Zen 3 Launch Availability

When will it be possible to buy a Zen 3 cpu without using a bot or paying Scalper rates?


  • Total voters
    86
  • Poll closed .
after reading a ton of Zen 3 reviews today I'm still confused as to which is the better buy for gaming?...everyone says the 5900X is excellent overall but I haven't seen any detailed write ups about the single CCX on the 5800X vs the 6+6 CCX on the 5900X and what if any factor that plays in the overall performance
Don't out-think the whole concept. Just look at the FPS and make a call on price to performance. The latency is already wrapped into the final result. It's just math. For Zen2 the best deal was the 3600. Surprise, this time for Zen3 its the 5600x. I'm sure the intel guys will jump in asap and point out the 10600k result. I'd have to argue (rightfully so) that the 5600x is a much better all around performer.

cpu​
price​
FPS​
$ per fps​
5950x​
800​
98​
$8.16​
5900x​
550​
97​
$5.67​
10850k​
465​
94.4​
$4.93​
10900k​
488​
94.3​
$5.17​
5600x​
299​
93​
$3.22​
5800x​
449​
93.4​
$4.81​
10700k​
387​
92.1​
$4.20​
10600k​
262​
85.6​
$3.06​
3900x​
499​
83.7​
$5.96​
3950x​
749​
83.7​
$8.95​
3700x​
329​
83.6​
$3.94​
3600x​
199​
68.1​
$2.92​
2700x​
329​
68.1​
$4.83​

119213.png
 
Last edited:
For Zen2 the best deal was the 3600. Surprise, this time for Zen3 its the 5600x. I'm sure the intel guys will jump in asap and point out the 10600k result. I'd have to argue (rightfully so) that the 5600x is a much better all around performer.
but the 5600X is only 6 cores...with the new consoles using 8 cores I'm thinking PC gamers would want at least an 8-core CPU
 
after reading a ton of Zen 3 reviews today I'm still confused as to which is the better buy for gaming?...everyone says the 5900X is excellent overall but I haven't seen any detailed write ups about the single CCX on the 5800X vs the 6+6 CCX on the 5900X and what if any factor that plays in the overall performance
The 5900X is only $100 more than the 5800X and you get 4 more cores and threads. Where as the jump from 5600x to 5800x is $150.
 
but the 5600X is only 6 cores...with the new consoles using 8 cores I'm thinking PC gamers would want at least an 8-core CPU
I think for the next 2 years, a 8 core CPU should be the sweet spot for gaming. I wanted also the 12 core, but really thought about it and came to the conclusion that it won't bring me any real benefit. If you really need more cores in the future, you can just buy a new CPU down the road. JUst imagine in 2 years games will scale better over 8 cores, then you can snag a cheap used 5950X.
 
but the 5600X is only 6 cores...with the new consoles using 8 cores I'm thinking PC gamers would want at least an 8-core CPU
IPC is what matters. Not cores. Not VRAM. Zen 3 (including 5600X) + Big Navi/Ampere will outclass the new consoles from now until forever. Then factor in overclocking....game over.
 
Last edited:
The 5900X is only $100 more than the 5800X and you get 4 more cores and threads. Where as the jump from 5600x to 5800x is $150.
I agree with current pricing the 5600x for a gaming focused build or the 5900x for a do it all machine. The 5800x is decent but the price needs to be less IMO. If building new I would choose a 5600x and a better GPU if budget was a concern. OR go big on a 5900x and run it into the ground.
 
I agree with current pricing the 5600x for a gaming focused build or the 5900x for a do it all machine. The 5800x is decent but the price needs to be less IMO. If building new I would choose a 5600x and a better GPU if budget was a concern. OR go big on a 5900x and run it into the ground.

