AMD Zen 6 "Morpheus" – 24 Cores, 6.2 GHz and RDNA 3.5 iGPU on AM5

AMD's next-generation CPU architecture, codenamed "Morpheus", is shaping up to be a major leap forward with up to 24 cores, clock speeds above 6.2 GHz and a new 12-core CCD design. Slated for a late 2026 to early 2027 launch on TSMC's N3 and N2 nodes, Zen 6 will retain AM5 socket compatibility while delivering a 10-15% IPC gain over Zen 5. 

Codenames and Branding – Morpheus vs. Medusa

The architecture itself is called "Morpheus", while consumer desktop CPUs based on Zen 6 will carry the "Medusa" codename. Server processors are expected to be named EPYC "Venice" and could feature up to 256 cores.

Core Count and CCD Design

Zen 6 introduces a new 12-core CCD design, enabling up to 24 cores in mainstream desktop CPUs. Leaked AMD documentation also mentions potential CCD configurations of 8, 16 and 32 cores for future products. This represents the first major core-count increase in the consumer lineup since Zen 3.

Clock Speeds and IPC – Conservative Numbers?

According to leaker Moore's Law is Dead, AMD is targeting clock speeds "well above 6 GHz" with Zen 6, with some indications that the 6.2 GHz figure is conservative and final silicon could be higher. The same architecture team that delivered Zen 4 is reportedly working on Zen 6, and they are said to be "sandbagging expectations" as they did with Ryzen 7000.

Integrated Graphics – RDNA 3.5, Not RDNA 4

Zen 6 APUs will reportedly use an updated RDNA 3.5 GPU architecture rather than skipping to RDNA 4 or RDNA 5. This suggests AMD is reserving its newest GPU architectures for discrete graphics cards while optimizing the iGPU for efficiency and compatibility.

Socket and Compatibility

AMD has confirmed that AM5 will support Zen 6 CPUs, ensuring motherboard longevity through at least 2027-2028. The new architecture will also feature enhanced packaging technology, possibly borrowing techniques from AMD's Instinct MI450 AI accelerator.

Production Timeline

Work on Zen 6's power management features began in Q1 2023, following the completion of Zen 5 development in late 2022. Mass production is expected to ramp in 2026, with a launch window of late 2026 to early 2027 for consumer parts.

Bottom Line

Zen 6 "Morpheus" represents AMD's most significant architectural overhaul since Zen 4. With a new 12-core CCD design, higher clock speeds, and a move to advanced process nodes, it promises to deliver substantial performance gains while maintaining AM5 compatibility. For gamers and professionals alike, the combination of increased core counts and potential 6 GHz+ frequencies makes the 2027 launch one to watch.

All specifications are based on leaks and reports from hardware publications as of November 2025. AMD has not officially confirmed Zen 6 details beyond acknowledging its existence on roadmaps.