AMD Ryzen 8000 series chips are built to power AI

AMD’s 2024 lineup of CPUs includes AMD Ryzen 8000 series processors that have built-in NPUs to power all things AI

Image of AMD Ryzen 8000 series CPU
The AMD Ryzen 8000 series CPUs have dedicated NPUs to better handle AI tasks

AMD has just unveiled their 2024 AMD Ryzen 8000 Series desktop processors, spearheaded by the AMD Ryzen 7 8700G, which features a dedicated neural processing unit (NPU) dedicated to powering AI features that will be run on-device, including productivity-oriented features to be found in the likes of Zoom and Photoshop.

While AMD is launching the new 8000 series to support their new AM5 socket motherboards, they’re not making everyone refresh their whole PC builds to get an upgrade just yet! In a nod to folks that have motherboards with the older AM4 socket, AMD is introducing new Ryzen 5000 processors, as well.

AMD Ryzen 8000 Series

The highlight of the 8000 series is the AMD Ryzen 7 8700G, boasting an impressive configuration of 8 Zen 4 cores, 16 threads, a 5.1GHz boost clock, and integrated Radeon 780M graphics. Meanwhile, the AMD Ryzen 5 8600G brings a formidable 6 Zen 4 cores, 12 threads, up to a 5.0GHz boost clock, and integrated Radeon 760M graphics to the table. Both models come equipped built-in NPUs dedicated to processing AI features, preventing the integrated graphics and CPUs from getting overtaxed. A more affordable Ryzen 5 8500G processor will be available, as well.

Image of AMD Ryzen 8000 series CPU
The AMD Ryzen 8000 series CPUs have dedicated NPUs to better handle AI tasks

The AMD Ryzen 8000 series also features AMD’s EXPO technology, which delivers smoother frame rates, and Precision Boost Overdrive (PBO), which allows users to overclock their CPU with one touch. The integrated graphics look to be competitive for what they are, but chances are these processors will still be combined with discrete GPUs by folks building their own rigs.

AMD Ryzen 5000 Series

The AMD Ryzen 5000 Series desktop processors are built on the older Zen 3 architecture. The series comprises the following four options:

The AMD Ryzen 7 5700X3D features 8 Zen 3 cores, 16 threads, up to 4.1GHz boost clock, and up to 3.0GHz base, with a 100MB cache. The AMD Ryzen 7 5700 features 8 Zen 3 cores, 16 threads, up to 4.6GHz boost clock, and up to 3.7GHz base, with a 20MB cache.

The AMD Ryzen 7 5600GT features 6 Zen 3 cores, 12 threads, up to 4.6GHz boost clock, and a 19MB cache. Meanwhile, the AMD Ryzen 7 5500GT features 6 Zen 3 cores, 12 threads, up to 4.4GHz boost clock, and a 19MB cache.

The AMD Ryzen 7 5700X3D is the highlight of this series, tailor-made for gamers seeking a performance boost without upgrading their motherboard just yet.

AMD Ryzen 8000 Series and 5000 Series pricing and availability

The AMD Ryzen 8000 series and AMD Ryzen 5000 series processors are set to hit the market on January 31 for the DIY crowd and system integration (SI) partners. You won’t see these processors in pre-built rigs until Q2.

The AMD Ryzen 8000 series will range from the Ryzen 5 8500G at $179 to the Ryzen 7 8700G at $329. The AMD Ryzen 5000 series will range from the AMD Ryzen 7 5500GT at $125 to the AMD Ryzen 7 5700X3D at $249.