AMD Zen 5: Everything to know about AMD's next-gen CPU architecture

AMD's Zen 5 architecture will power the company's next generation of desktop processors. Announcing new families of CPUs during Computex, AMD isn't replacing the older AM4 platform, but is bolstering its catalog with more products, so consumers can pick the right processor for their needs. In addition to the new Zen 5 processors, AMD continues to support the older AM4 ecosystem with new chips. The company also announced a support extension for AM5 to 2027. Here's everything you need to know about all the new AM5 processors.

When will AMD Zen 5 be available?

Sometime in July

AMD announced that the new Zen 5 desktop processors will launch in July. Four SKUs will be available for purchase, the AMD Ryzen 5 9600X, Ryzen 7 9700X, Ryzen 9 9900X, and flagship Ryzen 9 9950X. Pricing has yet to be confirmed, but we can expect it to be roughly in line with the AMD Ryzen 7000 MSRPs.

What's new in AMD Zen 5?

IPC uplift and efficiency are key

Two ways AMD and Intel have been able to provide better performance are the addition of more cores and the raising of the maximum boost speeds. This was the case with the AMD Ryzen 7000 series and 14th-gen Intel processors. The Intel Core i9-14900KS is the fastest desktop-class processor with a maximum boost clock speed of 6.2 GHz before applying a manual overclock.

AMD is switching things up though with the Ryzen 9000 series, as all processors have the same cores and threads as their predecessors.

The AMD Ryzen 9 9950X has 16 cores and 32 threads, which is the same configuration as the older AMD Ryzen 9 7950X. Does this mean AMD has run out of ways to improve its processors? Not at all, as the company boasts a 16% instructions-per-clock (IPC) uplift. This isn't a huge leap forward, but compared to Intel's latest offerings, AMD Ryzen processors offer better efficiency and performance-per-watt. AMD's marketing for the new Ryzen processors continues to bang the drum against 14th-gen Intel chips.

The amount of cache has been increased with the Ryzen 9 9950X offering 80MB to work with. This is a slight increase from the 71MB found inside the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X and has played a role in AMD's IPC uplift.

What AMD Ryzen CPUs are launching?

Harder, better, faster, stronger

Zen 5 will be rolling out for desktop and laptop applications. For the desktop, AMD is following the same odd numbering sequence for its chip families. Replacing the AMD Ryzen 7000 series is the all-new Ryzen 9000 series, consisting of similar SKUs for each bracket. Like previous launches, AMD has only announced X versions of its Ryzen CPUs with PBO enabled. No X3D chips with 3D V-cache have been announced either, but we're almost certain they will be in the pipeline.

Interestingly, the Ryzen 7 9700X is a 65W TDP processor, whereas the older Ryzen 7 7700X has a TDP of 105W. This means the newer Ryzen 7 will run slightly cooler, drawing less power from the PSU. We'll also have to see how AMD positions the non-X version, should it eventually hit shelves. For AI PCs, AMD unveiled two CPUs featuring a neural processing unit (NPU).

AMD hasn't provided too much information yet on these new AI chips, though we can also expect to see them launch sometime in July.

How long will AMD support the AM5 platform?

Designed for future upgrades

AMD continues to use the AM5 socket and has even extended its expected lifespan from 2025 to 2027. A BIOS update may be required for existing motherboards to work with the new batch of AMD Ryzen 9000 processors, but this would provide owners of an AMD AM5 motherboard an option to upgrade their PC without replacing anything in their system. It would also be useful for those building a new PC who may want to choose older (and cheaper) motherboards.

Two new motherboard chipsets are launching alongside the Ryzen 9000 series, but the only major difference is that USB 4.0 and PCIe 5.0 are standard instead of an option, and the boards will support faster AMD EXPO RAM clock speeds. If you're after a new motherboard, keep your eyes peeled for new listings based on the X870 and X870E chipsets.