Why AMD's Zen 5 CPUs Flounder in Market Demand Challenge

The Disappointing Truth About AMD’s Zen 5 CPUs

The sales performance of AMD’s Zen 5 CPUs has been dismal, with retailers struggling to move stock. In this article, we’ll delve into the reasons behind the disappointing sales figures and explore what this means for consumers.

No One is Buying Zen 5

Retailers have reported that sales of Zen 5 CPUs have been abysmal, with some telling us that they’ve only sold a handful of units since launch. In Australia, where I reside, the sales figures are similarly dismal, with one retailer reporting single-digit sales numbers.

The Numbers Tell the Story

According to data from Mindfactory, a German retailer, sales of the Ryzen 7 9700X have been particularly poor, with only 160 units sold since launch. The Ryzen 9 9950X has fared no better, with 80 units sold. In comparison, the Ryzen 7 7600X3D, a processor from the previous generation, sold around 40 units just days after launch.

What’s Causing the Slow Sales?

Several factors are contributing to the slow sales of Zen 5 CPUs. Firstly, the performance of the processors is underwhelming, making it difficult for them to stand out in a crowded market. Additionally, the prices of the processors are higher than those of their predecessors, making them less appealing to consumers.

Retailers are Stuck with Unsold Inventory

With unsold inventory piling up, retailers are stuck with a problem. If they try to adjust the prices of the processors to make them more competitive, they’ll likely lose money on each sale. In contrast, Intel and NVIDIA are more willing to adjust prices to make their products more competitive.

What We Learned

Despite the disappointing sales of Zen 5 CPUs, the desktop CPU market is still a competitive and exciting space. The Ryzen 4 CPUs are still a great value for those looking to upgrade to the AM5 platform, and the AM4 platform is still viable for those with existing motherboards.

Wait and See

If you’re considering an upgrade, it’s worth waiting to see what Intel’s Arrow Lake CPUs have to offer. Arrow Lake is expected to launch in October, and it could be a game-changer for the desktop CPU market.

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