Exploring AMD's Impressive Processor Line

Prior to 2017, the PC processor market was relatively less competitive, with Intel dominating the market. Intel's processor lines were considered superior to those of its competitor, AMD, which offered processors such as Sempron, Turion, Athlon, and Phenom at relatively lower prices compared to Intel.

Due to concerns about power consumption, heating issues, and performance degradation at high temperatures, AMD processors were often viewed as a secondary option despite their affordability. However, these problems were resolved when AMD introduced Zen, a new microarchitecture design.

The Zen microarchitecture served as the foundation for the release of the Ryzen processor line in 2017. Since then, AMD has gradually gained attention and won over consumers.

In 2020, PC Mag even ranked seven AMD processors among the top 10 processors available. This momentum signified a turning point for AMD, which had faced challenges in the high-end market with its FX processor line.

Thanks to Ryzen, AMD's market share worldwide reached 36.6 percent in the fourth quarter of 2020. As of 2023, AMD Ryzen has reached its seventh generation with the introduction of the AMD Ryzen 7000 series.

However, before we dig into that, it is important to understand the naming structure of AMD Ryzen processors.

Understanding the AMD Ryzen Processors' Name

The name of a product should be meaningful, not just a random combination of letters and numbers. The AMD Ryzen processors stick to this principle. There are four types of AMD Ryzen processors available: Ryzen 3, Ryzen 5, Ryzen 7, Ryzen 9, and Ryzen Threadripper.

To make things easier to understand, let's take the example of a single processor, the Ryzen 7 3750H. The first number, 3, indicates that the processor is part of the third version of Ryzen and employs the Zen 2 microarchitecture (12 nm).

If the number is 1, then the processor is from the first generation with the Zen microarchitecture (14 nm); and if it started with number 2, it belongs to the second generation of Zen+ microarchitecture (12 nm).

However, it's important to note that the first number doesn't always correspond to the generation. For instance, AMD assigned the number 4 to its third-generation Ryzen processors. Thus, the third generation of Ryzen processors can have either a 3 or a 4 as the first number. The latest, fourth-generation processors start with the number 5 and are supported by the Zen 3 architecture (7 nm).

Secondly, number 7, in this case, indicates the performance level within its class. Higher numbers indicate higher performance. AMD typically uses numbers 7 and 8 for enthusiast-level processors and 4, 5, and 6 for high-performance processors.

Thirdly, the numbers 5 and 0 in 3750H distinguish the processor within the same model and generation. These numbers may represent variations in the number of cores, threads, or other specifications.

The letter H in this instance, indicates that the processor is intended for high-performance laptops. AMD also employs the letters X, G, GE, T, and U. The letter X is used for high-performance desktop processors, while G denotes an APU (Accelerated Processing Unit) that combines a processor with a GPU.

GE signifies an APU for desktops with lower power consumption; T stands for processors designed for standard laptops with power efficiency; and U indicates APUs for standard laptops.

AMD Ryzen Processor Types

There are at least five different types of AMD Ryzen processors, ranging from Ryzen 3 to Ryzen Threadripper. Here, the Carisinyal team will explore different AMD Ryzen processor classes in detail.

1. Ryzen 3

AMD Ryzen 3 is the best option for those seeking a low-cost, high-performance processor. The efficacy of Ryzen 3 CPUs is intended to be competitive with that of Intel Core i3 processors in the entry-level price range.

The first generation of AMD Ryzen 3 processors, including the AMD Ryzen 3 1300X and 1200, was released in 2017 as part of the Ryzen 3 1000 series. These processors have four cores and four threads, with default clock speeds of 3.5 GHz and 3.1 GHz, respectively.

The 2018 introduction of the AMD Ryzen 3 2000 series expanded the product line to include both desktop and laptop variants.

The Ryzen 3 2200G and Ryzen 3 2200GE models represent the Zen-based AMD Ryzen 3 2000 processors in the desktop series. These processors feature four cores and four threads and are accompanied by Radeon Vega 8 graphics.

• 2000 series

The Ryzen 3 Pro 2100GE is another option in this series; it employs dual cores and four threads and includes Radeon Vega 3 graphics. This series of processors supports DDR4-2933 in dual-channel mode and is compatible with AM4-socketed motherboards. In addition, variants based on Zen 2 are available, such as the AMD Ryzen 3 2300X and 1200 (AF).

