AMD introduces two budget six-core processors to ease PC building costs
AMD has launched the Ryzen 5 5500F and Ryzen 5 7500, both featuring six cores, with the former using Zen 3 and the latter Zen 4 architecture. The 5500F is priced at $99 and the 7500 at $189, available at U.S. retailers immediately. These chips aim to provide affordable options for budget PC builders facing elevated memory prices.
The 5500F is effectively a lower-binned Ryzen 5 5600, distinct from the older 5500. It trades a 500 MHz lower boost and half the L3 cache for a $60 saving over the 5600's current price, while adding PCIe 4.0 support over the 5500.
The 7500 offers a cheaper entry into the AM5 platform, retaining Zen 4 cores, DDR5 memory support, and integrated graphics, but with slightly lower clock speeds than the 7600. Both are 65W parts aimed at mitigating the impact of rising memory costs.
These launches could ease financial pressure on budget-conscious PC builders, particularly as memory costs climb. The $99 chip may extend the lifespan of the older AM4 ecosystem, while the $189 part could make the newer AM5 platform more accessible. This pricing strategy may intensify competition with rival chipmakers, potentially helping to stabilize overall system build costs for consumers who are highly sensitive to component prices.