Ever feel like you’ve seen something before, but with a different name tag? That’s precisely what’s happening in the world of AMD Ryzen mobile CPUs right now! AMD has just unveiled a new naming scheme for some of its mobile processors, which might seem a bit confusing at first glance. But don’t worry, we’re here to break it down for you.
What’s Happening with AMD Ryzen Mobile CPUs?
AMD has recently listed new “Ryzen 100” and “Ryzen 10” series mobile processors. The important thing to understand is that these aren’t brand-new, cutting-edge designs. Instead, they are rebadged versions of existing processors. Think of it like a car model getting a new name for a new year, even if the engine and chassis are largely the same.
The Two Main “New” Series: Ryzen 100 and Ryzen 10
Let’s dive into the specifics of these two series:
1. The AMD Ryzen 100 Series: Zen 3+ Power, New Name
- What it is: The Ryzen 100 series (like the Ryzen 7 170 or Ryzen 5 130) is a rebrand of AMD’s Zen 3+ architecture, specifically the “Rembrandt-R” chips.
- The Original: You might know these chips better as the Ryzen 7035 series that AMD released previously.
- Performance Profile: These are solid performers for mainstream laptops, offering a good balance of power and efficiency for everyday tasks, productivity, and even some lighter gaming, thanks to their integrated RDNA2 graphics.
Here’s a quick look at how the names have changed:
| New Ryzen 100 Name | Original Ryzen 7035 Name |
| Ryzen 7 170 | Ryzen 7 7735HS |
| Ryzen 7 160 | Ryzen 7 7735U |
| Ryzen 5 150 | Ryzen 5 7535HS |
| Ryzen 5 130 | Ryzen 5 7535U |
| Ryzen 3 110 | Ryzen 3 7335U |
2. The AMD Ryzen 10 Series: Zen 2 Roots, New Digits
- What it is: The Ryzen 10 series (such as the Ryzen 5 40 or Ryzen 3 30) brings back AMD’s Zen 2 architecture, also known as “Mendocino.”
- The Original: These were previously known as the Ryzen 7020 series.
- Performance Profile: These chips are generally aimed at more entry-level or budget-friendly laptops. They provide reliable performance for basic tasks like web browsing, email, word processing, and streaming. They also feature integrated RDNA2 graphics, suitable for light multimedia.
And here’s the renaming for the Ryzen 10 series:
| New Ryzen 10 Name | Original Ryzen 7020 Name |
| Ryzen 5 40 | Ryzen 5 7520U |
| Ryzen 3 30 | Ryzen 3 7320U |
| Athlon Gold 20 | Athlon Gold 7220U |
| Athlon Silver 10 | Athlon Silver 7120U |
Why the Renaming Game for AMD Ryzen Mobile CPUs?
This practice, known as “rebadging,” isn’t new in the tech industry, and AMD has used it before. There are a few reasons why a company might do this:
- Market Segmentation: It can help AMD offer a wider range of products at different price points, using proven designs.
- Simplifying for Consumers (or not?): Sometimes, a company might believe a new, simpler numbering scheme makes it easier for consumers to understand product tiers. However, in this specific case, it might add a layer of initial confusion.
- Utilizing Existing Stock: It allows AMD to continue selling chips that are still perfectly capable for certain market segments, perhaps for longer production cycles or specific OEM needs.
What Does This Mean for You?
If you’re in the market for a new laptop with an AMD Ryzen mobile CPU, here’s what you should keep in mind:
- Don’t just look at the series number: A “Ryzen 7 170” sounds newer than a “Ryzen 7 7735HS,” but they are essentially the same processor.
- Check the full model number: Always look at the complete CPU model name (e.g., Ryzen 7 170, not just “Ryzen 7”).
- Understand the underlying architecture: Knowing if a chip is Zen 3+ (Rembrandt) or Zen 2 (Mendocino) will give you a much better idea of its performance tier. Generally, Zen 3+ will offer better performance and efficiency than Zen 2.
- Focus on performance reviews: Look for reviews of the specific laptop you’re interested in, as the overall system (cooling, RAM, storage) will also heavily influence performance.
Beyond the Rebadge: Other AMD News
While the rebadging is a hot topic, AMD is also cooking up genuinely new innovations. Rumors suggest a potential Ryzen 5 7500X3D—a six-core Zen 4 processor with 3D V-Cache, which would be fantastic news for gamers looking for more affordable high-performance options on the AM5 platform.
The Bottom Line
AMD’s latest move with its Ryzen mobile CPUs is more about a fresh coat of paint than an entirely new vehicle. While the new “Ryzen 100” and “Ryzen 10” series names are out there, remember they correspond directly to previous “Ryzen 7035” and “Ryzen 7020” series processors based on Zen 3+ and Zen 2 architectures, respectively. Knowing this will help you make informed decisions when shopping for your next AMD-powered laptop!
News Source: via @Olrak29_, and 3D Center