In the laptop segment, the AMD Ryzen 3 2300U with four cores and four threads and the 2200U with two cores and four threads offer different GPU options, namely Vega 6 and Vega 3, respectively.

Both laptop series have a TDP of 12 to 25 W, with base clock speeds of 2.0 and 2.5 GHz. With a boost clock of up to 3.4 GHz, these processors, built on 14 nm lithography, support DDR4-2400 in dual channel mode and PCIe 3.0 lanes.

• 3000 series

Introduced in 2019, the AMD Ryzen 3 3000 series comprises both desktop and mobile processors. The desktop series is divided into two architecture bases: Zen+ (such as the 3200G and 3200GE series) and Zen 2 (3300X and 3100).

Zen+ architecture processors offer integrated graphics in the form of Radeon Vega 8, while the 3300X and 3100 models do not include integrated graphics.

The Ryzen 3 3000 series employs both Zen and Zen+ architectures for laptops. The 3350U and 3300U are based on Zen+ architecture, whereas the 3250U, 3250C, and 3200U are based on Zen architecture. These processors provide a small boost in performance frequency, with base clocks ranging from 3.1 GHz to 3.7 GHz and boost clocks reaching 3.5 GHz.

• 4000 series

AMD introduced the Ryzen 3 4000 series in 2020. Notably, this series departs from using Vega as the integrated graphics solution. For example, the Ryzen 3 4100 features disabled integrated graphics.

Other Zen 2-based 4000 series processors, such as the 4300G and 4300GE, include an iGPU model in the form of AMD Radeon Graphics. The only Ryzen 3 4000 series option for laptops is the 4300U, with a base frequency of 2.7 GHz and a boost clock of 3.7 GHz.

The 4000 series is limited to 24 PCIe 3.0 lanes, while the previous series supported PCIe 4.0 lanes. All processors in this generation utilize the AM4 socket, support DDR4-3200 memory, and are built on a 7 nm lithography process.

• 5000 series

The Ryzen 3 5000-series processors provide a further increase in performance and efficiency. Zen 3 architecture is featured on both the Ryzen 3 5300G and 5300GE, the only available processors in this series.

These processors provide superior single-thread performance, enhanced energy efficiency, and increased IPC (Instructions Per Clock). Built on TSMC's 7 nm fabrication process, they also support PCIe 3.0 and DDR4-3200 RAM in dual-channel mode.

The Ryzen 5000 series is available in two architectural variants for laptops: Zen 2 and Zen 3. The Zen 3 variant has two suffixes: "U" and "C."

The AMD Ryzen 3 5125C processor, designed with enhanced power efficiency, is specifically targeted for Chromebook laptops. It boasts a TDP of only 15 W, compared to the 5425U and 5400U models, which have a TDP ranging from 10 to 25 W.

2. Ryzen 5

The Ryzen 5 series, positioned above the Ryzen 3 lineup, offers superior performance and competes directly with Intel Core i5 processors in the same price range.

Compared to Ryzen 3, Ryzen 5 surpasses Ryzen 3 in numerous aspects, including core and thread count, L3 cache capacity, overclocking capabilities, overall productivity, and gaming processing performance.

• 1000 series

AMD introduced the Ryzen 5 1000 series in 2017, which featured a number of improvements. Notably, Ryzen 5 processors featured a larger L3 cache of 16 MB, which enhanced the performance of memory-intensive tasks such as rendering complex graphics.

Four variants based on the Zen architecture were available for desktop computers: the Ryzen 5 1600X and 1600 with six cores and twelve threads, and the Ryzen 5 1500X and 1400 with four cores and eight threads. However, Ryzen 5 was not available for laptops at the time.

• 2000 series

The Ryzen 5 2000 series, which was released in 2018, featured additional improvements. This generation's desktop segment featured two different architecture variants: Raven Ridge (based on Zen with Radeon Graphics iGPUs) and Pinnacle Ridge (based on Zen+ with iGPUs).

There were processors such as the Ryzen 5 2600X, 2600, 2600E, 1600 (AF), and 2500X in the Raven Ridge lineup. Except for the 2500X, which had four cores and eight threads, these models featured six cores and twelve threads.

