Although AMD's Zen 3 core architecture, which is included in Ryzen 5000 series processors, has produced some outstanding performance scores, the wait for AMD Zen 4 Ryzen CPUs could last until the end of 2022. The timeframe is the same for new AMD GPUs, with the same report claiming that the new AMD RDNA 3 graphics architecture will be included in new generation Radeon graphics cards alongside new AMD Zen 4 processors – implying that PC enthusiasts will have to wait at least a year and a half to see the next generation of AMD CPUs and GPUs.
The information is brought from Twitter user Broly X1, who has a reputation for being a credible source of AMD-related news. What's worth mentioning to note is that, with Zen 3 based CPUs arriving in late 2020, AMD may not be able to ship as many Ryzen 5000 CPUs (or even its RDNA 2 based Radeon GPUs) as it would want due to the global chipset supply shortage. Having such a long gap between two generations is unusual in recent history but it may allow AMD to sell enough Ryzen 5000 series CPUs to satisfy demand before moving on.
The decision might also be seen as a positive, as the Zen 3 CPUs will not become outdated any time soon. Before AMD unveils the Zen 4 CPU range in late-2022, the mid-life Ryzen 5000 XT upgrade to the Zen 3 CPU family may be in order. A mid-cycle refresh like this would help AMD stay relevant in the PC market while also keeping up with Intel's offerings. The scenario may play out similarly for GPUs, however, the RDNA 2-based Radeon RX 6000 series GPUs are unlikely to receive a mid-life revision.
Furthermore, according to the Broly X1 report, AMD may complete the product design for RDNA 3 GPUs by the end of 2021, with the goal of having them available for market by the end of 2022. As a result, AMD looks to be adopting a long-term market strategy, which not only allows the company to sell enough units of critically acclaimed product generations but also gives gamers the assurance that their hardware will be the most up-to-date for a long time. The concern is whether they'll be able to withstand the demands of the gaming and performance markets.
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