AMD RX 6950XT Surpasses the 3090 Ti in Performance! Learn More

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Ryzen 7000 Platform Release
3. Zen 4 Architecture
4. Split in Segments: APUs and Desktop CPUs
5. Raphael: Zen 4 Desktop CPUs
6. Dragon Range and Phoenix: Zen 4 APUs
7. Release Timeline for APUs
8. Differences in TDP and Memory Support
9. High Core and Thread Count for Mobile Gaming CPUs
10. Lack of Information on Graphics Setup
11. Zen 5 Release Timeline
12. Refresh GPUs: RX 6950XT, RX 6750XT, RX 6650XT
13. Benchmark Results for Refresh GPUs
14. Potential Price Increase for Modest Performance Gains
15. Conclusion

Introduction

In recent news, an AMD slide has revealed exciting details about the upcoming Ryzen 7000 platform and the highly anticipated Zen 4 architecture. This article will delve into the release timeline, segmentation, and specifications of the new processors. Additionally, we will explore the latest information on the refresh GPUs and their benchmark results. Join us as we uncover the future of AMD's Ryzen lineup and discuss the potential implications for consumers.

Ryzen 7000 Platform Release

According to the leaked AMD slide, the Zen 4 architecture, powering the Ryzen 7000 series, is confirmed to launch by the end of this year. This aligns with earlier rumors and promises made by Robert Hallick, emphasizing AMD's commitment to delivering innovation with each Ryzen generation. The highly anticipated Zen 4 processors are expected to bring significant improvements in performance and efficiency, offering a compelling upgrade for PC enthusiasts and professionals alike.

Zen 4 Architecture

With the Zen 4 architecture, AMD continues to push the boundaries of performance and technological advancements. Building upon the success of Zen 3, Zen 4 promises to further optimize IPC (Instructions Per Cycle) and deliver enhanced multi-threaded performance. This will undoubtedly elevate AMD's position as a formidable competitor to Intel in the desktop and mobile CPU markets.

Split in Segments: APUs and Desktop CPUs

One notable development revealed in the AMD slide is the split in the Ryzen 7000 platform between APUs (Accelerated Processing Units) and desktop CPUs. In the past, each generation of Zen architecture had one branch with integrated graphics. However, Zen 4 takes a more aggressive approach, with separate segments for different use cases.

Raphael: Zen 4 Desktop CPUs

The upcoming Zen 4 desktop CPUs, codenamed Raphael, are poised to deliver exceptional performance and cater to the demands of power users, gamers, and content creators. With the split in segments, these desktop CPUs are expected to offer even greater capabilities compared to their predecessors. Users can anticipate higher core counts, increased cache sizes, and improved thermal efficiency, enabling them to tackle resource-intensive tasks with ease.

Dragon Range and Phoenix: Zen 4 APUs

On the APU front, the slide mentions Dragon Range and Phoenix as the codenames for Zen 4 APUs. Dragon Range was previously known as Dragon Crest, indicating a shift in nomenclature. Based on the information provided, these APUs will be available in 2023, suggesting that laptop users might have to wait a bit longer to harness the power of Zen 4.

Release Timeline for APUs

According to AMD's previous communications, APUs are typically unveiled at CES (Consumer Electronics Show). This aligns with the absence of immediate information about Dragon Range and Phoenix. While desktop CPUs gain the spotlight with their release, laptop users can look forward to future announcements that shed light on the specifications and performance of Zen 4 APUs for mobile devices.

Differences in TDP and Memory Support

The slide also highlights some key differences between the segmented APUs. Dragon Range is expected to support DDR5 memory exclusively, while Phoenix might support both LP (Low Power) DDR5 and regular DDR5. Additionally, the slide indicates varying thermal design power (TDP) values, with the thin and light gaming laptop dies positioned at 35 to 45 watts, and the extreme gaming laptop dies surpassing 55 watts. It is reasonable to assume that the latter could be shared with the desktop market APUs, but further clarification is required.

High Core and Thread Count for Mobile Gaming CPUs

One of the most exciting revelations from the slide is the mention of Dragon Range offering the "highest core, highest thread, and cache ever for a mobile gaming CPU." This statement suggests that AMD is pushing the boundaries of mobile computing by providing unprecedented levels of performance. With Intel's current lineup maxing out at 14 cores and 20 Threads, AMD's rumored 16-core and 32-thread mobile CPU represents a significant leap forward in mobile processing power.

Lack of Information on Graphics Setup

While the slide provides valuable insights into the upcoming Zen 4 APUs, it unfortunately falls short in terms of graphics setup details. The absence of information regarding the number of compute units and other graphics specifications leaves room for speculation. However, it is crucial for AMD to equip these APUs with a robust graphics solution to ensure a well-rounded user experience, particularly for gamers and content creators.