The TDP for the Ryzen 5 2000 series ranged between 45 and 95 W. Notably, Raven Ridge CPUs incorporated the RX Vega 11 GPU, which featured a clock speed of 1.25 GHz and up to 1,760 GFLOPS of processing capacity.

AMD offered two Ryzen 5 series for the mobile market: the 2600H and the 2500U. These processors, built on a 14-nm fabrication process, supported Vega 8 integrated graphics and were based on the Zen (Raven Ridge) architecture. Additionally, all processors in this generation support a 12-lane PCIe 3.0 interface.

• 3000 series

AMD introduced the Ryzen 5 3000 series in 2019. This generation featured two distinctive desktop architectures: Zen+ with integrated graphics (iGPU) and Zen2 without integrated graphics.

The 3000 series introduced several unique features. It utilized a 12 nm fabrication method and featured wake-on-voice functionality, improved 4K streaming capabilities, power efficiency, and gaming performance.

The Ryzen 5 3400G was the flagship model for Zen+ architecture, featuring four cores and eight threads, an extremely fast base frequency of 3.7 GHz, and a boost clock of up to 4.2 GHz.

The flagship variants for Zen2 architecture were the Ryzen 5 3600, 3600X, and 3600XT. All three had six cores and twelve threads, granting them potent computational capabilities. Particularly, the Ryzen 5 3600XT featured a boost clock of up to 4.5 GHz.

Additionally, the Zen2 architecture introduced support for a 7nm fabrication process and the PCIe 4.0 interface, allowing for faster transmission rates and more bandwidth.

AMD Ryzen 5 offered five laptop variants based on the Zen+ (Picasso) architecture and fabricated using a 14 nm process: 3580U, 3550H, 3500C, 3500U, and 3450U.

Notably, the Ryzen 5 3580U featured the Vega 9 iGPU, capable of delivering smooth gameplay experiences, such as achieving 30 FPS on low settings in games like Cyberpunk 2077 at 720p. The other models in this series utilize the Vega 8 iGPU.

• 4000 series

AMD introduced the Ryzen 5 4000 series, which offered more threads and processors than the 3000 series, resulting in a performance increase of 2.5 times compared to the previous generation. The change also affected the iGPU capabilities.

The desktop variant of the AMD Ryzen 5 4000 series was based on the Zen2 architecture (codenamed "Renoir"). However, within the Renoir lineup, some models featured iGPUs while others did not.

The Ryzen 5 4500 was the only unit without an iGPU, offering a base clock of 3.6 GHz and a boost clock of 4.1 GHz on six cores and twelve threads. On the other hand, the Ryzen 5 4600G and 4600GE models provided integrated graphics in the form of AMD Radeon Graphics (based on Vega).

The Ryzen 5 4600G had a higher TDP of 65 W, supporting a base clock of 3.7 GHz, while the 4600GE had a lower TDP of 35 W and a base clock of 3.3 GHz. Both models could turbo boost up to 4.2 GHz with a hexa-core and 12-thread configuration.

Renoir-based Ryzen 5 processors provided numerous characteristics, such as a smaller 7 nm manufacturing process, enhanced power efficiency, superior IPC performance over Picasso, and enhanced graphics capabilities.

• 5000 series

The Ryzen 5 5000 series includes four codenames: Vermeer and Cezanne for desktop variants; Lucienne, Cezanne, and Barcelo for laptops. The Vermeer name represents an important update as the Zen 3 architecture is utilized.

Zen 3, the successor to Zen 2, includes a number of performance-enhancing improvements, including an increase in the number of cores. These processors excel at multitasking, allowing for faster and more efficient tasks. In addition, Zen 3 employs the superior 7nm enhanced fabrication process.

Cezanne is the codename for desktop variants that feature Zen 3 architecture and the fifth generation of Graphics Core Next (GCN). In contrast, the Ryzen 5000 laptop variants with the codename Lucienne utilize Zen 2 architecture, similar to the Renoir (4000 series).

Despite not being based on Zen 3, the Lucienne has several advantages over its predecessor, including lower power consumption, support for larger RAM capacities, and faster integrated graphics processing unit (iGPU) capabilities.

