AMD today launches the first three models of its Ryzen desktop processor, a trio of eight-core CPUs that promise power to rival Intel’s finest at a more accessible price point.
AMD has spent four years and thousands of hours working on the Zen core microarchitecture, and the three Ryzen processors launched today represent the culmination of that work. Available today for do-it-yourselfers or in a wide array of systems from boutique PC builders, the first three Ryzen CPUs offer an amazing power-to-price ratio.
- Ryzen 7 1800X running at 3.6 GHz or up to 4.0 GHz for $499
- Ryzen 7 1700X running at 3.4 GHz or up to 3.8 GHz for $399
- Ryzen 7 1700 running at 3.0 GHz or up to 3.7 GHz for $329
Early testing indicates the the Ryzen CPUs outperform their Intel counterparts in multiple areas—our friends at Techspot are already impressed—though early gaming benchmarks show Intel still on top.
“Today’s launch of Ryzen represents AMD at its best, delivering great products and innovation to the high-performance computing market,” said Lisa Su, president and CEO of AMD via press release. “With Ryzen 7 desktop processors, AMD delivers to PC gamers, prosumers and enthusiasts both the highest performance and the lowest power 8-core desktop PC processors, bringing the absolute best PC experience to millions of people.”
I’m putting together a Ryzen system at the moment, with the 1700 and 1700X queued up for vigorous testing. Look for some results from that next week. Whatever happens, the CPU market is suddenly much more interesting than it’s been in years.