Gigabyte BIOS Confirms AMD Ryzen 9000 Zen 5 Processors

AMD’s upcoming Ryzen 9000 processors are gaining more certainty, thanks to motherboard manufacturer Gigabyte accidentally revealing the new naming scheme in a recent BIOS update. Previously, the nomenclature for AMD’s next-generation Zen 5 processors was uncertain. However, Gigabyte’s release notes for a new AGESA 1.1.7.0 beta BIOS have all but confirmed that the processors will indeed be part of the Ryzen 9000 series (Gigabyte via Videocardz.com).

Other major manufacturers like ASUS and MSI have also hinted at the naming scheme in similar fashion. ASUS, in particular, provided strong evidence by listing Ryzen 9000 in a chipset driver. The BIOS update confirms that current X670, B650, and A620 chipset Socket AM5 motherboards will receive updates to support the new Ryzen 9000 processors.

While specific details about the new processors are scarce, indicating a launch several months away, AMD’s CEO Dr. Lisa Su is scheduled to deliver the opening keynote at Computex 2024 in Taiwan. This event is expected to include announcements about new AMD hardware, potentially including the Ryzen 9000 processors.

All current AMD Socket AM5 motherboards will be compatible with the Ryzen 9000-series processors upon release, though most will require a BIOS update unless purchased with a compatible BIOS closer to the launch date. This BIOS update process is standard, and many AMD motherboards include USB BIOS Flashback, enabling BIOS updates without a compatible CPU and with the system powered off.

Releasing BIOS updates well in advance of product launches is routine, though somewhat unusual given the limited information currently available about the Ryzen 9000 processors. Comparatively, Intel will be launching a new range of processors alongside a new processor socket, likely leading to early rumors and speculation. In contrast, AMD is focusing solely on new processors, although there may be a new range of motherboards and chipsets, typically refreshed alongside new processor launches.

By releasing Ryzen 9000-compatible BIOS versions early, AMD ensures that most Socket AM5 motherboards, especially those sold used, will be compatible with the new processors, facilitating a smooth transition. Delaying BIOS updates closer to the launch date increases the risk of purchasing a motherboard that is not compatible, particularly when buying second-hand.