• 6000 series

The Ryzen 5 6000 series was introduced in 2022 under the codename Rembrandt and employs Zen 3+ architecture. It is available exclusively for mobile or laptop devices. These processors utilize TSMC's 6nm FinFET fabrication process, incorporate RDNA2-based integrated graphics (iGPUs), and support up to 16 PCIe 4.0 channels.

In addition to DDR4, the AMD Ryzen 6000 series now supports dual-channel DDR5-4800 and LPDDR3-6400 memory. The Ryzen 5 6600H, 6600HS, and 6600U comprise the three processor units in this series. Each model has six cores and twelve threads and can turbo boost to 4.5 GHz.

• 7000 series

In 2023, AMD introduced the Ryzen 7 7000 series, which offers unrivaled gaming performance and exceptional computing speed.

This series introduces a number of codenames, including Mendicino (Zen 2) for the Ryzen 5 7320U, Barcelo-R (Zen 3) for the Ryzen 5 7330U, and Rembrandt-R (Zen 3+) for the Ryzen 5 7535HS and 7535U.

The Ryzen 5 7000 series also includes two additional codenames, Phoenix and Dragon Range, built on Zen 4 architecture. These models represent the pinnacle of the AMD Ryzen 7000 series, featuring processors such as the Ryzen 5 7645HX, 7640HS, 7640H, 7640U, and 7540U.

The AMD Ryzen 7000 series is produced using a power-efficient 4 nm process. Additionally, support for simultaneous multithreading (SMT) enables each core to handle multiple threads, maximizing performance.

3. Ryzen 7

If Intel has its i7 series, AMD comes with the Ryzen 7 series in the middle to upper segment. T The Ryzen 7 series made its debut in 2017 with the 1000 series, codenamed Summit Ridge. These processors support the AM4 socket and DDR4-2666 RAM and are built on a 14-nm fabrication process.

The performance of the Ryzen 7 1800X, 1700X, and 1700 from the initial series was extremely promising. These processors featured eight cores, sixteen threads, and a maximum extended Frequency Range of 4.1 GHz.

AMD released the Ryzen 7 2000 series, also known as Pinnacle Ridge, in 2018 to satisfy consumer demand for improved gaming performance while maintaining power efficiency. These processors continued to use the 14 nm fabrication process and supported the AM4 interface, so they were compatible with the previous generation.

The Ryzen 7 3000 series continued in 2019 with the codenames Matisse (Zen 2) for desktop variants and Picasso (Zen+) for laptops. The Ryzen 7 3800XT with a TDP of up to 105 W was the series' top performer, closely followed by the 3800X with a TDP of 65 W. Each processor had eight cores and sixteen threads.

Under the Picasso designation, the Ryzen 7 3000 series provided powerful performance for laptop users across multiple configurations, including the 3700U, 3700C for Chromebooks, 3750H, and 3780U. These models, equipped with RX Vega 10 or Vega 11 (3780U) integrated graphics (iGPUs), provided smooth gameplay for popular games.

AMD introduced the Renoir-based Ryzen 7 4000 series for desktops in 2020. This series debuted two models, the Ryzen 7 4700G and 4700GE, with an increase in overall performance. Both models utilized TSMC's 7 nm fabrication process, supported PCIe 3.0 lanes, and supported dual channel mode for DDR4-3200 RAM.

Ryzen 7 4000 series mobile variants were also available. These laptops ranged from the entry-level 4700U to the top-tier 4800H. Based on the Zen 2 architecture with the codename Renoir, they featured GCN iGPUs of the fifth generation and supported LPDDR4-4266 RAM.

Similar to the Ryzen 3 and 5 segments, the Ryzen 7 series received an update in 2021 when the Ryzen 7 5000 series was introduced. For laptops, the series included the codenames Lucienne, Cezanne, and Barcelo. While Lucienne was based on the Zen 2 architecture, Cezanne (2021 models) and Barcelo (2022 models) adopted the Zen 3 architecture.

The Ryzen 7 5700U was the model featured under the Lucienne codename, while other codenames saw the release of models such as the Ryzen 7 5800U, 5825U, 5800HS, and 5800H. On average, the laptop series in this generation offered eight cores and sixteen threads.

