AMD now providing samples of Zen5 CPUs to reviewers

The testing has begun.

AMD has not yet confirmed the release date for its Ryzen 9000 series, featuring Zen5 cores. Meanwhile, AMD is working behind the scenes to provide samples for reviewers, whose feedback will be crucial for enthusiasts awaiting this update.

Kyle from the Bitwit channel showcased a sample of the Ryzen 9 9950X processor, the flagship model of the new generation. This sample is most likely the same sample that was brought to his studio by the PCWorld crew during a podcast . The original story was that they “found it” on a plane, but it appears to be one of the first review samples available. Only a photo was shared, and the CPU was not tested in an AM5 motherboard during the podcast, so no new benchmarks were provided.

AMD Ryzen 9000 Embargoes:

• Reviews : ?
• Launch and Sales : July 31 ✅

Additionally, HXL shared a photo featuring three out of the four new Ryzen CPUs from an undisclosed reviewer, confirming these are the received samples. It’s common for AMD to ship only certain SKUs, and most reviewers typically receive two. However, larger media outlets often find ways to obtain the missing SKUs. In this particular photo, only the Ryzen 9 9950X is missing.

Unofficially, AMD is expected to launch its Ryzen 9000 series on July 31. The company may lift the review embargo a day earlier, though this hasn’t always been the case. The timing of these embargoes could depend on the maturity of the AM5 platform and whether reviewers have received the final BIOS updates. If the final updates have been provided, reviewers would have over two weeks for extensive testing.

Source: Kyle, HXL