AMD Ryzen Reviews to go Live on Feb. 28, Ryzen 7 CPUs

[IEC]

I really like the look of these fans. I know they're stock, but still. Can't wait to see/hear how well they work.

That's a fan render by a fan. So while they may have inside knowledge of what the cooling solutions look like, I wouldn't count on it.

 

[Insomniator]

Actually kind of excited, hope these are worth the hype. I haven't built (or maybe even seen) an AMD system since my X2 5000+ rig in college.

 

[nathanddrews]

That's a fan render by a fan. So while they may have inside knowledge of what the cooling solutions look like, I wouldn't count on it.

Oh well, I've got a spare 212 sitting around so I'd probably end up using that anyway. haha

 

[cbn]

It seems to fit in fairly well in that segment. If we assume it offers around i5-6400/6500-ish performance, it's doing so at about $40-$50 less than they're going for right now. Effectively an i5-6500 for the price of an i3-6100. I'm not sure about prebuilt though.

Historically (at least according to my research) AMD has not done well in value pre-builts:

https://forums.anandtech.com/thread...industry-source.2456970/page-14#post-37937094

^^^ Notice how the cheap (in DIY circles) A8 APU was actually priced a good deal more than the Core i3 when used in a pre-built.

With that mentioned, it would be great to see AMD release a CPU that allows a DIY system builder (with reasonable build fees added in) make something that would compete with a Intel pre-built like this one using Core i5 6400/7400 (with aftermarket GTX 1050 Ti installed).

I know that would be tough. However, it doesn't necessarily need be cheaper (or even the same price).....just clearly a better value. (Example: The DIY combo (with builders fees added in) could even be more expensive.....but with a lot more performance making it a much better value)

 

[A_Skywalker]

I am very excited, even though I wont buy now new processor in the next 2 years I might, mine(i5 2400) is still working okay for gaming. I am monitoring every discussion about the new amd processors and I hope they will deliver good products.

 

[Mopetar]

People buying cheap pre-built computers typically aren't the most knowledgeable customers. I'm willing to bet the asking price for the AMD systems was higher because they were being marketed as having more cores or higher clock speeds. The uninformed consumer sees 4 "cores" and more GHz and somehow thinks it must be more valuable because it has more, bigger numbers. Companies can sell based on perceived value (It's why companies like Apple and Nvidia can command far higher prices for products that are similar or not substantially better than alternatives for their price) not just some more objective measure of value.

I don't know if Ryzen does well in the low-cost pre-built market though. Even though they might sell their product for less than an i3, the i3 still has integrated graphics whereas using a Ryzen chip means getting an low-end discrete GPU. Maybe AMD is happy to flog some Polaris 11 or even some old 28nm leftovers to the OEMs at a cost where it makes financial sense over an i3, but it's easier from a manufacturing point of view to use the integrated solution. Raven Ridge might change this dynamic, but we'll have to wait a while for that.

 

[Insert_Nickname]

With that noted I wonder if AMD will compete Intel Kaby lake Pentium? (These Pentium chips with 2C/4T are almost as fast as their more expensive Core i3 counterparts......which might put Ryzen 3 in a bit of an awkward position? But truly I do hope Zen 4C/4T is worth the money so this not even an issue).

To start with, I assume Bristol Ridge will take care of the Celeron/Pentium segments. Later on dual-core (2C/4T) Raven Ridge might sneak down there.

 

[VirtualLarry]

Oh well, I've got a spare 212 sitting around so I'd probably end up using that anyway. haha

Has there been a statement yet or not, whether AM4 / RyZen, works with AM3/AM3+ mounting points for heatsinks?

I've got some OCZ Vendetta and Zalman CNPS5x coolers, that I could potentially use, if the mounting brackets are the same... are they?

 

[nathanddrews]

Has there been a statement yet or not, whether AM4 / RyZen, works with AM3/AM3+ mounting points for heatsinks? I've got some OCZ Vendetta and Zalman CNPS5x coolers, that I could potentially use, if the mounting brackets are the same... are they?

From Cooler Master, it would seem that the age of the 212 will determine compatibility out of the box.

AMD Ryzen AM4 socket compatibility is a slightly different story. Coolers using a latch locking mechanism without the need to replace the stock backplate will still be compatible. This includes coolers such as AMD’s Wraith series since the distance to each built-in plastic latch is still the same as it is on FM2+ and AM3+. The mounting holes themselves are further apart however due to more pins required for Ryzen CPUs so the holes are spaced to accommodate more PCB traces connected to the CPU.

Some CPU coolers from Cooler Master with an earlier version will require a replacement part from their local retailer such as the Hyper D92, Hyper 612 ver.2 and the Nepton series, etc. Newer models released recently are already compatible with AMD AM4 Ryzen such as the MasterLiquid 240 and 120 coolers as well as the Hyper 212 LED Turbo. Some older budget units such as the Hyper 212 LED, Hyper 212 EVO and Hyper 212 X will be compatible with Ryzen AM4 on the latest production model but users who have the older versions will unfortunately not be eligible for an upgrade kit.

 

[philosofool]

With that noted I wonder if AMD will compete Intel Kaby lake Pentium? (These Pentium chips with 2C/4T are almost as fast as their more expensive Core i3 counterparts......which might put Ryzen 3 in a bit of an awkward position? But truly I do hope Zen 4C/4T is worth the money so this not even an issue).

These processors don't have any graphics processor, which makes it hard to compete in the budget segment, where most people aren't adding a graphics card and would benefit from not having one in terms of power. I think AMD is mostly looking at the market where people want a dedicated graphics card, which is the i5/i7/Broadwell market of gamers and highly multi-threaded applications. There appears to be very little in the way of a laptop processor in the leaks so far...

(Does anyone know about AMD boards that include a graphics unit?)