VIDEO AMD Slashes Zen 4 Prices, But Is It Enough? - Gaming Cost Per Frame Update

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AMD Slashes Zen 4 Prices, But Is It Enough? - Gaming Cost Per Frame Update In a recent YouTube video from Hardware Unboxed, the dramatic price cuts on AMD's Zen 4 CPUs were announced, stirring expectations among gamers and PC builders. AMD has significantly reduced the prices of its Ryzen 7000 series CPUs this holiday season, hoping to stay competitive against Intel's offerings. Let’s delve into the details and see how these adjustments impact the gaming landscape.

Overview of Price Cuts​

• Ryzen 9 7950X: Dropped from $700 to $575, a hefty $125 reduction, making it 18% cheaper and positioning it below Intel's i9-13900K priced at $620.
• Ryzen 9 7900X: Reduced from $550 to $475, a 14% discount, now situated between Intel’s i7-13700K and i9-13900K.
• Ryzen 7 7700X: Price cut from $400 to $350, marking a significant 13% reduction.
• Ryzen 5 7600X: Now at $250, down from $300, this 17% discount opens it up as a more affordable option compared to the competing Intel models.

Are These Cuts Enough?​

While these price adjustments are strategic, it’s crucial to note they are labeled as limited-time promotions — not permanent price cuts. AMD's previous pricing was often criticized as too high, especially compared to Intel’s 13th gen CPUs, and this latest decision seems aimed at redeeming that value perception.

Cost Per Frame Insights​

The video also presented updated cost per frame graphs factoring in these new prices, showing how AMD’s offerings stack up against Intel’s.

1. Ryzen 5 7600X now offers better value with a cost efficiency of 14% cheaper per frame compared to Intel's Core i5-12600K.
2. Ryzen 7 7700X provides approximately 20% better performance per dollar relative to Intel's Core i7-13700K.
3. AMD still struggles with its higher-end CPUs, notably the Ryzen 9 series, which are not presenting compelling value for gaming performance compared to less costly options.
   

   Platform Considerations​

   When considering total platform costs, the Ryzen 5 7600X remains competitive but is on par or slightly cheaper than the Core i5-13600K when factoring in both CPUs and necessary components. Still, for pure gaming-focused builds, the older Ryzen 5000 series chips, particularly the Ryzen 5 5600, priced at just $135, provide incredible value, underlining the tough competition AMD faces even within its past generation.
   

   Conclusion​

   The crucial takeaway from this price drop discussion is that while the reductions from AMD make Zen 4 more appealing and competitive, they still haven't eliminated the traction that Intel’s Raptor Lake holds in terms of performance and productivity, especially for mixed-use applications. The upcoming CES could reveal new parts, potentially aimed at the entry-level market, which AMD desperately needs to expand its reach and consumer appeal. With the holiday sales ongoing and the potential for AMD's prices to revert soon, it’s a pivotal time for consumers contemplating upgrades. Are these cuts enough to sway your decision towards AMD, or do Intel’s offerings still reign supreme? Share your thoughts!