No One Is Buying AMD Zen 5: Post Launch Update

The launch of AMD’s Zen 5 CPUs was highly anticipated, with many expecting these new processors to dominate the market. However, the reality has been quite different. Despite the hype, early sales numbers indicate that the Zen 5 series is struggling to gain traction.

Lackluster Sales

According to early sales data from German retailer Mindfactory, the numbers are disappointing. The Ryzen 5 9600X and Ryzen 7 9700X have only seen sales in the double digits. This is a stark contrast to the expectations set by AMD and the tech community.

Performance Issues

One of the main reasons for the poor sales is the performance of the Zen 5 CPUs. Reviews have shown that these processors offer minimal gains in gaming performance compared to their predecessors. In many cases, they are outperformed by Intel’s competing Core i9-14900K and even AMD’s own Ryzen 7 7800X3D.

Pricing and Competition

Another significant factor is the pricing. Despite AMD cutting the launch prices of the Zen 5 range, the previous generation Zen 4 CPUs are still around $100 cheaper. This price difference makes the older models more attractive to consumers, especially given the minimal performance improvements.

Future Prospects

While the initial sales are disappointing, there is still hope for the Zen 5 series. AMD’s 3D V-Cache technology has been a game-changer in the past, and the upcoming 3D V-Cache versions of the Ryzen 9000 series could turn the tide. However, until these new models are released, it seems that the Zen 5 CPUs will continue to struggle in the market.

Conclusion

The launch of AMD’s Zen 5 CPUs has not gone as planned. With lackluster sales, minimal performance improvements, and stiff competition from both Intel and AMD’s previous generation, the Zen 5 series faces an uphill battle. It will be interesting to see how AMD addresses these challenges in the coming months.