AMD

Ryzen 9000 Zen 5 Processors Confirmed Again

We're getting more confirmations of AMD's highly-anticipated Ryzen 9000 processors, this time by motherboard manufacturer Gigabyte that let slip the new naming scheme in a recent BIOS release.

Till very recently we've been unsure as to what AMD would call its next generation Zen 5 processors, but it seems all but confirmed that they will indeed be the Ryzen 9000-series with Gigabyte mentioning the Ryzen 9000-series in the release notes for a new AGESA 1.1.7.0 beta BIOS (Gigabyte via Videocardz.com).

Other manufacturers such as ASUS and MSI have already revealed the naming scheme in similar ways, with ASUS offering the strongest evidence yet with a chipset driver released listing Ryzen 9000. As expected, the BIOS release states that current X670, B650 and A620 chipset Socket AM5 motherboards will be updated to support the new Ryzen 9000 processors.

There is little other information about the new processors yet, suggesting the launch is some months away, with most indications being sometime late in 2024. However, AMD's CEO Dr Lisa Su is to deliver the opening keynote at this year's Computex tradeshow in Taiwan - an even that many expect will see announcements about new AMD hardware including Ryzen 9000 processors.

All current AMD Socket AM5 motherboards will support the new Ryzen 9000-series processors when they're released, but most will need a BIOS update in order to do so, unless they're bought nearer the time and ship with a compatible BIOS. This is nothing new and most AMD motherboards also include USB BIOS Flashback - a feature that allows you to update the BIOS even without a compatible CPU and with the system powered off.

Releasing new BIOS updates to support future processors is routine, although with an update coming when we know so little about Ryzen 9000 is a little unusual, especially if the new Zen 5—based processors are not due to launch until much later in 2024. Of course, all eyes will be on the Computex trade show for more information, but AMD has less of a task than Intel in getting its new models out the door.

Intel will be launching a new range of processors alongside an entirely new processor socket, so it's expected that the rumor mill will start churning there some way in advance. AMD, on the other hand, is only launching new processors, but there will likely be a a new range of motherboards and chipsets, which are often refreshed around new processor ranges anyway, even if the socket doesn't change.

If anything, releasing Ryzen 9000-comaptible BIOS versions this far in advance will at least ensure that most Socket AM5 motherboards, especially used ones will be compatible with the new processors, ensuring a smooth transition. The closer BIOS updates are released to the launch, the greater the chances of picking up a motherboard that's not compatible, especially if purchased second hand.

Antony Leather