The Ryzen 7 5000 series processors had a 19% increase in instructions per cycle (IPC) compared to Zen 2 due to their Zen 3 architecture. Laptops equipped with these processors, such as the Ryzen 7 5800U, provided smooth performance in popular games like Cyberpunk 2077, even without a dedicated graphics card.

For example, the Ryzen 7 5800U could maintain a stable frame rate of 40+ FPS in Cyberpunk 2077, making it a suitable choice for those seeking a lightweight and thin gaming laptop without a discrete GPU.

AMD introduced the Ryzen 7 6000 series, the following iteration of processors, in 2022. This series was manufactured with TSMC's 6 nm process and featured an architectural improvement over Zen 3+. It was among the first series to reach 5 GHz clock speed.

The Ryzen 7 6000 series demonstrated a 1.3x increase in processing capabilities and a 2x increase in graphics speeds compared to the Ryzen 5000 series. AMD also claimed an 11 percent improvement in single-thread performance and a 28 percent improvement in multi-thread performance.

The Ryzen 7 7000 series is set to be released in 2023. This series will feature more improvements to performance and power efficiency. However, it will require the new AM5 socket and will not be compatible with older-generation motherboards.

The Ryzen 7 7000 series will utilize TSMC's 5 nm fabrication process and Zen 4 architecture. All CPUs in this series support DDR5-5200 RAM, PCIe 5.0, and RDNA2-based integrated graphics.

As of April 2023, one notable processor model is the AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D, which offers excellent value for money compared to its competitors. The Ryzen 7 7800X3D outperforms even the more expensive Intel Core i9 13900K despite being in the same market segment as the Intel Core i7.

According to wccftech.com, the AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D is the best-selling processor in Germany. This is likely due to the fact that it costs $100 less than the Intel Core i9 13900K while delivering outstanding performance.

4. Ryzen 9

Competition on the market for processors is crucial for driving down prices and increasing manufacturers' competitiveness. AMD, not wanting to fall behind Intel's Core i9, introduced the AMD Ryzen 9 as a competitor.

The AMD Ryzen 9 series represents the pinnacle of the AMD Ryzen family. It debuted in 2019 as part of the AMD Ryzen 3000 (codenamed Matisse) series. These processors are manufactured using a 7 nm lithography process and employ the Zen 2 architecture. Ryzen 9 3900, 3900X, 3900XT, and 3950X are the four desktop variants included in the series.

The latter three models support a maximum TDP of 105 W, while the Ryzen 9 3900 has a TDP of 65 W. Despite lacking integrated graphics, these processors feature a large number of cores and threads.

The AMD Ryzen 3950X, for example, features an impressive sixteen cores and thirty-two threads. In addition, it has a 64 MB L3 cache, which is double that of the AMD Ryzen 7 from the same generation. It is important to note that the 3000 series does not include a laptop version.

The laptop variant is instead available in the 4000 series, which launched in 2020. These processors, named Renoir, are manufactured using TSMC's 7 nm fabrication process and Zen 2 architecture.

There are two Ryzen 9 4900 series laptops: the Ryzen 9 4900HS and the Ryzen 9 4900H. Each model supports eight cores and sixteen threads and has a maximum boost clock of 4.3 GHz and 4.4 GHz, respectively.

The ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 was among the first laptops to include the AMD Ryzen 9 4900HS. It provides outstanding performance for eSports, AAA gaming, and content creation.

Interestingly, the desktop PCs in the 4000 series did not receive an AMD Ryzen 9 processor. At the end of 2020, the desktop series will be replaced by the 5000 line. As with the previous generation of desktops, the 5000 series (codenamed Vermeer) lacks an integrated GPU.

This generation's flagship model of the Ryzen 9 processor is the 5950X, which features sixteen cores and thirty-two threads. It significantly boosts multitasking and programming capabilities with a base clock of 3.4 GHz, a boost clock of up to 4.9 GHz, and a high TDP of 105 W.

The Ryzen 9 legacy continues with the 2022 introduction of the 6000 series. This series contains at least four laptop-specific H-series models: 6900HS, 6900HX, 6980HS, and 6980HX. There is no desktop variant of the 6000 series available.

These variants are based on TSMC's 6 nm fabrication process and feature the power-efficient Zen 3+ architecture. They provide extended battery life without sacrificing performance for laptops. The inclusion of the RDNA2-based Radeon 680M iGPU enables fast and seamless rendering of graphics.

