All Generations of AMD Ryzen

Author: Ілля | Published: 27.05.2025 | Category: Brand stories, Computers

All Generations of AMD Ryzen: History of Creation and Development

The AMD Ryzen processor lineup has become one of the most significant milestones in the world of computer technology. It brought AMD back into competitive contention with Intel, reshaping perceptions of processor performance and affordability. This article explores the history of Ryzen’s creation and the stages (All Generations of AMD Ryzen) of its development, a lineup that has become synonymous with innovation and technological breakthroughs.

Background to Ryzen’s Creation

Before Ryzen’s debut in 2017, AMD was struggling in the processor market. Its previous Bulldozer architecture, introduced in 2011, failed to compete effectively with Intel’s Core processors, particularly in single-threaded performance critical for gaming and everyday tasks. Bulldozer faced criticism for low efficiency and high power consumption, leading to a loss of AMD’s market share.

In 2012, AMD began developing a new microarchitecture codenamed Zen, led by legendary engineer Jim Keller, who had previously worked on Athlon 64 and had experience at Apple and Intel. The goal was ambitious: to create a processor combining high performance, energy efficiency, and competitive pricing to return AMD to the high-performance computing market.

All Generations of AMD Ryzen Up to 2025

First Generation Ryzen (2017): A New Beginning

The Ryzen lineup was officially unveiled on December 13, 2016, at AMD’s New Horizon event, with the first models hitting the market in March 2017. Ryzen processors were based on the Zen microarchitecture and manufactured using a 14nm process, a significant leap forward from the 28nm process of the previous Excavator architecture.

The first generation included three main lines:

Ryzen 3 (released July 27, 2017) — budget quad-core processors for basic tasks.
Ryzen 5 (released April 11, 2017) — mid-range six-core models aimed at gaming and multitasking.
Ryzen 7 (released March 2, 2017) — high-performance eight-core processors for enthusiasts and professionals.

Additionally, on August 10, 2017, AMD introduced the Ryzen Threadripper lineup for HEDT (high-end desktop) platforms, offering up to 16 cores and 32 threads for professional workstations.

Key Advantages of First-Generation Ryzen:

Multicore Performance: Ryzen offered more cores and threads at a lower price than Intel’s equivalents, making it attractive for content creators and multitasking applications.
AM4 Socket Compatibility: The new AM4 socket became a universal platform for all Ryzen generations, ensuring long-term motherboard compatibility.
Improved Performance: Zen delivered up to a 52% increase in instructions per clock (IPC) compared to Bulldozer, allowing Ryzen to compete with Intel in many tasks.

Despite its success, the first generation had drawbacks, including lower single-threaded performance compared to Intel, which impacted gaming performance, and issues with DDR4 memory optimization.

Models:

Ryzen Threadripper: 1900X, 1920X, 1950X
Ryzen 3: 1200, 1300X
Ryzen 5: 1400, 1500X, 1600, 1600X
Ryzen 7: 1700, 1700X, 1800X

Second Generation Ryzen (2018): Optimization and Refinement

In April 2018, AMD introduced the second-generation Ryzen (2000 series) based on the Zen+ microarchitecture, manufactured using a 12nm process. Zen+ was an evolutionary update focused on addressing the shortcomings of the first generation.

Key Improvements:

Reduced Memory Latency: Optimized memory controllers enabled Ryzen 2000 to work with faster DDR4 memory.
Precision Boost 2 and XFR 2 Technologies: These improved automatic overclocking algorithms, allowing processors to maintain higher frequencies under various workloads.
Enhanced Energy Efficiency: The 12nm process reduced power consumption and increased clock speeds.

The second generation retained the AM4 socket, allowing users to upgrade processors without changing motherboards. The Ryzen 5 2600 and Ryzen 7 2700X became particularly popular due to their excellent price-to-performance ratio.

Models:

Ryzen 3: 2300X
Ryzen 5: 2500X, 2600, 2600X
Ryzen 7: 2700, 2700X
Ryzen Threadripper: 2920X, 2950X, 2970WX, 2990WX

Third Generation Ryzen (2019): A 7nm Revolution

On May 27, 2019, AMD introduced the third-generation Ryzen (3000 series) based on the Zen 2 microarchitecture, manufactured using TSMC’s 7nm process. This was a true breakthrough, allowing AMD not only to catch up with Intel but to surpass it in many aspects.

Key Features:

7nm Process: Significantly improved energy efficiency and performance.
PCIe 4.0 Support: Ryzen 3000 was the first consumer platform to support PCI Express 4.0, offering higher bandwidth for GPUs and SSDs.
Multi-Chip Module (MCM) Design: Processors consisted of multiple 7nm CCD chiplets and a 12nm I/O die, enhancing scalability.
Improved Performance: Zen 2 delivered up to a 15% IPC increase over Zen+, with models like the Ryzen 9 3900X and 3950X offering up to 16 cores and 32 threads for desktops.

The third generation also introduced the Ryzen 9 lineup for enthusiasts and professionals. In 2020, AMD announced Threadripper PRO, designed for professional workstations with support for eight-channel DDR4 memory and 128 PCIe 4.0 lanes.

Ryzen 3000 solidified AMD’s leadership in multicore computing, and its processors achieved near-parity with Intel in gaming due to improved single-threaded performance.

