AMD’s next-gen Zen 5 CPUs could launch seriously soon going by a new rumor

The connectors of the AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D
(Image credit: Future/John Loeffler)

AMD’s Zen 5 desktop processors could be nearing release as another motherboard vendor has brought in initial support for what’s most likely to be Ryzen 9000 CPUs.

As highlighted by well-known leaker HXL on X (formerly Twitter), MSI has released new firmware for its AM5 chipset motherboards featuring AGESA 1.1.7.0. As the description lets us know, the firmware supports AMD’s “next-gen CPU” namely Ryzen 9000 – well, probably.

It doesn’t confirm the name, of course, so there’s always a chance AMD could run with something different.

What makes this move even more telling is that a couple of weeks ago, Asus released a new BIOS which was also updated to AGESA version 1.1.7.0.

So, two motherboard makers have now released firmware that comes with support for these next-gen Zen 5 processors (and not just Ryzen 9000, known as ‘Granite Ridge’ CPUs, but also Fire Range APUs based on Zen 5 too).


Analysis: The stage is seemingly set

With two major motherboard manufacturers now having laid the groundwork for Zen 5 CPUs, that’s a definite hint that AMD’s next-gen chips might be coming pretty soon.

However, we should bear in mind that these BIOS releases are still in beta testing, so it’s early days for them. (And obviously, if you’re tempted to download the new firmware in either case, remember they’re betas, and we wouldn’t recommend playing with that particular fire unless there’s a really pressing reason to have the update – support for as yet non-existent processors not being one, of course).

As to when Zen 5 desktop chips might actually arrive, the current whispers on the grapevine are still hopeful for a Q3 release, meaning there’s maybe an outside chance of July – a possibility that this preparatory motherboard work certainly does nothing to dispel. Another recent leak has suggested a Q3 launch, too, with Ryzen 9000 rumored to offer in the order of a 15% to 20% generational performance jump (on average).

We could see a reveal for Zen 5 chips at Computex, which is in June – that seems likely, and would fit nicely ahead of a potential July or August launch.

Keep your skeptical caps firmly on, mind, with all this – and there are contrary suggestions from the rumor mill that cast doubt on a Q3 timeframe – but we’re getting somewhat excited we must admit, given the recent increase in spillage around AMD’s next-gen CPUs.

Via Tom's Hardware

You might also like

TOPICS

Darren is a freelancer writing news and features for TechRadar (and occasionally T3) across a broad range of computing topics including CPUs, GPUs, various other hardware, VPNs, antivirus and more. He has written about tech for the best part of three decades, and writes books in his spare time (his debut novel - 'I Know What You Did Last Supper' - was published by Hachette UK in 2013).

Read more
AMD Ryzen 5 2500X
AMD’s Ryzen 9 9950X3D CPU could be on sale soon – but I’m still worried about the price
An AMD Radeon RX 7800 XT on a table
What to expect from AMD in 2025
A PC Gamer looking happy sat in front of their desktop monitor
Think Ryzen 9000 CPUs are still a bit pricey? AMD just revealed a cheaper Zen 5 chip that could be perfect for your budget PC build
Render of AMD Ryzen chip
AMD’s powerful Ryzen 9 9950X3D and 9900X3D CPUs rumored to arrive on March 12 – but gamers will still be better off with the 9800X3D
A stock photo of a man saying 'no thank you' to a gift box bearing the AMD Ryzen logo.
I'm tired of waiting for AMD's entry-level Ryzen 9000 series chips
AMD Ryzen 9000 3D chips
AMD officially announces price and release date for Ryzen 9 9900X3D and 9950X3D processors
Latest in CPU
AMD Ryzen AI
New leak suggests AMD's working on an Arm-based processor to rival Qualcomm's Snapdragon X series
AMD Ryzen 9950X3D chip next to its packaging on a pink table
Asus' AI Cache Boost promises to "pump up" your AMD Ryzen 9000 processor's AI performance
An AMD Ryzen processor slotted into a motherboard
Future AMD-powered gaming handhelds and notebooks could miss out on a key feature – and it might be a deal breaker for gamers
John Loeffler holding the Ryzen 7 7800X3D
Great news! The best gaming CPU ever made is finally available for its original launch price again
The Ryzen AI Max+ 395 could power the latest generation of powerful mini PCs
The AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 dominates as the "most powerful" APU on the market, but its competition is questionable
Intel Lunar Lake concept
Intel's Panther Lake processors won't arrive until Q1 2026 - corroborates previous delay rumors despite former Intel CEO's promise of 2025 launch
Latest in News
Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Con up-close from app store
Nintendo's new app gave us another look at the Switch 2, and there's something different with the Joy-Con
cheap Nintendo Switch game deals sales
Nintendo didn't anticipate that Mario Kart 8 Deluxe was 'going to be the juggernaut' for the Nintendo Switch when it was ported to the console, according to former employees
Three angles of the Apple MacBook Air 15-inch M4 laptop above a desk
Apple MacBook Air 15-inch (M4) review roundup – should you buy Apple's new lightweight laptop?
Witchbrook
Witchbrook, the life-sim I've been waiting years for, finally has a release window and it's sooner than you think
Amazon Echo Smart Speaker
Amazon is experimenting with renaming Echo speakers to Alexa speakers, and it's about time
Shigeru Miyamoto presents Nintendo Today app
Nintendo Today smartphone app is out now on iOS and Android devices – and here's what it does