AMD Ryzen 7 9700F Launches as a Budget Zen 5 Option Without iGPU

AMD is gearing up to release its first Ryzen 9000 “F” series processor-the Ryzen 7 9700F-a Zen 5-based, 8-core, 16-thread CPU with the integrated GPU disabled.

This marks a strategic move to cater to budget-conscious builders who don’t need onboard graphics and prefer pairing CPUs with discrete GPUs.

Despite speculation that the 9700F was a Ryzen 9000G APU, new AGESA 1.2.0.3e firmware updates have confirmed it’s a standalone chip with a clear purpose: delivering strong multi-core performance without extra graphical components.

Specs-wise, the 9700F closely mirrors the 9700X, offering 8 MB of L2 and 32 MB of L3 cache, a 65W TDP, and full overclocking support. However, it trades in lower clocks and no iGPU in exchange for a more attractive price tag-likely around $249 USD.

This positions it as a solid competitor in the sub-$300 market. The current 9700X sells for about $304, so the 9700F could appeal to gamers and mainstream users who want performance without paying for unused features.

While some argue this chip is a cost-cutting repackaging of the 9700X, others see value in AMD segmenting its lineup more clearly. With many already building PCs with discrete graphics cards, cutting the iGPU is a logical move that could shave dollars off the total cost.

Still, there’s some skepticism. With discounts already bringing the 9700X closer to the 9700F’s expected price, some wonder if this new chip will make an impact in Western markets. However, for global buyers and OEMs-especially in price-sensitive regions or online platforms like AliExpress-it could be a sleeper hit.

In any case, the Ryzen 7 9700F may not be revolutionary, but it’s another piece of AMD’s puzzle to maintain momentum and fill every niche on the AM5 platform.