The jump from the 6 -> 8 core could be something like this

6 core can be made from 8 core dies with up to 2 bad cores
8 cores need to be made with 100% functioning / good dies OR with 2 x 4 working core dies?(not sure if AMD would do this or not, probably costly)
12 core can be made from 2 x 8 core dies with up to 2 bad cores each
 
Last edited:
after reading a ton of Zen 3 reviews today I'm still confused as to which is the better buy for gaming?...everyone says the 5900X is excellent overall but I haven't seen any detailed write ups about the single CCX on the 5800X vs the 6+6 CCX on the 5900X and what if any factor that plays in the overall performance
The latency has been reduced far enough with Zen 3 that I think the difference is negligible. You have to also remember that even though the 5900X would be 6+6, using that extra CCX also opens up another 32MB of cache.

Performance numbers speak for themselves. The two CPUs pretty much are within each others’ margin of error in current games.
 
The new consoles are using Zen 3 + big navi :p
No they're not. They're using the equivalent of an undervolted/underclocked 3700+.

PS5 vs. Xbox Series X​


CategoryPlayStation 5Xbox Series X
CPU architecturecustom AMD Zen 2custom AMD Zen 2
 
Yep. Which really establishes the 5600x as the go to unless one's use case can leverage all those cores today. "Future proofing" is always cute but at least on AM4 There are higher core count options if the need arises.
The latency has been reduced far enough with Zen 3 that I think the difference is negligible. You have to also remember that even though the 5900X would be 6+6, using that extra CCX also opens up another 32MB of cache.

Performance numbers speak for themselves. The two CPUs pretty much are within each others’ margin of error in current games.
 
Any idea when the next round of stock will show up? Days, weeks?

Will there be a steady stream of small stock bumps at each reseller, or will a boat come in maybe once a month to replenish stock across all resellers?

Any stats yet about just how many units were sold yesterday in total?
 
I think for the next 2 years, a 8 core CPU should be the sweet spot for gaming. I wanted also the 12 core, but really thought about it and came to the conclusion that it won't bring me any real benefit. If you really need more cores in the future, you can just buy a new CPU down the road. JUst imagine in 2 years games will scale better over 8 cores, then you can snag a cheap used 5950X.

I generally plan on at least 6, ideally 8+ years out of a core system (CPU+Mobo and to a lesser extent Ram, Storage, and PSU); and would rather spend a bit more up front than have to frequently keep replacing parts. It's why I've got an i7-4790k (4 core, HT) today, at the time an i5 (4 cores, no HT) was almost as good and $100-150 cheaper; but they've aged poorly since and the quadcore era i7's do a lot better than the i5's at a fair number of things now. If budget constrained I'd recommend an 5900/3070 over a 5600/3080 these days, giving up 1 step of GPU for 2 years to have a better chance of the rest of the system lasting 8 years instead of just 4. Or I would if you could actually buy either part. 🤮🤮🤮
 
Oops! misspoke, ok Zen 2 + big navi then
Yes, but undervolted/clocked Zen 2 + Big Navi spec'd way lower than the 6800 in CUs and AFAIK no boost clock or OC. So we're talking undervolted 3700 CPU performance plus less than underclocked 2080 TI GPU performance.

Like every launch year, that's great value for $500 but not matching even 5600X and a proper Ampere/Big Navi. Let's get real. Cores/VRAM be damned.

I see a lot of justification for cores (except for the "running Discord while gaming" nonsense) but matching "consoles" is very weak argument.

Anyway, back to availability. Buy what you actually need folks.
 
Last edited:
The local store near me in Canada sold out in about 15 minutes, there were about 30 people in line. I was third in line and got a 5600x for an excellent price, $400 CAD so almost exact USD to CAD conversion.

Intel hates Canada.
 
  • Like
Reactions: ELox
like this
I think for the next 2 years, a 8 core CPU should be the sweet spot for gaming. I wanted also the 12 core, but really thought about it and came to the conclusion that it won't bring me any real benefit. If you really need more cores in the future, you can just buy a new CPU down the road. JUst imagine in 2 years games will scale better over 8 cores, then you can snag a cheap used 5950X.
it may be YEARS before we start to see 8 core's actually being fully utilized in console crossover games. I usually buy a new cpu ever 2 years or so. by the time a 5600x might be detrimental, there will be more chip for less or equal money.
 
it may be YEARS before we start to see 8 core's actually being fully utilized in console crossover games. I usually buy a new cpu ever 2 years or so. by the time a 5600x might be detrimental, there will be more chip for less or equal money.
If you only use one monitor and don't have a ton of things in the background 6 cores 12 threads is absolutely fine.
 


