AMD Zen 5 Desktop CPUs: Ryzen 9 9950X and Ryzen 9 9900X Now Available with Price Cuts
AMD Launches High-End Zen 5 CPUs
AMD has officially launched its high-end Zen 5 Desktop CPUs, the Ryzen 9 9950X and Ryzen 9 9900X, now available for $649 and $499 US, respectively. These chips mark the second wave of Zen 5 processors introduced to desktop platforms, primarily aimed at enthusiasts and content creators. Both offer significant performance improvements over previous generations, specifically in multi-threaded performance and efficiency.
Technical Specifications
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X
The flagship AMD Ryzen 9 9950X CPU features two Zen 5 CCDs and a single IOD, offering 16 cores and 32 threads. It has a base clock of 4.3 GHz and a max boost clock of up to 5.7 GHz. The CPU includes 80 MB of cache (64 MB L3 + 16 MB L2) and a TDP of 170W. Despite having the same boost clock as the Ryzen 9 7950X, its base clock is slightly reduced by 200 MHz, which enhances its efficiency.
The processor also comes with three chiplets: two Zen 5 CCDs, each with 8 cores and 32 MB of L3 cache, and an IO die based on TSMC’s 6nm process. The IOD retains the 2 compute units from the RDNA 2 graphics architecture, clocked at 2200 MHz. This CPU supports full overclocking on the CPU and memory, and is compatible with PBO2 and Curve Optimizer, as well as the Ryzen Master utility. A liquid cooler is recommended for optimal performance.
AMD Ryzen 9 9900X
Next in line is the AMD Ryzen 9 9900X CPU, featuring 12 cores and 24 threads. It boasts a base clock of 4.4 GHz and a boost clock of up to 5.6 GHz with a 76 MB cache. Unlike its higher-end counterpart, the 9900X has a TDP of just 120W compared to the Ryzen 9 7900X’s 170W, making it more energy-efficient. The lower TDP has led to a base clock reduction of 300 MHz, but it maintains robust multi-threaded capabilities.
Price Cuts and Availability
The AMD Ryzen 9000 “Zen 5” CPUs have seen significant price cuts within weeks of their launch. Originally released on August 15th, the Ryzen 9 9950X and Ryzen 9 9900X are now available at reduced prices. For example, the Ryzen 9 9950X, initially priced at $649, is now available for as low as $619.99 at Microcenter, representing a 4.6% reduction. Similarly, the Ryzen 9 9900X can be found for $439.99 at Microcenter, a 12% discount from its MSRP of $499.
Further price drops are also available for other Zen 5 CPUs. The Ryzen 7 9700X, initially priced at $359, is now available for $349.99, marking a 2.7% reduction. The Ryzen 5 9600X has seen a 7.1% price drop, now available for $259.99 from its original price of $279.
Retail Listings and Discounts
Many major retailers have listed these Zen 5 CPUs at reduced prices:
- Ryzen 9 9950X: $619.99 (Microcenter US) -4.6%
- Ryzen 9 9950X: $623.29 (Amazon US) -3.9%
- Ryzen 9 9950X: $623.99 (BestBuy US) -3.9%
- Ryzen 9 9900X: $439.99 (Microcenter US) -12%
- Ryzen 9 9900X: $449.00 (Amazon US) -10%
- Ryzen 7 9700X: $349.99 (Antonline US) -2.7%
- Ryzen 5 9600X: $259.99 (Antonline US) -7.1%
Future Price Adjustments
Additional price drops are expected in the coming months, especially as AMD prepares to launch its Ryzen 9000X3D CPUs. The AMD Ryzen 9000 “Zen 5” Desktop CPUs are already decent performers, but continued price adjustments will make them even more appealing to PC builders. Moreover, recent software patches through Windows are expected to further enhance gaming performance, providing better value for money.