The AMD Ryzen 9 7000 series, which launched in 2023, is compatible with both desktops and laptops. The Ryzen 9 7950X3D is one of the most recent models released in the first quarter of 2023. It is the successor to the AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D, which was released a year prior. With the Zen 4 architecture and 3D V-cache technology, this processor offers exceptional performance.

The Ryzen 9 7950X3D's AM5 interface should continue to function until 2025. In this series, the Zen 4 architecture provides a 13 percent improvement in IPC performance. The AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D, built with a 5 nm lithography process, supports the optimized DDR5 memory standard.

This processor has sixteen cores and thirty-two threads, as well as a maximum clock speed of 5.7 GHz and a base clock of 4.2 GHz. It is capable of reaching over 200 FPS in games such as Watch Dogs: Legion (in Full HD, Ultra, and DirectX 12 settings) due to its outstanding gaming performance.

Phoenix (based on Zen 4 and RDNA3) and Dragon Range (based on Zen 4 and RDNA2) are the two codenames for the processors in the laptop market. The Phoenix codename contains the AMD Ryzen 9 7940H and 7940HS processors.

Dragon Range is the codename for the AMD Ryzen 9 7945HX and 7845HX processors. For high-performance laptops, these processors offer a powerful combination of processing performance and graphics capabilities.

5. Ryzen Threadripper

Intel offers Xeon desktop, server, and workstation processors, while AMD offers Ryzen Threadripper. Unlike Intel's Xeon, however, there are no Ryzen Threadripper laptop processors available. Due to its specialized nature, Ryzen Threadripper has features and specifications that are unique.

Its capability for quad-channel RAM, enabling up to 512 GB of memory, is a notable feature. In addition, it includes a large L3 cache with capacities of up to 256 MB, as well as numerous PCIe interfaces for dual GPUs and other peripherals.

The second-generation Threadripper, which is based on the Zen+ microarchitecture, features 60 PCIe 3.0 slots, 48 of which are dedicated to GPUs.

The extensive number of cores and threads in Threadripper sets it apart. For example, the Threadripper 3990X, which was released in early 2020, boasts sixty-four cores and one hundred and eighty threads. This processor operates at clock speeds ranging from 2.9 GHz to 4.3 GHz and has a TDP of 280 W.

Such specifications are required for workstation computers that manage complex and demanding tasks and frequently serve as the backbone for client computers.

The Threadripper series made its debut in 2017 with the 1900X, 1920X, and 1950X models. As mentioned previously, these processors feature a high number of cores and threads. The 1950X, for example, has sixteen cores and thirty-two threads, as well as 32 MB of L3 cache.

The Ryzen 2000 series, which was introduced in 2018 under the codename "Colfax," also included Threadripper processors. These processors used the TR4 socket platform, which was designed for durability, sturdiness, and overclocking capabilities.

This series' flagship model was the 2990WX, which featured thirty-two cores, sixty-four threads, and support for up to 64 PCI Express 3.0 lanes.

In 2019 and 2020, the Threadripper lineup for the 3000 series debuted with two variants: the standard Ryzen Threadripper and the Ryzen Threadripper Pro. There were three variants in the standard lineup: 3960X, 3970X, and 3990X.

Four configurations were available for the Threadripper Pro variant: 3945WX, 3955WX, 3975WX, and 3995WX. Particularly, the Threadripper Pro 3995WX featured outstanding specifications, including 64 cores and 128 threads, as well as PCIe 4.0 connectivity with up to 128 lanes. Additionally, it supported DDR4-3200 memory in octa-channel mode.

AMD introduced the AMD Ryzen Threadripper 4000 series in 2020, employing a 7 nm fabrication process and Zen 2+ architecture. In 2021, AMD also introduced the Chagall product line, which was based on the Zen 3 architecture and supported sWRX8 sockets.

This marked the introduction of the AMD Ryzen Threadripper Pro series, which includes the 5945WX, 5955WX, 5965WX, 5975X, and 5995WX models.

Each generation of AMD Ryzen processors introduces new features and improvements, including alterations to the microarchitecture.

While processors within the same generation share the same microarchitecture and clock speed range, their core count, thread count, technological enhancements, and power consumption are distinguishing factors.