AMD has reportedly decided to push the launch of its much-anticipated mid-tier models from the AMD 800-series chipset to early 2025, according to a report by Computerbase.de. This move comes shortly after the debut of the Ryzen 9000-series ‘Zen 5’ processors this month.
Compatibility with Existing Motherboards
The Ryzen 9000-series processors have been confirmed to be compatible with existing AMD 600-series chipset motherboards, provided users apply the necessary BIOS update. This seamless compatibility has been welcomed by many, as motherboard vendors have leisurely begun announcing new motherboards based on the AMD X870E and AMD X870 chipsets.
Features of AMD X870 and AMD B850 Chipsets
Motherboards based on the AMD X870E and AMD X870 chipsets are equipped with new connectivity features, including 40 Gbps USB4 and Wi-Fi 7 support. They also offer drop-in compatibility with Ryzen 9000-series processors, which enhances their appeal to users looking for high-end performance. On the other hand, the AMD B850 chipset offers mostly identical platform I/O to the AMD X870, except for optional Gen 5 support for the PCI-Express x16 slot and 40 Gbps USB4. It still provides CPU overclocking support, making it an attractive option for gamers.
Entry-Level Option: AMD B840 Chipset
The AMD B840 chipset, designed as an entry-level offering, is anticipated to phase out the existing A620 and A620A models. Despite its lower positioning, it features similar I/O capabilities to the A620A and is expected to come with drop-in compatibility for 65W socket AM5 processors. This makes it a viable option for budget-conscious users.
Conclusion
A delayed launch of mid-tier chipsets is not new for AMD, as the company has previously launched its B450 and B550 chipsets several months after releasing the X470 and X570. By allowing the AMD X870E and AMD X870 motherboards time to dominate the market, AMD ensures that these high-end chipsets can fully demonstrate their capabilities before the more affordable B850 model becomes available.
