New Structure and Key Specifications

The Ryzen 9000 series is based on the latest Zen 5 core architecture, manufactured using TSMC's 4nm process node and 6nm process on the I/O chip. This series of CPUs is compatible with the existing AM5 platform and introduces numerous performance enhancements and new features.

Known SKUs:

• Ryzen 9 9950X: 16 cores, 32 threads, 4.3 GHz base frequency, 5.7 GHz boost, 80 MB cache (64 MB L3 + 16 MB L2), 170W TDP.
• Ryzen 9 9900X: 12 cores, 24 threads, 4.4 GHz base, 5.6 GHz boost, 76 MB cache (64 MB L3 + 12 MB L2), 120W TDP.
• Ryzen 7 9700X: 8 cores, 16 threads, 3.8 GHz base, 5.5 GHz boost, 40 MB cache (32 MB L3 + 8 MB L2), 65W TDP.
• Ryzen 5 9600X: 6 cores, 12 threads, 3.9 GHz base, 5.4 GHz boost, 38 MB cache (32 MB L3 + 6 MB L2), 65W TDP.

These CPUs support faster dual-channel DDR5 memory up to DDR5-5600 native speeds and offer 28 PCIe Gen5 lanes.

Performance Enhancement

The Zen 5 core architecture delivers a 16% improvement in instructions per clock cycle (IPC) over its predecessor. This improvement is primarily due to better branch prediction accuracy, wider pipelines, and higher throughput. Additionally, the L2 and L3 cache structures have been optimized, and the Infinity Fabric clock speed has increased from 2000 MHz to 2400 MHz, supporting native DDR5-5600 speeds.

In real-world performance, AMD claims the Ryzen 9000 series delivers up to a 56% increase in multi-threaded performance and up to a 23% increase in gaming performance compared to Intel's 14th-generation CPUs. Specifically, the flagship Ryzen 9 9950X offers a 56% increase in productivity performance (29.8% average gain) and a 23% increase in gaming performance (13.2% average gain).

Technical Details of the Zen 5 Architecture

The Zen 5 core architecture has been improved in several areas, including instruction bandwidth for front-end instructions, data bandwidth (L2 to L1 and L1 to FP), and AI performance (AI and AVX512 throughput). These enhancements allow the Zen 5 core to achieve up to 2x performance gains in many applications. As previously mentioned, the Zen 5 CPU core (CCD) is based on TSMC's 4nm process node, while the IOD is based on TSMC's 6nm process node.

Product Lineup and Pricing

• Ryzen 9 9950X: Flagship, 16 cores, 32 threads, 170W TDP, estimated price $699.
• Ryzen 9 9900X: 12 cores, 24 threads, 120W TDP, estimated MSRP $549.
• Ryzen 7 9700X: 8 cores, 16 threads, 65W TDP, estimated price $399.
• Ryzen 5 9600X: 6 cores, 12 threads, 65W TDP, estimated price $299.

Some retailers have already announced pre-order prices for these models: for example, Canadian retailers have priced the Ryzen 9 9950X at C$839 (~$610), while Filipino retailers have it listed at P38,000 (~$647.93).

Launch Date and Future Outlook

AMD expects the Ryzen 9000 series CPUs to be officially available in July 2024, with some retail listings indicating a July 31st release date. As such, review embargoes will likely lift a few days prior to launch. Additionally, AMD plans to release a 3D V-Cache version of the Ryzen 9000 series later this year to further enhance gaming performance.

Summary

The new Ryzen 9000 series desktop CPUs feature the latest Zen 5 core architecture, delivering significant performance improvements across several areas. Whether you're a gamer or a content creator, these new CPUs promise a superior computing experience and enhanced performance. We eagerly await their market performance and additional real-world benchmarks.