AMD has today revealed a new lineup of Ryzen desktop processors, offering increased frequency speeds for improved gaming and creativity performance. However, these are not the next-gen Ryzen 4000 series many are hoping for.
The new processors include the AMD Ryzen 9 3900XT, Ryzen 7 3800XT and Ryzen 5 3600XT, joining the current generation of Ryzen 3000 chips. Adopting the naming convention from AMD’s Radeon graphics cards, these new XT CPUs are essentially just upgraded versions of previously available Ryzen processors.
Related: Intel vs AMD
Other than marginally better boosted clock speeds, the spec sheets don’t look much difference from the non-XT variants, but AMD claims its new chips are more efficient thanks to ‘refinements’ to the 7nm architecture.
AMD suggests the XT single-threaded performance (via Cinebench R20) is 4-5% better than the non XT versions, seeing a little frame rate boost for games such as Rise of the Tomb Raider and Assassin’s Creed Odyssey.
Of course, even AMD admits this performance increase isn’t substantial enough to warrant an upgrade for current Ryzen 3900X, 3800X and 3600X owners, but with the chips seeing the same price as the non XT versions (at $499, $399 and $249 respectively) they seemingly offer great value for PC newbies or those still numbered with an outdated rig.
AMD has also announced anyone purchasing a Ryzen desktop processor between now and 3 October will receive a complimentary copy of Assassin’s Creed Valhalla at launch.
Related: AMD Big Navi
It’s worth noting that the Ryzen 3900XT and 3800XT do not come bundled with Wraite Spire fan though, with AMD suggesting those looking for such a high-end performance will likely already have their own dedicated cooling solution.
The new Ryzen XT processors are compatible with any motherboard with a ‘3000-ready’ BIOS, including the new B550 mid-range options.
With the Ryzen XT processors representing the swansong of the Zen 2 architecture, potential buyers should be aware that AMD’s next gen 4000-series desktop chips are just round the corner with a touted September / October launch. AMD is adamant that these CPUs are still set for a 2020 launch, so there are no concerns of the XT processor launch hinting at a setback.
Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
