AMD, known for pushing the boundaries of CPU technology, has unveiled its latest additions to the now-deprecated AM4 platform at CES 2024. Despite the growing dominance of newer platforms, AMD surprises enthusiasts by introducing four new processors that cater specifically to AM4 owners. These processors include two Accelerated Processing Units (APUs) - the Ryzen 5 5600GT and Ryzen 5 5500GT, a variant with 3D V cache, the Ryzen 7 5700X3D, and the Ryzen 7 5700. All four processors are set to hit the market on January 31, offering a glimmer of hope for those who have invested in the AM4 platform.
Let's delve into each of these processors, exploring their specifications, performance claims, and the potential impact on the market.
Ryzen 7 5700X3D
The Ryzen 7 5700X3D, now officially unveiled, boasts an impressive configuration with 8 cores, 16 threads, 100 MB of cache, and base/boost clocks of 3.0/4.1 GHz. While the specifications suggest a powerful processor, it's intriguing to note that it resembles the Ryzen 7 5800X3D, albeit with slightly reduced clock speeds. AMD claims that the Ryzen 7 5700X3D can go toe-to-toe with the Intel Core i5-13600K in terms of performance. This is a noteworthy claim considering the generational gap between the two processors. The comparison becomes even more interesting as AMD uses a "GeForce GTX 4080" graphics card for benchmarking, raising questions about the choice of GPU for such assessments.
Adding to the mystery, the Ryzen 7 5700X3D is said to utilize "32 GB 6400MHz RAM." This particular RAM configuration is an uncommon choice and invites speculation about its impact on real-world performance. The intricacies of combining this processor with such high-frequency RAM leave enthusiasts curious about the reasoning behind this decision.
Ryzen 7 5700
The next processor in the lineup, the Ryzen 7 5700, appears to be a watered-down version of the Ryzen 7 5700X. While maintaining identical base/boost clocks (4.6/3.7 GHz), it comes with a reduced total cache of 20 MB and lacks support for PCIe Gen 4 devices. The absence of PCIe Gen 4 support is puzzling, especially in a market where future-proofing is a significant consideration for consumers. AMD's internal testing claims that the Ryzen 7 5700 can outperform the Intel Core i5-12400F by 5% in certain titles. However, similar to the Ryzen 7 5700X3D, this claim is backed by a "GeForce GTX 4080," raising eyebrows about the consistency of the chosen GPU for benchmarks.
Ryzen 5 5600GT and Ryzen 5 5500GT
For budget-conscious gamers, AMD introduces two new Zen 3-based APUs: the Ryzen 5 5600GT and the Ryzen 5 5500GT. The Ryzen 5 5600GT, a 6-core/12-thread processor, boasts base/boost clocks of 3.6/4.6 GHz. On the other hand, the Ryzen 5 5500GT is a 4-core/8-thread CPU clocked at 3.6/4.4 GHz. Both processors claim to be up to 10% faster than the Ryzen 5 5600G and feature a Vega integrated GPU. However, the absence of PCIe Gen 4 support in either SKU raises concerns about their longevity and potential performance limitations in future gaming scenarios. Additionally, the iGPU performance could be hampered due to the reliance on DDR4 RAM, a compromise that budget gamers may need to consider.
Price and Availability
As consumers eagerly await the release of these processors, pricing details have been unveiled. The AMD Ryzen 7 5700X3D is set to hit shelves on January 31 with a price tag of $249, positioning itself as a competitive option in the market. The Ryzen 7 5700X, slightly more budget-friendly, comes in at $175. For gamers on a tighter budget, the Ryzen 5 5600GT is priced at $140, while the Ryzen 5 5500GT offers an even more affordable option at $125.
Pros and Cons
Let's assess the pros and cons of these new processors:
Pros
- Strong performance claims, especially considering the generational gap with Intel counterparts.
- Varied options for different budget segments, catering to both high-end and budget-conscious consumers.
- Continued support for the AM4 platform, providing an upgrade path for existing users.
Cons
- Confusing comparisons with different-generation Intel processors may lead to skepticism among consumers.
- Lack of PCIe Gen 4 support in certain models could limit future upgrade options for users looking for longevity.
- Questions about the real-world impact of using high-frequency RAM in the Ryzen 7 5700X3D may deter enthusiasts.
- Potential iGPU performance limitations due to DDR4 RAM in budget APUs might affect the gaming experience.