Zen 5 Release Timeline

In an expected move, the slide confirms that Zen 5 is unlikely to make an appearance until 2024. While details about Zen 5 are scarce at this stage, enthusiasts can rest assured that AMD's relentless pursuit of innovation will continue with subsequent releases. The prolonged gap between Zen 4 and Zen 5 enables AMD to consolidate their market position and potentially introduce even more groundbreaking features in the future.

Refresh GPUs: RX 6950XT, RX 6750XT, RX 6650XT

Aside from the Ryzen 7000 platform, the leaked slide also sheds light on the upcoming refresh GPUs from AMD. The slide mentions the RX 6950XT, RX 6750XT, and RX 6650XT as replacements for the older models. These refreshed GPUs promise improved performance and are expected to compete with NVIDIA's current offerings in their respective price segments.

Benchmark Results for Refresh GPUs

Benchmarks that have surfaced online indicate impressive performance gains for the refresh GPUs. According to the reported Time Spy scores, the RX 6950XT surpasses the performance of NVIDIA's flagship RTX 3090TI by a substantial 6.5%. Similarly, the RX 6750XT outperforms the RTX 3070 by around 4%, while the RX 6650XT offers a notable improvement of over 10% compared to its predecessor.

Potential Price Increase for Modest Performance Gains

While the benchmark results are undoubtedly impressive, there are concerns about potential price increases for the refresh GPUs compared to their predecessors. If AMD decides to raise the MSRPs (Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Prices) on these cards while offering modest performance gains, consumers may face a difficult decision. While a 10% performance increase is commendable, it remains to be seen whether the price hike justifies the upgrade, especially considering the time elapsed since the initial release of the preceding models.

Conclusion

As AMD prepares to launch the highly anticipated Ryzen 7000 platform with Zen 4 architecture, excitement mounts among PC enthusiasts and professionals. The leaked slide unveils intriguing insights into the segmentation of APUs and desktop CPUs, teasing higher core counts, improved cache sizes, and superior gaming performance. Additionally, the benchmark results for the refresh GPUs showcase AMD's commitment to delivering competitive products. However, concerns about potential price increases raise valid questions about the overall value proposition for consumers. As we await further official announcements and detailed specifications, it's clear that AMD's relentless pursuit of innovation continues to Shape the future of high-performance computing.

Highlights

• AMD's Zen 4 architecture, powering the Ryzen 7000 platform, is confirmed for release by the end of the year.
• Zen 4 desktop CPUs, codenamed Raphael, are expected to offer higher core counts and improved thermal efficiency.
• The split in segments results in Dragon Range and Phoenix as the codenames for Zen 4 APUs, with laptop availability projected for 2023.
• The leaked slide reveals potential differences in TDP and memory support between the segmented APUs.
• AMD aims to deliver the "highest core, highest thread, and cache ever for a mobile gaming CPU" with Dragon Range.
• Details about the graphics setup for Zen 4 APUs remain undisclosed, leaving room for speculation.
• Zen 5 is unlikely to launch until 2024, ensuring a substantial gap between the Zen 4 and Zen 5 architectures.
• Refresh GPUs, including the RX 6950XT, RX 6750XT, and RX 6650XT, showcase promising benchmark results.
• Concerns revolve around potential price increases for the refresh GPUs compared to their predecessors.

FAQ

Q: When can we expect the release of Zen 4 processors? A: The leaked AMD slide confirms that Zen 4 processors, powering the Ryzen 7000 platform, will be released by the end of the year, as previously rumored.

Q: What are the differences between Dragon Range and Phoenix in Zen 4 APUs? A: Dragon Range and Phoenix are the codenames for Zen 4 APUs. While further details are limited, the slide suggests that Dragon Range might exclusively support DDR5 memory, whereas Phoenix could support both LP DDR5 and regular DDR5.

Q: Will Zen 4 APUs have an integrated graphics solution? A: The leaked slide does not provide specific information about the graphics setup for Zen 4 APUs. However, it is crucial for AMD to equip these APUs with a robust graphics solution to cater to the needs of gamers and content creators.

Q: How do the benchmark results of the refresh GPUs compare to their predecessors and GPU counterparts? A: According to the leaked benchmarks, the refresh GPUs show promising performance gains. The RX 6950XT outperforms NVIDIA's RTX 3090TI by 6.5%, the RX 6750XT surpasses the RTX 3070 by around 4%, and the RX 6650XT offers over 10% improvement compared to its predecessor.

Q: Are there concerns about potential price increases for the refresh GPUs? A: Yes, there are concerns about potential price increases. If AMD decides to raise the MSRPs while offering modest performance gains, consumers may have to evaluate the overall value proposition before making a purchasing decision.