At last month’s Computex event, AMD took the stage to announce its highly anticipated Zen 5-based desktop and mobile processors, which are set for release later this month. This announcement was soon followed by intriguing leaks regarding their successor, code-named “Medusa.” According to these leaks, Medusa will be part of the Zen 6 lineup and is expected to launch in late 2025, contrary to earlier rumors suggesting a 2026 release.
Details about AMD’s future plans have been unveiled through various sources, including the well-known YouTuber, Moore’s Law Is Dead. Sources cited by the YouTuber suggest that AMD plans to finalize the Zen 6 architecture by the second quarter of 2025, with production potentially beginning later that year. An additional source confirmed that Medusa will indeed be a Zen 6 product, likely targeting both laptops and the desktop AM5 platform.
AMD’s product naming conventions include “Ridge” for desktop products, “Point” for mobile parts, and “Halo” for extreme mobile variants. Under the Zen 5 architecture, Granite Ridge is designated for desktops, while Strix Point is intended for mobile devices. Despite being part of the same architecture, the Strix Halo product has yet to be officially announced, likely due to challenges associated with TSMC’s 3nm process.
Initially, AMD planned to launch Zen 5 on the 3nm node for both Strix Point and Strix Halo. However, issues related to chiplets and delays from TSMC have forced AMD to stick to a 4nm process for Strix Point. Despite these setbacks, Strix Halo is expected to debut later this year with a 3nm design, aimed at competing with Intel’s Lunar Lake, which features an enhanced neural processing unit (NPU).
TAMD’s Zen Architecture Roadmap
| Architecture | Code Name | Target Platform | Process Node | Expected Launch |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zen 5 | Granite Ridge | Desktop | 4nm | Mid 2024 |
| Zen 5 | Strix Point | Mobile | 4nm | Mid 2024 |
| Zen 5 | Strix Halo | Extreme Mobile | 3nm | Late 2024 |
| Zen 6 | Medusa | Desktop & Mobile | 3nm Enhanced | Late 2025 |
Key Developments in Zen 5 and Zen 6 Processors
Zen 5 Architecture
- Granite Ridge: Desktop processors based on the Zen 5 architecture, expected to provide significant performance improvements over previous generations.
- Strix Point: Mobile processors designed for efficiency and performance, using the 4nm process due to TSMC’s 3nm delays.
- Strix Halo: Aimed at high-end mobile applications, this product is set to leverage the 3nm process for enhanced capabilities.
Zen 6 Architecture
- Medusa: The upcoming Zen 6 architecture, expected to finalize by Q2 2025 and begin production later that year. It targets both laptops and desktop AM5 platforms.
- Medusa Halo: Based on the enhanced 3nm process, these processors aim to offer superior performance and efficiency.
New notebooks featuring AMD’s Ryzen 300 AI Strix Point processors are anticipated to start shipping later this month from major original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). Additionally, Ryzen 9000 desktop parts are also expected to hit the shelves soon, with a leaked starting price of $310. These launches mark AMD’s continued commitment to innovation and competition within the processor market.
Given Moore’s Law Is Dead’s track record with accurate leaks, these rumors regarding AMD’s future plans hold some credibility. However, it is essential to approach these leaks with caution until AMD officially confirms the details. The anticipation surrounding Zen 6 “Medusa” and the adjustments made in the Zen 5 architecture highlight AMD’s ongoing efforts to push the boundaries of processor technology.
AMD’s strategic approach to processor development, including the adaptation to process node challenges and the timely release of innovative products, positions the company favorably against its competitors. The upcoming launches of Zen 5 and the future introduction of Zen 6 “Medusa” are expected to reinforce AMD’s market presence and offer consumers enhanced performance and efficiency in their computing needs.
- Zen 5-Based Processors: Set to launch later this month, offering advancements in performance for both desktop and mobile platforms.
- Zen 6 “Medusa” Leak: Expected to be part of the Zen 6 lineup, with a potential release in late 2025.
- Production Plans: Zen 6 architecture to be finalized by Q2 2025, with production possibly starting later that year.
- Process Node Adjustments: Challenges with TSMC’s 3nm process have led to a 4nm process for Zen 5 Strix Point, while Strix Halo will use 3nm.
- New Product Launches: Notebooks with Ryzen 300 AI Strix Point processors and Ryzen 9000 desktop parts are expected soon.
In conclusion, AMD’s announcements and leaks point towards an exciting future for their processor lineup. With the launch of Zen 5-based processors on the horizon and the promising developments of Zen 6 “Medusa,” AMD continues to innovate and push the limits of technology in the competitive world of computing. The anticipation and speculation surrounding these products reflect the dynamic nature of the tech industry and AMD’s role in shaping its future.
Featured Image courtesy of DonanımHaber