Looks like the 5600x is the one to get. They were able to get it to a 4.8ghz all core overclock! Impressive for $299. Basically ignore the 5800x laugh
 
O yeah if you need the cores go for it. If you want just straight gaming, the 5600x can game just as well as the other 3 processors. "And usually beats the 10900k"
I think for me I would rather get 12 cores. I feel like in the next year or 2 games will really start to push 8 cores and if you get the 5800x and you want to multitask while gaming it won't be as good as having the extra 4 cores.
 
it may be YEARS before we start to see 8 core's actually being fully utilized in console crossover games. I usually buy a new cpu ever 2 years or so. by the time a 5600x might be detrimental, there will be more chip for less or equal money.
I think it is either 5600x (pure gaming) or 5900x (gaming + work + future proofing). Like I said before I would consider buying 8-core if there was 65w 5700x for $379USD (clear price cut between 8 and 12 cores). The 5700x may come out next spring to compete with Intel's "new" offering, however I'm not willing to wait.

For me I'm going for 5900x (waiting for it B&H order), because I'm not planning to upgrade for at least 5 years. (other than GPU as a mid-cycle upgrade). Also please do not forget this is it for AM4 platform and DDR4. I still use 3570k and I will keep on using my 8700k @ 5ghz for much longer.

The great thing about zen3 is, no matter what you buy it is GREAT buy :p
 
Yes I don't plan on getting a new GPU or cpu any time soon. I walked in after work before near 3950x release and got one np. Scalpers never lined up at my MC every morning to buy shit up.
 
The new consoles are using Zen 3 + big nav
that would be zen 2 - the 3700 series equivalent. Zen 3 was not including in either SoC design probably due to cost AMD would have wanted and availablility to actually launch them this year.
I think it is either 5600x (pure gaming) or 5900x (gaming + work + future proofing). Like I said before I would consider buying 8-core if there was 65w 5700x for $379USD (clear price cut between 8 and 12 cores). The 5700x may come out next spring to compete with Intel's "new" offering, however I'm not willing to wait.

For me I'm going for 5900x (waiting for it B&H order), because I'm not planning to upgrade for at least 5 years. (other than GPU as a mid-cycle upgrade). Also please do not forget this is it for AM4 platform and DDR4. I still use 3570k and I will keep on using my 8700k @ 5ghz for much longer.

The great thing about zen3 is, no matter what you buy it is GREAT buy :p
I have a huge issue with buying the 5800x 105w tdp - it's essentially the leakiest, shittiest silicon AMD is producing with all 8 cores enabled, and they are charging a PREMIUM for it. At least with the 12 and and especially 16 core you are getting the best silicon for your money.

They'll eventually release a 65w 5700, when they are able to bin out more quality silicon, but until then, yuck.

Also - B&H can takes weeks to months to fulfill stock on preorders that aren't cameras. Saw someone else that was told early January to fulfill their 5900x order.
 
O yeah if you need the cores go for it. If you want just straight gaming, the 5600x can game just as well as the other 3 processors. "And usually beats the 10900k"
The price difference is too close. But now you have availability as an issue. So get whatever
 
No they're not. They're using the equivalent of an undervolted/underclocked 3700+.

PS5 vs. Xbox Series X​


CategoryPlayStation 5Xbox Series X
CPU architecturecustom AMD Zen 2custom AMD Zen 2

They are using something similiar to Renoir, from my understanding. It's really Zen 2.5 as it has 8 core CCX.
 
Also - B&H can takes weeks to months to fulfill stock on preorders that aren't cameras. Saw someone else that was told early January to fulfill their 5900x order.
I ordered a backordered webcam from them in April. After they shifted the estimated ship date like 3 times, I cancelled the order in September. That webcam still is not in stock. But they were happy to take and hold my money in the meantime.
 


