Ryzen 5700 X3D, The Next Budget King CPU?

When considering AMD's seemingly concluded support for AM4, rumors have surfaced about a new CPU release for this platform. Despite the AM4 platform's introduction in 2016, its extended support has been appreciated by consumers. However, with the platform showing signs of age, the question arises: would AMD be better off transitioning entirely to AM5? In this post, we explore this topic and discuss the potential implications of a new CPU release on the AM4 platform.

According to recent leaks and rumors, AMD might be introducing two new CPUs for the AM4 platform. The Ryzen 7 5700 X3D, with eight cores and 16 threads, and the Ryzen 5 5500 X3D, featuring six cores and 12 threads, are reportedly in the pipeline. Both CPUs boast a base clock of 3 GHz and a boost clock of up to 4.1 GHz and 4 GHz, respectively. Additionally, these CPUs come with 96 MB of L3 cache, similar to the Ryzen 7 5800 X3D and Ryzen 5 5600 X3D.

While leaks from multiple sources lend some credibility to these rumors, the market implications and target audience for these CPUs raise questions. For existing AM4 users seeking an upgrade, the Ryzen 5800 X3D has already proven beneficial, offering a significant boost in gaming performance. However, if AMD introduces the Ryzen 5700 X3D, pricing becomes a crucial factor. It's speculated that a price around $230 would make it competitive, but at a higher cost, opting for the 5800 X3D might be more sensible.

The potential release of the Ryzen 5700 X3D could cater to users with older AM4 CPUs looking for a cost-effective upgrade option. The market for previous-gen CPUs is still active, and the 5700 X3D could offer a competitive choice in this segment. Additionally, it might serve AMD's purpose in fulfilling production commitments or adopting a product life cycle strategy by regularly introducing new products to maintain brand interest.

For users with older AM4 CPUs considering an upgrade on a budget, the 5700X3D could be a viable option, especially for those outside the US without access to a nearby Micro Center for a 5600X3D. Priced at $230, it positions itself competitively within this segment. However, if there are sales on newer, better parts like the 12700KF, opting for those might be a more compelling choice. Nevertheless, for those aiming for cost-effectiveness and 3DVCash without spending around $300, the 5700X3D offers an alternative.

If you're currently using a Ryzen 5 2600 or even a first-gen Ryzen, the $130 price tag for the 5600X may seem like a reasonable deal. Looking at top sellers on platforms like Newegg or Amazon, AM4 CPUs are still prevalent, indicating an active market. Many Zen 1, Zen+, and Zen 2 owners seek economical upgrade options, contributing to the demand for older-gen CPUs.

A possible reason behind the existence of the 5700X3D is bin sorting. Some 5800X3Ds might not meet the required silicon quality for higher boost clocks, but if they have fully functional eight cores, creating a lower-end SKU from these units avoids wasting silicon. AMD may also have contractual obligations with TSMC, their semiconductor partner, necessitating the production of new products.

Consideration for product life cycle management is another factor. Regularly releasing new products, like the 5700X3D, allows AMD to keep their lineup fresh, generating interest and maintaining brand appeal. This strategy aligns with the industry trend, seen with Nvidia's RTX 40 Super Series, providing a quick way to generate interest without substantial changes.

While the 5700X3D may not personally interest for us, the pricing strategy will play a crucial role in determining its success. Personal considerations aside, it sparks curiosity about how users with older AM4 CPUs view this potential upgrade. The pricing details from AMD will likely influence the product's success or lack thereof. It's an interesting move in the constantly evolving landscape of CPU releases, and only time will reveal the market reception.