Models:

Ryzen 3: 3200G (with integrated graphics), 3300X
Ryzen 5: 3400G (with integrated graphics), 3500, 3500X, 3600, 3600X
Ryzen 7: 3700X, 3800X
Ryzen 9: 3900X, 3950X
Ryzen Threadripper: 3960X, 3970X, 3990X
Ryzen Threadripper PRO: 3945WX, 3955WX, 3975WX, 3995WX

Fourth Generation Ryzen (2020): Zen 3 and Dominance

In 2020, AMD introduced the fourth-generation Ryzen (5000 series) based on the Zen 3 microarchitecture. It retained the 7nm process but brought significant architectural improvements:

Improved IPC: Up to a 19% performance-per-clock increase over Zen 2.
Unified Cache: A new cache design reduced latency and boosted gaming performance.
Higher Clock Speeds: Models like the Ryzen 9 5900X and 5950X led in both single-threaded and multi-threaded tasks.

Ryzen 5000 eliminated AMD’s lag in gaming performance, making these processors the top choice for both gamers and professionals.

Models:

Ryzen 3: 5300G (with integrated graphics)
Ryzen 5: 5500, 5600G (with integrated graphics), 5600X
Ryzen 7: 5700G (with integrated graphics), 5800X
Ryzen 9: 5900X, 5950X

Fifth Generation Ryzen and Zen 4 (2022): New AM5 Socket

In 2022, AMD introduced the Ryzen 7000 series based on the Zen 4 microarchitecture, manufactured using a 5nm process. This series transitioned to the new AM5 socket, supporting only DDR5 memory and PCIe 5.0, a step toward the future but requiring users to upgrade their platforms.

Key Features:

5nm Process: Further improved energy efficiency and performance.
DDR5 and PCIe 5.0 Support: Compatibility with cutting-edge technologies.
Integrated RDNA 2 Graphics: All Ryzen 7000 models included integrated graphics, previously rare for desktop Ryzen.

Models:

Ryzen 5: 7600X
Ryzen 7: 7700X
Ryzen 9: 7900X, 7950X
Ryzen Threadripper: 7960X, 7970X, 7980X
Ryzen Threadripper PRO: 7945WX, 7955WX, 7965WX, 7975WX, 7985WX, 7995WX

Sixth Generation Ryzen 9000 and Zen 5 (2024): Latest Achievements

In 2024, AMD introduced the Ryzen 9000 series based on the Zen 5 microarchitecture, continuing to use the 5nm process with additional optimizations. These processors offer even higher performance and energy efficiency, maintaining AMD’s leadership in multicore computing.

Models:

Ryzen 5: 9600X
Ryzen 7: 9700X
Ryzen 9: 9900X, 9950X

Where Are Ryzen Processors Manufactured?

Ryzen processors are designed by AMD (USA), but their physical production is handled by partner companies, primarily TSMC (Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company) in Taiwan. TSMC is AMD’s main contract manufacturer, producing Ryzen chips using advanced processes (14nm, 12nm, 7nm, 5nm, and 4nm, depending on the generation).

Production Details:

Design: AMD develops the processor architectures (Zen, Zen+, Zen 2, Zen 3, Zen 4, Zen 5) in its research centers, primarily in the USA (Santa Clara, California, and Austin, Texas).
Chip Fabrication:
The main silicon wafers (chips) for Ryzen are manufactured by TSMC in Taiwan, using advanced facilities (e.g., Fab 14 or Fab 18) for 7nm, 5nm, or 4nm processes.
Some auxiliary components (e.g., I/O dies for Zen 2 and later) may be produced by other partners like GlobalFoundries (USA or Germany) using 12nm or 14nm processes.
Assembly and Packaging: After wafer production, chips undergo testing, cutting, and packaging, which may occur at TSMC or other partners like ASE Group or Amkor Technology in Taiwan, China, Malaysia, or other countries.
Final Testing: Finished processors are tested for quality compliance before being shipped to distributors or OEMs (e.g., Dell, HP, Lenovo) for integration into computers.

Why TSMC?

AMD relies on TSMC due to its expertise in advanced process technologies, ensuring high performance and energy efficiency for Ryzen. Unlike Intel, which has its own manufacturing facilities, AMD operates a fabless model, focusing on design and optimizing costs.

Exceptions:

Some first-generation Ryzen (Zen) models were partially manufactured by GlobalFoundries due to a long-term contract.
Certain APUs (processors with integrated graphics) may include components produced by other contractors.

Thus, the primary production site for Ryzen chips is Taiwan (TSMC), though some stages may occur in other countries depending on the supply chain.

Conclusion

All Generations of AMD Ryzen. The AMD Ryzen lineup has evolved from an ambitious project to a market leader. Through the Zen microarchitecture and its successive improvements (Zen+, Zen 2, Zen 3, Zen 4, Zen 5), AMD not only regained competitiveness but became an industry innovator. Ryzen redefined performance perceptions, offering more cores, higher energy efficiency, and support for modern technologies at an affordable price. Today, Ryzen remains the choice for both gamers and professionals. Long-term AM4 socket support and the transition to AM5 underscore AMD’s commitment to user needs.

Notes:

The list includes main models, but AMD also released additional variants (e.g., “XT” or “AF”).
Models with a “G” suffix (e.g., Ryzen 5 5600G) include integrated graphics (APUs).
Threadripper and Threadripper PRO target HEDT and professional workstations.
Some models (e.g., Ryzen 3 5300G) were available only to OEMs or in specific regions.