At Computex 2024, AMD introduced its highly anticipated Ryzen 9000 series desktop processors, codenamed “Granite Ridge,” which are based on the new Zen 5 architecture. This launch marks a significant step forward in AMD’s processor lineup, promising substantial performance improvements and advanced features.
Key Features and Enhancements
The Ryzen 9000 series, built on an advanced node TSMC 4nm FinFET, features significant architectural changes from its predecessors. AMD has focused on enhancing the front end and issue width of the CPUs, which are expected to boost overall performance.
The new series includes multiple SKUs: the Ryzen 9 9950X with 16 cores, Ryzen 9 9900X with 12 cores, Ryzen 7 9700X with 8 cores, and Ryzen 5 9600X with 6 cores. The lineup and core counts have remained the same as the earlier Ryzen 7000 series.
One of the standout improvements in the Ryzen 9000 series is the increase in IPC by 16%, coupled with higher clock speeds. For instance, the flagship Ryzen 9 9950X features a boost clock speed of 5.8 GHz, which is 100 MHz faster than the previous generation’s top model, the Ryzen 9 7950X.
Ryzen 9000 series Processors
Ryzen 9 9950X key specifications
- Cores/Threads: 16/32
- Base Clock: 3.7 GHz
- Boost Clock: 5.8 GHz
- Cache: 80 MB (L2 + L3)
- TDP: 170W
The Ryzen 9 9950X is the flagship model, designed for enthusiasts and professionals requiring maximum multi-threaded performance. It benefits from the highest clock speeds in the lineup and a substantial cache, making it ideal for demanding applications like video editing, 3D rendering, and complex simulations.
Ryzen 9 9900X key specifications
- Cores/Threads: 12/24
- Base Clock: 3.8 GHz
- Boost Clock: 5.7 GHz
- Cache: 76 MB (L2 + L3)
- TDP: 170W
Positioned slightly below the 9950X, the 9900X offers excellent performance for both gaming and productivity tasks. Its high core count and larger cache make it a good option for users who need a balance of single-threaded and multi-threaded performance.
Ryzen 7 9700X key specifications
- Cores/Threads: 8/16
- Base Clock: 4.0 GHz
- Boost Clock: 5.6 GHz
- Cache: 40 MB (L2 + L3)
- TDP: 105W
The Ryzen 7 9700X targets high-end gaming and general-purpose computing. Its higher base clock speed and optimized boost frequencies are designed to deliver strong performance in gaming and single-threaded applications.
Ryzen 5 9600X key specifications
- Cores/Threads: 6/12
- Base Clock: 4.1 GHz
- Boost Clock: 5.4 GHz
- Cache: 38 MB (L2 + L3)
- TDP: 105W
The entry-level model in the Ryzen 9000 series, the 9600X, offers excellent value for mainstream users. Its six cores and twelve threads are sufficient for most gaming and productivity tasks, making it a solid choice for budget-conscious buyers.
Above is a render of a Ryzen 9000 series chip featuring two core complex dies (CCDs), illustrating the silicon’s structure and layout.
Like previous Ryzen generations, a large central I/O die (IOD) handles all I/O and memory operations. Each CCD contains 8 CPU cores, with AMD equipping Ryzen chips with either 1 or 2 CCDs depending on the model.
The new Zen 5 CCDs are fabricated on one of TSMC’s 4nm processes and the I/O die is fabricated on the same TSMC N6 process. It includes the same 2 RDNA graphics CUs and provides identical off-chip I/O capabilities.
Performance and Compatibility
In the benchmark comparisons shown at the event, the Ryzen 9 9950X shows significant performance gains over Intel’s 14th Gen Core i9-14900K. In productivity and content creation tasks, the Ryzen 9 9950X demonstrates a 7% improvement in Procyon Office, a 10% increase in Puget Photoshop, and an impressive 21% uplift in Cinebench R24 nT.
It also shows a significant boost in encoding and rendering tasks, with a 55% performance increase in Handbrake and a 56% rise in Blender.
When it comes to gaming, the Ryzen 9 9950X shows mixed but generally positive results. AMD’s in-house testing reveals that it outperforms the Core i9-14900K by 4% in Borderlands 3, 6% in Hitman 3, and 13% in Cyberpunk 2077.
More substantial gains are seen in other titles, with a 16% improvement in F1 2023, a 17% gain in DOTA 2, and a 23% increase in Horizon Zero Dawn.
Ryzen 9000 series motherboard compatibility
The Granite Ridge processors are designed to be compatible with the existing AM5 socket and will work seamlessly with the 600-series motherboards. This ensures that users can upgrade to the new processors without needing to invest in new motherboards.
AMD has already proved that they support a socket for a long time and AMD has claimed that the current AM5 platform will support multiple generations beyond 2027.
In keeping with its announcement, AMD has skipped the ‘700’ series of chipsets and jumped to ‘800’ from the ‘600’ series. The new chipsets include X870, X870E, B850 and B840.
AMD has provided limited information about their new X870E and X870 chipsets. Unlike the previous X670E series, where USB 4.0 support was optional, the X870E and X870 motherboards will feature USB 4.0 as a standard. Additionally, these new boards will support Wi-Fi 7, an upgrade from the Wi-Fi 6E available in the 600 series.
A mandatory feature includes at least one PCIe 5.0 NVMe slot. AMD also highlights that motherboards based on these platforms will feature a total of 44 PCIe lanes, with 24 lanes provided by the CPU and the remaining 20 lanes from the chipset.
Related: Best AM5 Motherboards for Ryzen 7000 Series Processors
AMD Ryzen 9000 series availability
The AMD Ryzen 9000 series, featuring the flagship Ryzen 9 9950X (16 cores/32 threads), the Ryzen 9 9900X (12 cores/24 threads), the Ryzen 7 9700X (8 cores/16 threads), and the entry-level Ryzen 5 9600X (6 cores/12 threads), is slated for release in retail channels in July 2024. As of now, AMD has not disclosed the pricing for these processors.
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