AMD Extends AM4 Lifespan: Ryzen 5000XT Series Brings New Life to Older Motherboards
In a move that will surely delight budget-conscious PC enthusiasts and long-time AMD fans, the company has announced the upcoming release of two new Ryzen 5000 series processors, the Ryzen 7 5800XT and the Ryzen 9 5900XT. What makes this announcement particularly noteworthy is that these chips will be compatible with the AM4 socket, a platform that AMD introduced back in 2016. This means users who invested in an AM4 motherboard several years ago will have the option to upgrade their CPUs to these latest offerings without needing to purchase a new motherboard, representing an extraordinary level of backwards compatibility rarely seen in the fast-paced world of PC hardware.
The longevity of the AM4 socket is truly remarkable. Eight years is an eternity in the technology industry, and to see AMD continue to support the platform with new processors after such a long period is a testament to their commitment to their customers. It’s also a significant advantage for consumers who can now upgrade their systems incrementally, spreading out the cost of upgrades over time instead of being forced to replace their entire platform every few years.
The Ryzen 7 5800XT and Ryzen 9 5900XT are not entirely new designs; rather, they represent refined versions of the existing 5800X and 5900X processors that were launched in 2020. The "XT" designation typically indicates a slightly higher clock speed or improved performance compared to the standard versions. In this case, AMD appears to be squeezing a bit more performance out of the Zen 3 architecture, which remains a highly competitive design even several years after its initial release.
Let’s delve into the specifications of these new processors. The Ryzen 9 5900XT boasts 16 cores and 32 threads, making it a powerful option for demanding workloads such as video editing, 3D rendering, and content creation. It features a maximum boost clock of 4.8GHz and a generous 72MB of cache, which can significantly improve performance in memory-intensive tasks. The chip has a thermal design power (TDP) of 105 watts, which is fairly standard for a processor of this caliber.
The Ryzen 7 5800XT, on the other hand, features 8 cores and 16 threads, also with a maximum boost clock of 4.8GHz. It has half the cache of the 5900XT, at 36MB, and shares the same 105-watt TDP. While it may not be as powerful as the 5900XT in multi-threaded applications, the 5800XT should still offer excellent performance for gaming and everyday computing tasks.
One notable difference between the two processors is the included CPU cooler. The Ryzen 7 5800XT will come bundled with a Wraith Prism CPU cooler, which is a decent air cooler that should be sufficient for most users. However, those who opt for the Ryzen 9 5900XT will need to purchase their own cooler, as it will not be included in the box. This suggests that AMD expects users of the 5900XT to be more likely to use higher-performance coolers, such as liquid coolers, to extract the maximum performance from the chip.
Compared to their non-XT counterparts, the Ryzen 7 5800XT receives a modest 100MHz boost in maximum clock speed compared to the 5700X. The Ryzen 9 5900XT maintains the same clock speed as the 5900X but increases the core count from 12 to 16, offering a substantial increase in multi-threaded performance.
During AMD’s Computex presentation, CEO Dr. Lisa Su highlighted the impressive number of CPUs and APUs available for the AM4 socket, totaling 145 different models. This wide range of options allows users to choose a processor that perfectly matches their needs and budget, further contributing to the platform’s versatility and appeal.
The pricing for the new Ryzen 5000XT series processors remains uncertain. The original Ryzen 9 5900X and Ryzen 7 5800X launched at $549 and $449, respectively. However, those prices were indicative of their position as top-of-the-line CPUs at the time. More recently, AMD released the Ryzen 7 5700X3D at CES in January, priced at $249. Given the extra game-boosting cache of that chip, it is speculated that it’s probably on par with the 5800XT in terms of production cost. The actual pricing will likely depend on factors such as market demand and competition from other processors.
The upcoming launch of the Ryzen 7 5800XT and Ryzen 9 5900XT is a significant development for the PC hardware market. By extending the lifespan of the AM4 socket, AMD is providing consumers with a cost-effective upgrade path and demonstrating their commitment to platform longevity. The new processors offer a compelling combination of performance and value, making them attractive options for both gamers and content creators who are looking to upgrade their existing AM4 systems.
The release of these chips in July will be highly anticipated by the PC community. Benchmarks and reviews will be eagerly awaited to determine the exact performance of the new processors and their competitiveness in the current market. Regardless of their ultimate performance, the Ryzen 7 5800XT and Ryzen 9 5900XT represent a win for consumers and a testament to AMD’s dedication to innovation and customer satisfaction. The company’s continued support for the AM4 platform has solidified its reputation as a champion of backwards compatibility and a provider of value-oriented PC hardware.
