Ryzen 9000, the first processors based on the Zen 5 architecture, is scheduled to launch on July 31, but some are already circulating Zen 6 Rumors, AMD’s next-generation architecture that will bring the Ryzen 10000 to life, which could come to market later than expected.

Moore’s Law is Dead has shared some details about Zen 6 that he got from various sources, and after checking this information thoroughly, the truth is that there are interesting details which also make a lot of sense. However, it is important to be clear from the outset that all of this information is very early and has limited credibility.

Zen 6 could be outlined as a significant renovation at the architectural level, with all that would mean in terms of both performance and energy efficiency. Whether AMD decides to increase the total number of cores and threads with this new architecture, something that was long rumored but never materialized, remains to be seen.

Deep down, it makes sense that AMD do not rush to increase the maximum number of cores and threads within its catalog of desktop processors, as it is not necessary to have configurations above 16 cores and 32 threads. Personally, I’m inclined to think that Zen 6 will again peak at 16 cores and 32 threads.

Everything we think we know about Zen 6 so far

I’ll leave you with a summary below with all the information we have. I added some personal intuitions and predictions that make a lot of sense and therefore have a high probability of being fulfilled.

• This architecture will be manufactured on TSMC’s 3nm node.
• It will retain the classic chiplet design with CCD units and I/O unit that we already know.
• It will use the AM5 socket and will be compatible with current motherboards equipped with 600-series chipsets, as well as those using 800-series chipsets that will arrive in the coming weeks.
• It will keep the maximum number of 16 cores and 32 threads, as increasing it could increase the maximum TDP and lead to incompatibility with the AM5 socket. Some rumors said it could have up to 32 cores and 64 threads.
• Against Zen 5, we will see a double-digit CPI increase.
• It should support RAM at more than 8000 MT/s.
• Their working speed should be slightly higher. AMD may be able to approach 6GHz in lamp mode with active threading.

The first processors based on the Zen 6 architecture should be launched between the end of 2025 and the first quarter of 2026. There are now doubts in this regard, as it seems that AMD would have some problems completing the design transition of this architecture to TSMC’s 3nm node.

Another important detail to consider is the price. TSMC’s 3nm node has quite a high cost and I don’t think that will change in the short or medium term, which means that the selling price of Zen 6 based CPUs that will use this node could have been higher than current Zen 5 based models.

AI generated cover image.