AMD Unveils Next-Gen Zen 6 & Zen 6C CPU Cores for Desktops, Laptops, and Servers
7/16/2024AMD Unveils Next-Gen Zen 6 & Zen 6C CPU Cores for Desktops, Laptops, and Servers
AMD has officially confirmed its next-generation CPU cores, Zen 6 and Zen 6C, marking a significant milestone in its high-performance journey. These new architectures will succeed the upcoming Zen 5 and Zen 5C, continuing to push the boundaries of performance and efficiency across various platforms, including desktops, laptops, handhelds, and servers.
AMD’s Next Chapter: Zen 6 & Zen 6C
Although Zen 5 and Zen 5C have yet to be fully showcased, AMD has already revealed its next big leap in CPU architecture. Codenamed Zen 6 and its density-optimized variant Zen 6C, these architectures promise to deliver enhanced performance and efficiency. The Zen 6 CPU, codenamed Morpheus, is expected to leverage advanced process technologies from TSMC, potentially utilizing 3nm or even 2nm nodes.
Expected Features and Platforms
The Zen 6 and Zen 6C CPUs are anticipated to power next-gen families such as the 6th Gen EPYC “Venice” lineup, which will support a new SP7 platform and up to 16-channel memory configurations. Additionally, the Zen 6 architecture will be integral to the high-end Ryzen Desktop CPU lineup, codenamed Medusa, featuring newer RDNA GPU cores and a 2.5D interconnect for increased bandwidth. The architecture will also be adopted by the next-gen Sound Wave APU family, replacing the Ryzen AI 300 "Strix Point".
Core Configurations and Multi-Threading
AMD’s Zen 6 CPUs will come in three new CCD configurations, offering 8, 16, and up to 32 cores. This flexibility will be particularly beneficial for multi-threaded applications, especially within the Threadripper and EPYC families. For mainstream PC users, AMD may further accelerate core counts, although current PC games and engines are not yet optimized for such high core counts.
Future Prospects
Following Zen 6, AMD plans to introduce its Zen 7 microarchitecture, with development already underway. On the AI front, AMD will launch its next-gen XDNA 3 architecture for Client CPUs and Versal accelerators around 2026. The debut of AMD’s Zen 6 architecture is expected by 2026, with a commitment to a 2027+ longevity plan for its AM5 platform.
AMD Zen CPU/APU Roadmap
| Zen Architecture | Core Codename | Process Node | Server | High-End Desktop | Mainstream Desktop CPUs | Mainstream Desktop/Notebook APU | Low-Power Mobile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zen 7 | TBA | TBA | TBA | TBA | TBA | TBA | TBA |
| Zen 6C | Monarch | 3nm/2nm? | TBA | TBA | TBA | TBA | TBA |
| Zen 6 | Morpheus | 3nm/2nm? | EPYC Venice (6th Gen) | TBA | Ryzen **** (Medusa) | Ryzen AI 400 (Sound Wave) | TBA |
| Zen 5 © | Nirvana | 3nm | EPYC Turin (5th Gen) | Ryzen Threadripper 9000 (Shamida Peak) | Ryzen 9000 (Granite Ridge) | Ryzen AI 300 (Strix Point) | Ryzen *** (Escher) |
| Zen 4 © | Prometheus | 4nm | EPYC Genoa (4th Gen) | Ryzen Threadripper 7000 (Storm Peak) | Ryzen 7000 (Raphael) | Ryzen *** (Krackan Point) | Ryzen 7000 (Mendocino) |
| Zen 3+ | Persphone | 6nm | EPYC Siena (4th Gen) | N/A | Ryzen 6000 (Warhol / Cancelled) | Ryzen 6000 (Rembrandt) | TBA |
| Zen 3 | Dionysus | 7nm | EPYC Bergamo (4th Gen) | Ryzen Threadripper 5000 (Chagal) | Ryzen 5000 (Vermeer) | Ryzen 5000 (Cezanne) | Ryzen 5000 (Van Gogh) |
| Zen 2 | Warhol | 7nm | N/A | Ryzen Threadripper 3000 (Castle Peak) | Ryzen 3000 (Matisse) | Ryzen 3000 (Picasso) | Ryzen 6000 (Dragon Crest) |
| Zen+ | Cerebrus | 12nm | EPYC Milan (3rd Gen) | Ryzen Threadripper 2000 (Coflax) | Ryzen 2000 (Pinnacle Ridge) | Ryzen 2000 (Raven Ridge) | N/A |
| Zen 1 | Valhalla | 14nm | EPYC Rome (2nd Gen) | Ryzen Threadripper 1000 (White Haven) | Ryzen 1000 (Summit Ridge) | N/A | N/A |
Stay tuned for more updates as AMD continues to innovate and lead in high-performance computing.