Zen is AMD's architecture that enabled the company to take the fight to Intel and retain some market share before falling off the battlefield. AMD was in a slow decline, but everything was pinned on the success of Zen. Ryzen is the branding used for the new processors, which are separated into numerous families. AMD launched the latest generation of 3000 series Ryzen processors in 2019.
It's fairly apt as names go. AMD is essentially Ryzen-ing from the depths of despair. (Editor's note: We're sorry about the puns). The processor family consists of Ryzen 3, 5, 7, 9, and Threadripper. This should sound familiar as it shares similarities with how Intel goes about separating its mainstream processor product lines. This also makes it easier for consumers (and AMD) to better determine and compare which processors are meant to compete with those from Intel.
Mid-range price with shocking levels of performance
The Ryzen 5 3600X shouldn't perform as well as it does when looking at just how aggressively AMD has priced the processor. You've got six cores and 12 threads, making it an amazing CPU for gaming and productivity, all at a reasonable price.
Meet the Ryzen family
Things are straightforward when it comes to breaking down the various Ryzen product families. 1000 series processors were released in 2017, 2000 series followed in 2018, and 3000 series launched in 2019. The 3rd-gen Ryzen CPUs come rocking substantial improvements over the predecessors with better efficiency through 7nm manufacturing and more performance, though older generation Ryzen CPUs can often be found at great prices.
AMD Ryzen 3, 5, 7, and 9 processors all use the AM4 socket. Most AM4 motherboards include support for all three generations, but it's worth checking if the motherboard you own (or plan to purchase) supports the AMD Ryzen CPU you have in mind. Threadrippers are huge CPUs and require their own socket, called TR4. You'll need a specific motherboard to support these beasts.
| Family | CPUs | Cores | Threads | GPU | Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ryzen 3 | 12001300X2200G3200G | 4444 | 4444 | --Vega 8Vega 8 | $110$125$113- |
| Ryzen 5 | 14001500X16001600X26002600X2400G36003600X | 446666466 | 881212121281212 | ------Vega 11-- | $139$150$150$200$170$189$156$200$249 |
| Ryzen 7 | 17001700X1800X27002700X3700X3800X | 8888888 | 16161616161616 | ------- | $220$190$700$280$320$240$329$399 |
| Ryzen 9 | 3900X3950X | 1212 | 2424 | -- | $499$750 |
| Threadripper | 1900X1920X1950X2920X2950X2970WX2990WX | 8121612162432 | 16243224324864 | ------- | $260$365$490$542$731$1,204$1,618 |
Picking the right AMD Ryzen CPU
AMD has a number of product families in the desktop processor market, including the popular Ryzen 3, Ryzen 5, Ryzen 7, Ryzen 9, and Threadripper. But which one is best for you and your PC?
How to pick the right AMD Ryzen CPU
Optimized AMD technologies
The company has worked for years on optimizing the new processor, unlocking enhanced levels of efficiency. The chips automatically monitor temperature and voltage readings across the board and adjust performance parameters depending on current stats. This makes it possible to get the most out of the CPU with available cooling right out the box. And we must say, AMD packs in some killer OEM coolers.
Precision Boost utilizes a 25MHz granularity, making it rather accurate when it comes to setting the final clock speed of each core. This all helps with getting maximum performance without turning the CPU into a new source of heat for the home. Finally, for system builders or those with adequate cooling, the eXtended Frequency Range (XFR) allows for the Ryzen CPU to be pushed even further.
Pure Power handles all temperature readings and power draw to maximize performance, while Neural Net Prediction and Smart Prefetch work alongside one another to better prep the processor for workloads.
Should you join Ryzen?
Are AMD processors now worth your investment? In a word: absolutely. There are nothing but positives with Ryzen, especially when one looks at what AMD brought to the market in recent years. Whether you're with team red or blue, Ryzen is worth considering for the price since AMD is aggressively targeting similar Intel processors.
Mid-range price with shocking levels of performance
The Ryzen 5 3600X shouldn't perform as well as it does when looking at just how aggressively AMD has priced the processor. You've got six cores and 12 threads, making it an amazing CPU for gaming and productivity, all at a reasonable price.
