When it comes to computer processors, AMD has taken second-chair to Intel for about the past decade. Last year, AMD launched its Ryzen CPU platform. Offering more cores and better performance than Intel’s CPU lineup at the time, AMD easily took the stage and came back with a vengeance.
I used to never recommend AMD personally, and Ryzen changed that. I have built countless machines with this new architecture and it never disappoints. We even user Ryzen 5 CPU in our budget gaming build that we recently completed. Today, AMD announced updated Ryzen processors with new price points that are bound to fit just about every budget.
AMD’s latest Ryzen lineup consists of 4 processors. Starting with the Ryzen 5 2600, you get. a 6 core 12 thread processor with a 3.4GHz base clock and 3.9GHz boost clock. This processor comes with AMD’s Wraith Stealth cooler and has a 65W TDP. Upgrading to the Ryzen 5 2600X gives you the same core count, but a max boost clock of 4.2GHz and a 95W TDP, meaning it’ll be better for overclocking.
Also available is the Ryzen 7 2700 with 8 cores and 16 threads. This processor comes with a 3.2GHz base clock and 4.1GHz boost clock. A Wraith Spire RGB cooler is included with purchase. My favorite release is the higher-end Ryzen 7 2700X processor. This is the best Ryzen processor on the market right now and offers some serious advantages to its previous-generation little brother.
In last year’s Ryzen release, AMD didn’t include any coolers with its “X” line of processors. These CPUs are geared toward enthusiasts that generally have a higher-end cooling solution, like big beefy air or water coolers. But, this year, AMD changed that up.
Both X series processors still feature a higher TDP than last year’s offerings but come with RGB coolers. This is a very welcomed addition in my opinion, as not everyone wants a high-end cooling solution. The Ryzen 7 2700X is the same 8 core 16 threads as the regular 2700 but offers a higher boost clock of 4.3GHz and a 105W TDP.
This gives people a chance to buy the higher-end 2700X without having to worry about spending money on an external cooler. I’m personally excited about this as I was looking at building a new computer soon and having to get a cooler was going to be annoying with the way I wanted to go.
The Ryzen 5 2600 will be $199, the 2600X is $229, the Ryzen 7 2700 is $299, and the 2700X is $329. This is down from last years pricing, which put the higher-end Ryzen 7 1800X up at $349. It’s nice to see AMD including more features, like a higher TDP and included cooler, and still lowers the price. Shipping is slated to start on April 19th, so get your orders in now to secure your processor.
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