AMD's next-generation Zen 5 processors are already in mass production, or so rumors tell us.
This nugget of information was revealed by a well-known leaker on X (formerly Twitter), Kepler, after they were asked if these 'Granite Ridge' desktop chips were already in production.
As you can see, Kepler responded that yes, they are (via Wccftech). Take it, of course, with a wheelbarrow full of condiments, especially since there are no details beyond the one-word answer.
The Zen 5 processors could be Ryzen 8000, or AMD can skip that and go straight to Ryzen 9000 (leaving the Ryzen 8000 series just like the APUs (all-in-one chips with peppy integrated graphics) that were revealed at CES 2024 last week. pass). .
Whatever the name, we know that these processors will be compatible with current AM5 chipset motherboards, and in fact, that support should work for quite some time yet.
Analysis: respite in the battle against Arrow Lake
Just because Zen 5 processors are mass produced doesn't mean they're just around the corner. If we look back at the Ryzen 7000 CPUs, rumors about mass production were circulating in March 2022, before the desktop chips were launched in September, so the first rumors came about six months in advance.
That means the Zen 5 CPUs (Ryzen 8000 or 9000) could appear in July, or just after, and this lines up with what we've heard most recently in rumors about a likely Q3 (July to September) release window. ). Historically, it's more likely to be later in the quarter than mid-year (July), and the other factor to keep in mind is that AMD won't exactly feel pressured by Intel's (theoretical) progress with its upcoming processors. generation.
Intel's Arrow Lake is rumored to not appear until late 2024, so AMD has plenty of breathing room in that regard. In short, Team Red has that wiggle room to wait until they have enough production up and running and stock built up before releasing Zen 5, so that people aren't disappointed by inventory shortages and the like.
This is all largely a theory, but suffice it to say that the start of mass production is in line with everything we've been hearing (including early mentions of the Ryzen 900 series, a small hint (again add skepticism) of (this may be the name of the Zen 5 desktop CPUs). Continue the battle of next-generation chips as they try to dominate our pick of the best processors.
