By Katherine Duong
In a world where tech gets outdated faster than you can say “upgrade,” AMD has just given us all a reason to smile. They’ve announced the release of two new processors, the Ryzen 9 5900XT and Ryzen 7 5800XT, and they’re bringing them to our beloved AM4 socket. Yes, you heard that right—your trusty old AM4 motherboard from 2016 is about to get a serious upgrade.
New XT Variants: Performance Boost
The new 5900XT and 5800XT are turbocharged versions of the already impressive Ryzen 9 5900X and Ryzen 7 5800X from 2020. These XT versions squeeze out even more performance from the Zen 3 architecture. Let’s break it down:
- Ryzen 9 5900XT:
- Cores/Threads: 16/32
- Maximum Speed: 4.8GHz
- TDP: 105 watts
- Cache: 72MB
- Cooler: Bring your own
- Ryzen 7 5800XT:
- Cores/Threads: 8/16
- Maximum Speed: 4.8GHz
- TDP: 105 watts
- Cache: 36MB
- Cooler: Wraith Prism CPU cooler included
These specs are not just numbers—they mean smoother gaming, faster rendering, and overall better performance for your rig.
Key Improvements and Highlights
The 5800XT gets a little boost, hitting a maximum clock speed that’s 100MHz higher than the non-T variant. This slight increase might seem minor on paper, but for enthusiasts and gamers, every bit of extra performance counts.
The 5900XT doesn’t just stop at more speed; it ups the ante with a jump from 12 to 16 cores, making multitasking and heavy workloads a breeze. This increase in core count will be particularly appealing to those who use their PCs for demanding tasks like video editing, 3D rendering, or running multiple virtual machines.
AM4 Socket Longevity
Here’s the real kicker: If you bought an AM4 motherboard when it first came out in 2016, you can still use it with these latest Ryzen 5000 series processors. That’s a whopping eight years of socket support. In an industry where planned obsolescence often seems to be the norm, AMD’s commitment to the AM4 platform is nothing short of legendary.
The longevity of the AM4 socket is a testament to AMD’s forward-thinking approach and dedication to its customer base. It’s rare to see such a long support cycle in the tech industry, and it certainly sets AMD apart from the competition. For consumers, this means more value for money and the ability to upgrade without having to overhaul their entire system.
145 Different CPU and APU Chips
At Computex, AMD CEO Dr. Lisa Su shared a jaw-dropping statistic—the AM4 socket now supports an incredible 145 different CPU and APU chips. This kind of backward compatibility is rare and makes the AM4 platform one of the most versatile and enduring in PC history.
This wide range of supported CPUs and APUs means that users have a plethora of options to choose from, whether they’re building a budget-friendly system or a high-end gaming rig. The ability to mix and match processors with the same motherboard also makes it easier for users to plan incremental upgrades over time, rather than having to invest in a whole new platform.
Regarding price, AMD hasn’t disclosed anything official yet ahead of the expected launch of the Ryzen 5000XT series chips in July. It’s hard to make a case for a pair of chips to be considered a fully-fledged series, but it does open up the doors for AMD to perhaps launch more 5000XT series chips in the future.
The pricing strategy will be crucial in determining the reception of these new processors. Given AMD’s track record of providing competitive pricing, it’s likely that these new chips will offer excellent performance-per-dollar, making them attractive options for both new builds and upgrades.
The introduction of the Ryzen 9 5900XT and Ryzen 7 5800XT not only expands AMD’s already stellar lineup but also reinforces the durability and adaptability of the AM4 socket. For those of us who love to keep our systems running at peak performance without constantly shelling out for new parts, this is music to our ears.
So, dust off that old AM4 motherboard and get ready to give it new life—your PC’s best days might still be ahead of it. With AMD’s continued innovation and support, the AM4 platform proves that sometimes, the best way forward is to build on the solid foundations of the past.
References:
‘AMD Launching New CPUs for AM4: Ryzen 5000XT Series Coming in July’ by Gavin Bonshor
‘AMD unveils two new Ryzen 5000 chips as AM4 refuses to die’ By Michael Crider
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