Numbers will support a variety of new CPUs, some of which may occasionally utilise older Zen cores.
Processor model numbers might be challenging to decipher, even for someone who pays close attention to them. To make it simple to distinguish between a new chip and an old chip, or a fast chip and a sluggish chip, each model number should provide details about the device’s underlying technology and capabilities. However, these model numbers also have a promotional function for AMD as well as PC manufacturers that wish to tout the use of cutting-edge processors in their products.
With a revision of its laptop CPU model numbers that will take effect in 2023, when Ryzen 7000-branded laptop chips start delivering, AMD is attempting to ease this strain. Here is how AMD summarises it: The year the CPU was introduced is now indicated by the first digit; Ryzen 7000 CPUs will be available in 2023, Ryzen 8000 in 2024, and Ryzen 9000 in 2025.
Better performance is indicated by a higher second digit. As it occasionally occurs with older processors, it won’t be related to the underlying CPU architecture anymore (Ryzen 5 5500U is Zen 2-based, for example, while Ryzen 5 5600U is Zen 3-based).
The CPU architecture will now be indicated by the third digit. Zen 1 or Zen+ is represented by a “1,” Zen 2 by a “2,” Zen 3 or Zen 3+ by a “3,” Zen 4 by a “4”, and Zen 5 by a “5” will refer to the yet-to-be-announced Zen 5.
A further imprecise performance indicator is the fourth digit. CPUs with a “0” ending will be slower, whereas CPUs with a “5” ending will be faster (as of this writing, those are the only two numbers in use).
The chip’s TDP will be indicated by the suffix, as it is now. In contrast to Windows PCs, Chromebooks use U-series CPUs, which range in power from 15 to 28 W. HX-series chips start at 55 W TDPs, Hs-series chips start at 35 W, U-series chips range from 15 to 28 W, and e-series chips are 9 W parts designed for fanless systems.
This slide, which AMD also shared, demonstrates how the new model numbers for the Ryzen 7000 series (which will include at least four different CPU architectures, from Zen 2 to Zen 4), will actually function.
Athlon, Ryzen 3, and Ryzen 5 CPUs, code-named Mendocino, which combine 2019’s Zen 2 CPU architecture with new RDNA2-based GPU cores on a revamped 6 nm manufacturing process, will be part of the Ryzen 7020 series at the low end. Mid-range processors in the Ryzen 7030 and 7035 series will essentially be repackaged versions of current Ryzen 5000 and Ryzen 6000 CPUs, going off of the Barcelo-R and Rembrandt-R codenames. The only new CPUs in the lineup will be the two 7040 and 7045 series, which carry the codenames Phoenix and Dragon Range, respectively.
For those who are frequently asked to parse this kind of information, it is actually helpful to have the model data written out in this manner. Nevertheless, whether it genuinely resolves an issue depends on what you perceive the issue to be.
The new numbering will enable AMD to “update” its laptop CPUs by taking a currently shipping processor, making minor changes to the clock speed or GPU core count, and releasing it as a new processor with a new model number. This will help enthusiasts identify the underlying CPU architecture of any given laptop chip without having to look it up.
However, if you find it problematic that AMD names its laptop and desktop CPUs using entirely distinct naming conventions, that issue won’t go away (AMD says explicitly that it is not planning changes to its desktop numbering scheme right now).
Additionally, the new model numbering might be a little worse if you find it problematic that similar-appearing model numbers can be used for CPUs with entirely different capabilities. A Ryzen 5 7635U is a rebranded 6000-series processor, and a Ryzen 5 7630U is a fictional 5000-series chip, according to an enthusiast who could also tell you that. Even if Rembrandt offers significant improvements over Barcelo in terms of GPU performance and power efficiency, consumers are still expected to see the number 7 and say, “Oh, this is new.” The misunderstanding surrounding CPU model numbers persists despite the fact that the new numbers are more transparent than the previous ones.
