AMD Ryzen 8000 Zen 5 CPUs Could Go Up to 16 Cores, 170W TDP

An alleged leaked document has surfaced, revealing crucial specifications for AMD’s highly anticipated Ryzen 8000 desktop CPU series, codenamed Granite Ridge. While it is important to approach this information with caution, as it remains unconfirmed, the document appears to originate from one of AMD’s partners, lending credibility to the disclosed details.

One noteworthy aspect is the core count range expected for the entire Ryzen 8000 lineup, which spans from six to 16 cores. Unlike previous generations, it seems AMD has chosen not to prioritize increasing core counts for the desktop market. Instead, the focus lies on leveraging enhancements in the Zen 5 CPU architecture and utilizing TSMC’s advanced N3E or N3P manufacturing nodes. This strategy aims to maximize the instructions per cycle (IPC) and frequencies of each Zen 5 core, following a similar approach adopted in earlier iterations. It also dispels rumors of a hybrid core architecture, contrary to speculations surrounding Strix Point.

However, the leaked document does unveil a minimum core count configuration of six cores for the Ryzen 8000 series, which represents a notable departure from previous iterations. This suggests that AMD may either eliminate the Ryzen 3 tier entirely or upgrade Ryzen 3 chips to a minimum six-core configuration. Consequently, it implies that AMD’s future Athlon CPUs may also see a core count upgrade, transitioning from two to four CPU cores.

Regarding manufacturing, AMD is reported to utilize TSMC’s 3N nodes, namely N3P or N3E, which are expected to deliver significant improvements in power efficiency and frequency. The N3 process offers a projected 25-30% reduction in power consumption compared to TSMC’s 5nm node employed in the Ryzen 7000 series, while enhancing transistor performance by 10-15%. The specific choice between N3P and N3E will likely determine whether AMD prioritizes performance gains or cost savings for the Ryzen 8000 CPUs. This utilization of TSMC’s 3N technology brings forth the prospect of improved performance, reduced power consumption, or a combination of both, complementing the advancements introduced by AMD’s Zen 5 CPU architecture.

Additional leaked specifications encompass a maximum L3 cache capacity of 64MB, a maximum L2 cache capacity of 16MB, and TDP ratings ranging from 65W to 170W. As for the release timeline, the Ryzen 8000 series is reportedly slated to launch in the second half of 2024.

While the leaked document provides valuable insights into AMD’s plans for the Ryzen 8000 lineup, it is important to approach these details as unofficial until confirmed by AMD itself. Nonetheless, this leak gives us a glimpse into what could be in store for the next generation of AMD’s desktop CPUs, generating anticipation among tech enthusiasts eagerly awaiting further information on the Ryzen 8000 series.