AMD’s upcoming Ryzen 9000 series desktop CPUs have generated significant excitement, but enthusiasts will need to wait a bit longer than anticipated. The initial launch date for these processors, originally set for the end of this month, has been pushed back.
The Ryzen 5 and Ryzen 7 chips are now scheduled for release on August 8th, while the higher-end Ryzen 9 models will hit the shelves on August 15th. This delay has been attributed to quality concerns with the first wave of chips.
An AMD representative explained that the delay was necessary due to quality issues discovered during final checks. The company aims to ensure that every chip reaching retailers meets their high standards, especially given the recent problems Intel has faced with its top-tier chips. AMD’s cautious approach underscores its commitment to delivering reliable products and maintaining consumer trust.
Jack Huynh, AMD’s Senior Vice President and General Manager of Computing and Graphics, elaborated on the situation in a statement. He acknowledged the enthusiasm for the Ryzen 9000 series but confirmed that initial production units did not meet AMD’s quality expectations.
To address this, AMD is working with channel partners to replace the initial units with new ones, leading to the revised launch schedule. Huynh assured that this delay is in the interest of providing the best possible user experience.
Pricing details for the Ryzen 9000 series are still pending. For context, the previous generation Ryzen 9 7950X started at $700, though discounts have been available. The new series will include the Ryzen 9 9950X, Ryzen 9 9900X, Ryzen 7 9700X, and Ryzen 5 9600X. Additionally, X3D variants featuring V-Cache technology are expected later this year or in early 2025, likely at different price points.
Early benchmarks suggest that the flagship Ryzen 9 9950X might outperform Intel’s Core i9-14900K by over 30% in certain tests, showing strong performance and efficient cooling at comparable power levels. This has heightened anticipation among performance enthusiasts, particularly since these new CPUs are expected to be compatible with existing AM5 motherboards.