Looks like the 5600x is the one to get. They were able to get it to a 4.8ghz all core overclock! Impressive for $299. Basically ignore the 5800x laugh

Yeah, if you can get a 5900x. 5800x was much easier to get. I can't bring myself to buy a 6-core these days so I guess I'll pay the ~$50 excess.
 
I ordered a backordered webcam from them in April. After they shifted the estimated ship date like 3 times, I cancelled the order in September. That webcam still is not in stock. But they were happy to take and hold my money in the meantime.
yeah I am not too hopeful of my preorder as I had the same issue back with the 9900k and B&H
 
Assuming a 12 inch wafer that's about 800 chiplets per wafer, at 100% yield thats 23.5m chiplets per month. A more realist yield of 80% gives 18.8m chiplets a month. I would say that TSMC is not the bottle neck but somewhere else in the supply chain.
You may be right, but that's the whole wafer allotment? You have to share that between radeon, xbox, ps5, epyc, ryzen. Then Ryzen split into OEM/Mobile and chips for retail consumer channel. Then split it up between the different models, with some using more than one chiplet I think. Could easily be way less than 1m chips per month per ryzen model, for the whole globe. I appreciate this attempt to model this, though. I bet some obsessive AMD investors/day traders have close to the real numbers.
 
You may be right, but that's the whole wafer allotment? You have to share that between radeon, xbox, ps5, epyc, ryzen. Then Ryzen split into OEM/Mobile and chips for retail consumer channel. Then split it up between the different models, with some using more than one chiplet I think. Could easily be way less than 1m chips per month per ryzen model, for the whole globe. I appreciate this attempt to model this, though. I bet some obsessive AMD investors/day traders have close to the real numbers.
you have to remember that tsmc 7nm was a node that apple used to make HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS of chips for cellphones on - so it's not like it's that limited.
 
The 5800x isn’t “bad”, it’s just over priced. It’s not $150 better than the 5600x and for $100 more you can get a 5900x. It’s just not priced right. It really needs to be $50-80 less, but when you can keep it in stock, why lower the price?
 
Don't out-think the whole concept. Just look at the FPS and make a call on price to performance. The latency is already wrapped into the final result. It's just math. For Zen2 the best deal was the 3600. Surprise, this time for Zen3 its the 5600x. I'm sure the intel guys will jump in asap and point out the 10600k result. I'd have to argue (rightfully so) that the 5600x is a much better all around performer.

cpu​
price​
FPS​
$ per fps​
5950x​
800​
98​
$8.16​
5900x​
550​
97​
$5.67​
10850k​
465​
94.4​
$4.93​
10900k​
488​
94.3​
$5.17​
5600x​
299​
93​
$3.22​
5800x​
449​
93.4​
$4.81​
10700k​
387​
92.1​
$4.20​
10600k​
262​
85.6​
$3.06​
3900x​
499​
83.7​
$5.96​
3950x​
749​
83.7​
$8.95​
3700x​
329​
83.6​
$3.94​
3600x​
199​
68.1​
$2.92​
2700x​
329​
68.1​
$4.83​

View attachment 296454

The 5800x isn’t “bad”, it’s just over priced. It’s not $150 better than the 5600x and for $100 more you can get a 5900x. It’s just not priced right. It really needs to be $50-80 less, but when you can keep it in stock, why lower the price?

Most likely they will lower the price/release a 5700x when 11th Gen Intel releases. For now, people will gladly buy it.
 
The 5800x isn’t “bad”, it’s just over priced. It’s not $150 better than the 5600x and for $100 more you can get a 5900x. It’s just not priced right. It really needs to be $50-80 less, but when you can keep it in stock, why lower the price?
Agreed, at $399 the 5800X would make much more sense pricing wise within the current product stack. Once the initial sales start to slow, we will see a 5700 with better pricing for a 8 core part.
 


Looks like the 5600x is the one to get. They were able to get it to a 4.8ghz all core overclock! Impressive for $299. Basically ignore the 5800x laugh

Ouch, feeling like the black sheep. Guess which CPU I was able to get? Hint, it wasn't the 5900x I was aiming for, lol. Man...
 
Back
Top