THE CRUNCH

AMD has officially launched the Ryzen 5 5500F and Ryzen 5 7500 processors with six Zen 4 and Zen 3 cores, respectively. The new chips are positioned as budget-friendly options that work with DDR4 RAM, offering a lifeline to anyone looking to build a PC without breaking the bank.

The Ryzen 5 5500F is a Zen 3 chip that offers a faster clock speed than the previous 5500 model and comes with a free cooler for under £100. This makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious builders who need a reliable processor without spending a fortune. The Ryzen 5 7500, on the other hand, is a Zen 4 chip that targets a slightly different segment of the market.

The launch of these new CPUs comes at a time when RAM prices are high, making it difficult for builders to afford the latest components. By offering processors that are compatible with DDR4 RAM, AMD aims to soften the blow from these high prices and provide a more affordable path to building a new PC. This move could help to stabilise the budget PC market and provide more options for consumers.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT

The availability of these CPUs will likely impact the budget PC market, offering consumers a more affordable alternative to high-priced RAM and newer platforms.