AMD Ryzen 7 2700X Gold Edition: Should you buy the new CPU?
AMD Ryzen 7 2700X Gold Edition: Should you buy the new CPU?
What's new with the Ryzen 7 2700X Gold Edition?
The Ryzen 7 2700X Gold Edition has been released in celebration of AMD's 50th anniversary. However, unlike when Intel launched its own anniversary processor, AMD hasn't made any changes to the hardware in the 2700X at all. It's still the same 8-core, 16-thread processor with a 3.7GHz base clock and 4.35GHz turbo clock speed with a 105W TDP.
So then, what makes it the Gold Edition at all? Essentially, it's the keepsakes which dedicated AMD fans will probably be most happy about. The processor comes with the signature of AMD CEO, Dr Lisa Su, emblazoned on its lid. There's also a code to redeem a special commemorative t-shirt, as well as an autographed sticker.
The shirt and sticker are only available apparently until June 8, so there's not a whole lot of time to grab them if you're a keen AMD fan.There's also a promotion running right now where buying any of AMD's current processors gets you a free copy of The Division 2 and World War Z, but if you buy the Gold Edition you can get an AMD 50 in-game armband for your agent in The Division 2.
Should you buy the Ryzen 7 2700X Gold Edition?
The good news is that the list price of the Gold Edition is exactly the same as the regular Ryzen 7 2700X. It hasn't been artificially inflated because it's a special edition. Which is good.
So, if you don't yet own a Ryzen 7 2700X and you were thinking of getting one, the Gold Edition is a nice little package to have, especially if you're a big fan of AMD. But it's fans who will most likely want to buy this at all.
The alternative if you're not such a big fan and don't care so much about the included keepsakes is to hunt around and find a deal on a regular Ryzen 7 2700X. It's the same exact processor, after all, and there will be deals out there. The Gold Edition is exclusive to Newegg in the U.S., so you're not as likely to find any savings.
If you already have a Ryzen 7 2700X or even the regular 2700, there's absolutely no reason to 'upgrade' to this at all. It's not an upgrade and you're essentially going to be buying a very expensive t-shirt and sticker.
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For the fans
A neat package for AMD fans
This is a package for the fans, and if you've been thinking of getting a 2700X there are some nice keepsakes included with this version.
Best value
Deals to be found on the regular version
The Ryzen 7 2700X has been out for a while now and there are deals to be had on the regular version that you won't find on the Gold Edition. Plus, the processor is identical.
Richard Devine is a Managing Editor at Windows Central with over a decade of experience. A former Project Manager and long-term tech addict, he joined Mobile Nations in 2011 and has been found on Android Central and iMore as well as Windows Central. Currently, you'll find him steering the site's coverage of all manner of PC hardware and reviews. Find him on Mastodon at mstdn.social/@richdevine