Description: Granite Ridge is the codename for AMD’s Ryzen 9000 desktop processors based on its Zen 5 architecture. Initially announced in June 2024 with Ryzen 5, Ryzen 7, and Ryzen 9 models, AMD ultimately launched the CPUs in August 2024. It followed up with X3D versions of some of its CPUs in November 2024, and March 2025.
Granite Ridge was the codename AMD used for its Ryzen 9000 desktop processors using the Zen 5 architecture. They were announced for the first time at Computex 2024 in Tapai, Taiwan, where CEO Lisa Su unveiled the initial line up of four processors: The Ryzen 9 9950X, Ryzen 9 9900X, Ryzen 7 9700X, and Ryzen 5 9600X.
Granite Ridge was the successor to AMD’s Raphael, Ryzen 7000 desktop processors. As of the end of 2025, Granite Ridge Ryzen 9000 CPUs remain the flagship desktop consumer chips AMD offers. They are available in a wide range of physical core configurations and clock speeds, with entry-level models with modest core counts and more affordable price tags, to high-end options designed for intense workloads that have far more cores and are far more expensive.
There are also variations on the main line of CPUs that use AMD’s 3D V-Cache technology to boost gaming performance. Those chips are given the X3D moniker to differentiate them.
Granite Ridge Ryzen 9000 Desktop CPU Lineup
The AMD Ryzen 9000 Granite Ridge lineup has expanded since the original range was unveiled. In November 2024 AMD launched the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, the first CPU of its generation to leverage AMD’s second-generation 3D V-Cache technology. It went on to become the most powerful and most popular gaming CPU and still holds on to that title today.
| Cores/Threads | Base clock | Boost clock | L3 Cache (Total) | TDP | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ryzen 9 9950X3D | 16/32 | 4.3 GHz | 5.7 GHz | 128 MB | 170W |
| Ryzen 9 9950X | 16/32 | 4.3 GHz | 5.7 GHz | 64 MB | 170W |
| Ryzen 9 9900X3D | 12/24 | 4.4 GHz | 5.5 GHz | 128 MB | 120W |
| Ryzen 9 9900X | 12/24 | 4.4 GHz | 5.6 GHz | 64 MB | 120W |
| Ryzen 7 9800X3D | 8/16 | 4.7 GHz | 5.2 GHz | 96 MB | 120W |
| Ryzen 7 9700X | 8/16 | 3.8 GHz | 5.5 GHz | 32 MB | 65W |
| Ryzen 5 9600X | 6/12 | 3.9 GHz | 5.4 GHz | 32 MB | 65W |
| Ryzen 5 9600 | 6/12 | 3.8 GHz | 5.2 GHz | 32 MB | 65W |
AMD launched a follow up range of X3D CPUs in March 2025, including the 16-core 9950X3D (though it still only features 3D V-Cache on one of the two core chiplets), and the 12-core 9900X3D. It also launched the entry-level Ryzen 5 9600 (non-X) in February 2025, featuring a slightly weaker core clock boost speed.
What’s new with Granite Ridge
Granite Ridge introduced a number of new CPUs to AMD’s processor lineup. Those processors enjoyed supporting a range of new capabilities and features, while bringing over some specifications from its predecessors.
The new Granite Ridge CPUs support socket AM5, like their Zen 4/Ryzen 7000 predecessors, so work with all existing 600-series motherboards. However, they also came with a new batch of 800-series motherboards in various configurations.
Granite Ridge also increased memory speed support to DDR-5600, though with EXPO profiles and overclocking you can use much faster memory, like the Biwin Black Opal DW100 DDR5 memory, which is available at speeds up to 8,400 MT/s.
Each CPU comes equipped with onboard RDNA 2 graphics with two computers units. They’re capable of very entry-level esports and indie gaming but are largely designed for video encoding and simple desktop imaging. Each CPU also supports 28 PCIe 5 lanes, opening up the potential for faster graphics cards and storage solutions.
High-Performance DDR5 Memory for AMD Ryzen 9000 Granite Ridge
AMD Ryzen 9000 Granite Ridge processors benefit greatly from fast, low-latency DDR5 memory, especially when paired with high-end 800-series AM5 motherboards. While official memory support is rated at DDR5-5600, EXPO profiles and manual tuning allow significantly higher operating speeds on compatible systems.
For users looking to maximize Zen 5 performance, Biwin Black Opal DW100 DDR5 RGB memory offers a well-balanced combination of speed, stability, and platform compatibility. Supporting data rates up to 8400 MT/s, DW100 is well-suited for high-frequency memory configurations commonly used on modern AM5 platforms. Its reinforced PCB design, premium Hynix ICs, and advanced multi-fin cooling solution are engineered to maintain signal integrity and thermal stability at elevated frequencies.
In high-refresh-rate gaming or demanding creative workloads, properly configured high-speed DDR5 memory can help Granite Ridge systems extract more consistent performance from AMD’s Zen 5 architecture.
