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AMD Begins Sampling Quad-core Ryzen CPUs with SMT Disabled

With AMD Ryzen launch just around the corner, the rumor mill is in full throttle with speculation about the new Zen-based SKUs in the line-up. Reportedly, AMD has begun sampling its entry-level quad-core Ryzen CPUs (the SR3 line of processors based on previous leaks) which are set to take on Intel’s Core i5 and i3 chips on desktops.

The rumor comes via Canard PC Hardware, which suggests that AMD began sampling its 4-core, 4-thread Ryzen CPUs this week, and that the new chips will have AMD’s SMT (Simultaneous Multi-Threading) disabled. Although, these entry level Ryzen offerings will come with an unlocked multiplier since AMD has already confirmed that all Zen-based processors will be universally overclockable.

This will certainly make quad-core Ryzen more competitive against Intel’s i5 and i3 line-ups considering the latter are locked, save for one SKU each, which are sold at a premium over their locked counterparts.

Moreover, these quad-core Ryzen processors will have a base clock speed of 3.4GHz or higher, with TDP rated at ~45W. The chips will feature all goodies of the Zen architecture including the auto-overclocking with XFR, Pure Power and Precision Boost for dynamic power and frequency management, as well as all the storage features.

Early reports suggest that the Zen processors will arrive in three distinct tiers: SR7, SR5 and SR3 – just like Intel’s Core i7, i5 and i3 product lines. The top-of-the-line SR7 will be the eight-core, 16-thread CPUs we’ve seen in previous AMD demos and so many leaks, while those released under the SR5 moniker will be midrange six-core, 12-thread parts.

It’s not yet clear whether AMD plans to release six-core and eight-core Ryzen processors with SMT disabled. Though I personally doubt AMD would shed the technology on higher end CPUs, that is designed to improve their performance at little to no cost added. Especially, when the company is looking to make a comeback in the high performance desktop market with a bang.

AMD is expected to launch its Ryzen processors ahead of GDC 2017. Are you excited about the launch? If yes, which one are you planning to grab: 8, 6 or 4-core Ryzen CPU?

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