AMD’s New Model Numbers for 2023 and Later Mobile Processors

AMD to Decode Mobile SKUs in a Familiar Way

AMD, in a move that reminds this editor of Intel’s mobile naming scheme, has decided to adopt a new naming system to make identifying the processor easier. It may look complicated at first, but if you can use a simple decoder you’ll be able to identify between one of the three generations of microarchitecture that AMD will be simultaneously offering to notebook partners.

Here is what AMD had to say about this change, from their post on the matter (link):

What’s in a Name?

As we sat down to develop the new naming system, there were several motivations that we wanted to balance:

• Our current naming system for Ryzen Mobile Processors was at an end. It simply could not accommodate the influx of new SOCs in new categories we’re developing.
• We wanted the system to be technical and informative, such that an enthusiast could quickly “decode” the number to see what’s inside.
• We wanted it to be simple for the average user, where a higher number simply connotes higher CPU performance.
• We wanted to ensure that each branded processor family has one SOC architecture, with one common set of capabilities.
• And we simply needed to make room for our partners to grow. New designs, refreshed designs, new segments, new pricepoints. Our customers need flexibility from us to meet their goals, too.
• We fully acknowledge that no system is perfect, but we hope we’ve landed in a spot that feels intuitive to you.

Here’s a look at the new naming system, using a “hypothetical” Ryzen 5 7640U processor:

Get ready for some memorization! The first number represents the “Portfolio Year”, which for 2023 will be 7. This makes sense as Ryzen 7000 is next up, and in 2024 we will presumably have Ryzen 8000 parts (Portfolio Year 8). The next one seems more arbitrary, as it refers to “Market Segment”, which would in theory be a “5” for Ryzen 5, but in this case is a “6” for a Ryzen 5. But “9” is the highest, which does make sense.

The third digit is the easiest to digest – and the most important: Architecture. Simply put, “4” means Zen 4. (Be on the lookout for products with a “2” here.) There are a couple of additional boxes to learn, with “Feature Isolation” representing a “plus” (i.e. Zen 3+) with a “5”, and a non-plus with a “0”, for … reasons. And then of course you have the Intel-esque Form Factor/TDP letter at the end, which in this case is a “U”.

In 2023, AMD is expecting to take on five different market/buying segments using five different SOCs. As you can see in the matrix below, it will be a mix of all-new design wins and refreshed 2022 systems, depending on what the laptop builder is looking for. But importantly, all products live under the AMD Ryzen 7000 umbrella, and each CPU architecture exists only within one series.

Just as a few examples: If you want a max performance gaming notebook, the AMD Ryzen 7045 Series will always give you a “Dragon Range” processor. If you want AMD’s latest ultrathin SOC for gaming and mobility, you’ll always find a “Phoenix” processor in the Ryzen 7040 Series.

Next year will clearly be one of segmentation for AMD, as they will offer five different SoCs in the Ryzen 7000 family, with each serving different market segments – and some using older microarchitecture (this is why it’s going to be important to familiarize yourself with the naming scheme!). Prepare yourself.