Computers & Tablets

[MichaelM-BBY Retired: Social Media Specialist]

On Wednesday AMD formally revealed their new flagship, high-end Ryzen CPU’s. It’s been rumored for some time that the upcoming silicon from AMD may finally dethrone Intel CPU’s as the fastest on the market, and if the preliminary numbers revealed by AMD this week are anything to go by they very well may!

AMD showed off their top-end Ryzen 7 series, which is intended to compete directly with Intel’s top-end Core i7 series. The Ryzen 7 1700, 1700X, and 1800X are all 8 Core, 16 Thread CPU’s ranging in price from $329 to $499. This is a pretty expensive CPU for most people, but when compared to Intel’s top-end $1050 i7-6900K, another 8 Core 16 Thread CPU, the $399 1700X beat it in one industry benchmark by 4%. At less than half the cost this is pretty exciting news.

So what does this mean for the average consumer who isn’t buying $1000 or even $300 CPU's? Well it means AMD may finally have chips that can directly compete with Intel on the top-end, which should hopefully drive CPU prices down across the board. This should also increase competition in the CPU industry and potentially lower computer prices for consumers, both great things! More comprehensive benchmarks and reviews have yet to be released, though AMD has said Ryzen will launch on March 2.

Are you planning on purchasing or building a new computer in the near-term? Does AMD’s announcement change your plans at all? Let us know in the comments below!

[AWBrown Valued Contributor]

I wouldn't be surprised if Intel has a fast processor ready to announce to counter this honestly. I've seen a lot of hype over it but I just don't see AMD turning that many prices downwards.

[bobberuchi]

I have not seen any results from CPU Benchmarks on it yet either.

[Enchalada]

Will Best Buy be selling the RYZEN CPUs and if so, why did Best Buy customers not get the option to pre-order. -Thanks

[MichaelM-BBY Retired: Social Media Specialist]

Hi Enchalada –

Seeing as Ryzen’s release is only a couple days away I highly doubt we’ll be taking pre-orders. I don’t have any details on if or when we’ll be carrying Ryzen chips, but recommend keeping an eye on the CPU’s Page on BestBuy.com.

[Enchalada]

Plan on finishing my build 2nd quarter this year after all RYZEN review. Also waiting for reviews to decide between AMD RX VEGA or GTX 1080ti. Would be great if Best Buy carried all these products.

[bobberuchi]

Before you make a decision based on reviews (i.e. someones opinion) you should google search for 

cpu benchmark

the first hit should be for the Passmark web site.  They don't do reviews but perform benchmark testing on all CPU's and GPU's as well as HDD's and RAM

However, the Vega and the 1080ti are both going to be monsters in the field.

Though one should never discount reviews by credible sources.

[Enchalada]

Benchmarks, that's what I meant. Exciting year, ey.