In a quiet but strategic move, AMD has officially launched four new processors, mixing its latest Zen 5 architecture with previous-generation Zen 4 and even Zen 3 designs. Unlike typical flashy launches, these chips were added to AMD’s website without fanfare, with motherboard manufacturer ASRock confirming their support and making the release public.
The new models, the Ryzen 7 9700F, Ryzen 5 9500F, Ryzen 5 7400, and Ryzen 5 5600F, are primarily focused on offering more choices at different price points. However, their availability will be mostly limited to specific global markets.
What Are These New CPUs?
The new processors fall into two clear categories: modern chips without integrated graphics and older models repurposed for specific markets.
The New Zen 5 “F-Series” (No Integrated Graphics):
- Ryzen 7 9700F: An 8-core/16-thread Zen 5 chip that essentially matches the performance of the Ryzen 7 9700X but removes the integrated graphics. This makes it a compelling option for gamers and PC builders who always use a dedicated graphics card. It features a 5.5 GHz boost clock and a 65W power rating.
- Ryzen 5 9500F: A 6-core/12-thread Zen 5 counterpart to the 9700F. It offers a strong foundation for a budget gaming or productivity build without the cost of integrated graphics that won’t be used.
The Repurposed Models (For Specific Global Markets):
- Ryzen 5 7400: A curious Zen 4-based chip with 6 cores. Its most unusual feature is its halved L3 cache (16MB instead of 32MB), likely a move to use partially defective silicon and keep costs extremely low for entry-level markets.
- Ryzen 5 5600F: A new variant of the beloved Zen 3 architecture. Despite the “F” name (which usually means no graphics), this chip doesn’t have graphics to begin with; instead, it denotes a lower clock speed compared to the standard Ryzen 5 5600, making it an ultra-budget option.
Who Are These CPUs For?
- Budget-Conscious Gamers: The 9700F and 9500F are perfect for builders who want the latest Zen 5 architecture but plan to use a dedicated GPU. By removing the integrated graphics, AMD can theoretically offer these chips at a lower price point.
- Specific International Markets: This is a key point. These chips are not necessarily for North American or European retail shelves. The Ryzen 5 7400 and 5600F are targeted at regions in Asia and Latin America where extreme price sensitivity dictates product offerings. They allow AMD to compete at every possible price bracket worldwide.
Regional Availability
If you’re interested in one of these chips, you might have trouble finding it, depending on where you live. AMD has segmented the availability:
- Ryzen 7 9700F: Reportedly limited to North America.
- Ryzen 5 9500F: The only model with broad, global availability.
- Ryzen 5 7400/F & Ryzen 5 5600F: Focused on Asian markets like China and Japan.
This “quiet launch” is a brilliant and efficient strategy by AMD. It serves several purposes:
- Maximizes Silicon Use: The Ryzen 5 7400 (with disabled cache) and the lower-clocked 5600F are likely made from processors that didn’t meet the full quality standards for their original intended bins. Instead of discarding them, AMD repurposes them, reducing waste and serving a new market. This is smart business and good for sustainability.
- Competes at Every Level: It allows AMD to offer a product for virtually every budget around the world, putting pressure on competitors like Intel in emerging markets.
- Offers Clear Choices: For builders, the “F-series” Zen 5 chips provide a clear value proposition. If you don’t need integrated graphics, why pay for it? This creates a more tailored and potentially cheaper building experience.
The Bottom Line
Don’t see this as a significant new direction for AMD, but rather as a tactical expansion of its existing strategy. These releases are about filling gaps in the global market and offering more specific choices. For the average user, the most exciting takeaway is the Ryzen 7 9700F, a full-powered Zen 5 CPU that could be the secret to a more affordable next-gen gaming PC, provided you can get your hands on one.
