AMD's Zen5 architecture for the Ryzen 9000 series has been introduced with four models. The flagship model boasts 16 cores with a thermal design power (TDP) of 170W. The 12-core model operates at a modest 120W, while the 8-core version has been impressively reduced to 65W from the previous 105W, albeit at the expense of base frequency. AMD appears to have strategic plans for these adjustments.

This move stems primarily from the overwhelming success of the AMD X3D series. The new Ryzen 9000 series cannot rival the game performance of the X3D series, and there's no definitive timeline for the release of a new Ryzen 9000 X3D.

AMD is contemplating adjusting the TDP settings of the 8-core Ryzen 7 9700X, potentially increasing it from the initial 65W to 120W. This change aims to enhance gaming performance and reduce performance gaps compared to older X3D models.

Naturally, this would notably increase the base frequencies of the Ryzen 7 9700X.

AMD has informed its partners of this potential adjustment, though the final decision and specifics remain uncertain.

In its current configuration, the Ryzen 7 9700X is compared to the Ryzen 7 7700X. Both feature 8 cores and 16 threads, an 8MB L2 cache, and a 32MB L3 cache. However, the Ryzen 7 9700X has a base frequency that is 700MHz lower at 3.8GHz, with a boost frequency of 5.5GHz, just 100MHz higher.

As for the 6-core Ryzen 5 9600X, it is expected to maintain its 65W TDP, catering primarily to mainstream users.