While we await AMDs official reveal of Zen 5 there have been several big rumors since the start of 2024 all stating we can expect to see Ryzen 9000 in the second half of this very year. Next-gen CPUs are certainly coming and while the naming convention is yet to be confirmed, we can speculate that the new flagship will be called the the Ryzen 9 9950X. Performance speculation is also starting to rear its head and with H2 of 2024 now in sight, we will share our predictions for a possible release window and the expected retailers for purchases and pre orders.
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X release date rumors
Aside from the odd dry launch where products are just suddenly available, we aren’t expecting any surprises with “Granite Ridge”. There have already been rumors surfacing around driver updates for current motherboards to support “Next-Gen CPUs”. All eyes are going to be on the AMD Keynote at Computex this summer, which will no doubt mostly be about AMD AI plans but we hope there will also be confirmation that Ryzen 9000 is in fact Zen 5 and on the way.
As mentioned the release date rumors suggest an H2 launch, which would likely include the flagship Ryzen 9 9950X SKU first. Over the last few Ryzen desktop launches, we have seen them arrive about every two years, so this all seems to fit, and a potential window between July – November.
Will you be able to pre order the AMD Ryzen 9 9950X?
We can only speculate and go off previous AMD and Intel launches at this stage before anything is confirmed. Some retailers such as B&H and Central Computers tend to offer pre orders, as do some major retailers from time to time. At the moment, it is hard to say but we expect most will be able to purchase the Ryzen 9 9950X from launch without an issue, so there may be no need to pre order.
Where to buy AMD Ryzen 9 9950X US – expected retailers
*Retailers below are placeholders until the CPU is confirmed. These retailers are picked based on previous launches and stock*
Where to buy AMD Ryzen 9 9950X UK – expected retailers
*Retailers below are placeholders until the CPU is confirmed. These retailers are picked based on previous launches and stock*
Where to buy AMD Ryzen 9 9950X Canada – expected retailers
*Retailers below are placeholders until the CPU is confirmed. These retailers are picked based on previous launches and stock*
Will the AMD Ryzen 9 9950X work with your current motherboard?
As AMD will be sticking with AM5 for Zen 5 a motherboard upgrade may not be needed for those on Ryezn 7000. A simple BIOS update for current boards is more likely but it is worth stating that nothing is confirmed at this stage. The rumors have been steadily flowing since early this year and the most recent leaks from motherboard partners have been the most promising yet for a H2 2024 release.
