Thanks to recent BIOS updates from motherboard manufacturers ASRock and Biostar, the AMD AM5 platform is set to gain support for the next-generation Ryzen 9000 “Zen 5” desktop CPUs. This exciting news means AM5 board owners will be ready to enjoy upgraded performance from AMD’s upcoming flagship chips.
Support for the Highly Anticipated Ryzen 9000 CPUs
In recent announcements, ASRock and Biostar have confirmed they support AMD’s next-gen Ryzen 9000 “Zen 5” desktop processors through BIOS updates for their best AM5 motherboard lines. This puts them alongside other significant partners like ASUS, MSI, and Gigabyte in preparing AM5 motherboards for the new CPUs.
The BIOS upgrades leverage the AMD AGESA 1.1.7.0 firmware and increase the BIOS file size by around 1.5MB, representing the significant code changes required to accommodate the new Zen 5 architecture.
ASRock has explicitly listed the Ryzen 9000 series on its website, while Biostar’s press release refers to the CPUs releasing “imminently.” This suggests a summer 2024 launch timeframe, likely coinciding with AMD’s planned unveiling of Zen 5 at Computex next month.
Increased Performance and Efficiency from Zen 5
Unfortunately, details on Zen 5’s architecture and performance remain scant. However, AMD has previously stated it will deliver “enhanced performance and efficiency” through improvements like a re-pipelined front-end, broader issue, and integrated AI/ML optimisations.
Independent benchmarks of early “Zen 5” ES chips have shown significant single-threaded gains over current-gen CPUs. If history is any indication, the Ryzen 9000 family will offer even higher core counts than existing Ryzen 7000 CPUs.
They may also support faster DDR5 memory and additional platform enhancements on upgraded X700-series chipsets. With a strong focus on efficiency and raw performance, Zen 5 promises to elevate the mainstream desktop segment significantly.
Ensuring a Smooth Upgrade Path for AM5 Owners
By enabling compatibility with the Ryzen 9000, motherboard makers are fulfilling AMD’s commitment to a long-term AM5 upgrade cycle. As with AM4, current X670 and B650 board owners can drop in a new Zen 5 chip down the line for a quick and easy performance boost.
This type of extended platform support helps maximise your initial AM5 investment. If your existing CPU still has plenty of life left but wants high-end connectivity, a premium AM5 board like the ASUS ROG Crosshair X670E Extreme could serve you well for years.
Upgradability makes the AM5 platform even more worthwhile, whether you opt for a value-focused entry like the ASRock B650 Steel Legend or a future-proof premium option.
An Exciting Time to be an AMD Enthusiast
With Computex and Zen 5’s formal unveiling fast approaching, the PC hardware world’s attention will soon turn to AMD’s next monumental step for the desktop. The red team has reignited competition in CPUs and GPUs, bringing new levels of multithreaded performance to mainstream audiences.
Owners of AM5 motherboards can look forward to being first in line when Ryzen 9000 processors eventually launch and push the envelope once more. Between this, RDNA 3 graphics, and the new Windows and DirectX features, it’s an exciting time to be an AMD enthusiast!
Of course, Intel’s 13th-generation Raptor Lake and, eventually, 14th-generation Meteor Lake CPUs loom on the horizon. However, ASRock and Biostar are committed to AM5 and AMD’s ecosystem by demonstrating early support for such a significantly upgraded CPU microarchitecture.
This bodes well for new Zen 5 chip adopters and those choosing value-packed current-gen Ryzen platforms. With innovations in areas like 3D chip stacking still to come, AMD’s momentum is carrying them into another breakthrough year.
In summary, seamlessly upgrading to AMD’s next CPU generation is a significant advantage of the AM5 platform. Kudos to motherboard makers for effortlessly helping AM5 owners enjoy Zen 5’s performance gains. Now, the wait begins to see Zen 5 officially unwrapped at Computex and start taking names later in 2024. Exciting times continue for Red Team supporters!
