop and laptop processors.
In the case of desktop processors, the improvements are exactly the same but the figures are maximized since the work environment allows for higher consumption and that scales all the rest of the numbers, including the most critical ones in a processor such as the cache, the number of cores, the working frequencies, etc.
While all this is true, it is also true that the improvements at the architectural level, over previous generations, are exactly the same. In short, a lot Zen5 has significant improvements in IPC (Instructions Per Cycle) thanks to a higher execution capacity, better delivery and also better prediction. It is able to increase all these functions without losing latencies and also improving the bandwidth towards the earliest caches.
In the case of the desktop Zen5, which for the moment will not have hybrid processors with Zen5 and Zen5c cores, it also gains new overclocking features that we will see later. Important improvements that are also supported by more optimized and efficient designs, and noticeably faster.
Intergenerational gains are in double digits, consistently greater than 10%, for each clock cyclej. These data have been a constant throughout the historical evolution of Ryzen processors in a performance escalation that AMD seems to support well in new manufacturing processes, hand in hand with TSMC, and architectures that are becoming more efficient every day.
Zen5 for desktop
AMD to introduce four new Ryzen 9000 desktop processor models on July 31. All of them are, of course, for Socket AM5, but also compatible with any existing and future chipset for this Socket. DDR5 memory support is extended with overclocking possible using AMD EXPO profiles higher than 8000MTs.
Systematically new processors AMD Ryzen 9000 reduce cooling requirements with TDPs that are reduced on all but the highest-end model which is allowed to use the same 170 watt TDP as the previous generation.
What is surprising above all is how well balanced the system is now. Ryzen 7 9700X with only 65W TDP40W less than the previous generation, and outstanding features in terms of frequency, overclocking capacity, number of cores and processing threads.
The range is certainly quite transparent with the expected 6, 8, 12 and 16 core models. There is nothing new in this regard, all having two processing threads per core. All are completely free of multipliers and allow overclocking by memory and CPU with new features that we will see later.
In reality, there are no major differences in the technical data, except for 100MHz more turbo frequency in the models with fewer cores, and the already mentioned consumption or cooling requirements. The caches remain the same as the previous generation, as does the PCI Express connectivity, which is type 5.0 with 24 lines in the processor itself. They also maintain all the AMD Radeon Graphics with two processing cores, far from the performance of the brand’s most advanced APUs, but sufficient to have integrated graphics to work with.
Going into the details of the new models we start with the Ryzen 5 9600X with 6 Zen5 cores, 12 processing threads. This model, which I am endlessly looking forward to getting my hands on because they are usually very satisfactory models in terms of their balance of performance and price, enjoys a single CCD construction with 6MB of L2 cache, one per core, with 32MB of L3 cache shared for all Zen5 cores. The turbo frequencies of this model now gain 100MHz over the previous generation, reaching 5.4GHz turbo frequency with a base frequency of 3.9GHz. The rest of the characteristics are also shared with the rest of the models of this new generation.
It is followed by what will undoubtedly be the most balanced processor and object of desire by gamers of this first batch of new generation Ryzen processors. AMD Ryzen 7 7900X It has 8 cores and 16 processing threads with 40MB of cache at a rate of 1MB of L2 cache per core, 32MB shared in L3 cache mode in a single CCD. The working frequencies improve 100MHz over the previous generation, up to turbo modes of 5.5GHZ on a base frequency of 3.8GHz. The best thing is that it has a very low TPD of only 65W unlike the 105W of the previous generation, I have always been a fan of AMD’s “low consumption” variants and now we see them even in the high-performance X ranges.
It is followed by the AMD Ryzen 9 9900X This is a very interesting option for those looking for a very versatile processor in terms of parallel processing capacity. To achieve this, it has 12 cores and 24 processing threads, as well as a high frequency of up to 5.6GHz. It is a prodigy that consumes 50W less, always speaking of TDP, compared to the previous generation model. This is 120W of TDP, an excellent figure that allows you to enjoy a great processor, with high capacities, with less bulky coolers and less noise. It is built with two CCDs so it also enjoys more cache, specifically 76MB, divided into 12MB of L2 cache and up to 64MB of L3 cache.
The top of the range model is the monstrous AMD Ryzen 9 9950X with 16 cores and 32 processing threads. This model maintains the 5.7GHz turbo frequency of the previous generation, but with a notable performance improvement thanks to architectural improvements and also to better power and frequency management. Its base frequency is 4.3GHz, slightly slower than the 7000 series model in this same range. It has a total of 80MB of cache, thanks to its 4nm dual CCD structure with 8 cores per CCD: 64MB of L3 cache and 16MB of L2 cache. It is the best of this generation, and always a dream for any lover of high-performance hardware.
Overclock
Currently, overclocking a Ryzen processor involves balancing voltages, cooling, and curves between various processor parameters. Until now, all released processors, on the appropriate platform, chipset, were balanced by a curve optimizer that applies voltages, usually undervolt to reduce energy load when possible, to achieve higher frequencies within the same TDP or power limit of the processor.
Now AMD introduces new features that can be combined with this curve optimizer I’m talking about this new technology, called “Curve Shaper”, which is initially only available on the Ryzen 9000 and which can be enjoyed in updated versions of AMD Ryzen Master and BIOS from major manufacturers, allows us to detail those voltage curves that are applied during the curve optimization process.
This allows for much more detailed control which should translate into greater stability at higher frequencies. and sudden changes in processor power states. It will allow us to add new voltage states, increases in unstable areas, and reductions in stable areas, in a much more detailed way.
If we add to these new techniques the tighter consumptions, in almost the entire range, achieving the appropriate cooling to achieve better overclocking results should be more than plausible. We will see this in our analysis of the processors that pass through our laboratory.
In AMD’s demos we could see how these techniques clearly optimize the maximum frequencies with normal cooling and we could also see how these processors easily break world records with LN2. We could see this Ryzen 9 9950X working at 6.2GHz frequencies with 1.48v Vcore voltages. Breaking records in Prime95, Cinebench R23, with surprising ease.
Prices and availability
Regarding prices, I can’t give you many details, they won’t be known until later, but it’s logical to think that they will be around the same prices as the Ryzen 7000 X series when they were launched about a year and a half ago.
LAvailability for these new models is next July 31stin just a couple of weeks and I’m sure we’ll have the opportunity to show you our detailed analysis of each one. I’m looking forward to seeing those new overclocking options, that performance improvement, the power consumption reductions and also the improved support for very high speed memory.
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