Unexpected APU Strategy Shift
According to leaks from Chiphell and amplified by reliable source HXL, AMD’s next-generation Ryzen 9000G desktop APUs may not feature Zen 5 cores. Instead, they could be a refresh of current Ryzen 8000G “Phoenix” silicon – rebranding existing Zen 4/RDNA 3 technology rather than delivering the anticipated Strix Point upgrade.
This suggests:
- Ryzen 9000G = Refreshed 8000G (Zen 4/RDNA 3.5)
- True Zen 5 APUs (Strix Point) delayed to Ryzen 10000G series (2026)
- No architectural leap for budget builders expecting next-gen iGPU gains
Why This Would Break Tradition
AMD has historically avoided APU refreshes, preferring architectural upgrades:
| Generation | Codename | Architecture |
|---|---|---|
| Ryzen 8000G | Phoenix | Zen 4 + RDNA 3 |
| Ryzen 9000G (rumored) | Hawk Point? | Zen 4 refresh |
| Ryzen 10000G | Strix Point | Zen 5 + RDNA 3.5 |
The move echoes AMD skipping the 6000G series entirely after 5000G.
Market Impact & Gamer Implications
- Budget Builders Disappointed: No iGPU performance uplift until 2026
- Competitive Gap: Intel’s Lunar Lake iGPUs could lead entry-level segment
- Pricing Pressure: 9000G must undercut 8000G ($250-$329) to justify rebrand
- Strix Point Hype: True next-gen APUs now potentially 18+ months away
Rumor: 9000G APU is 8000G APU Refresh.https://t.co/WSjPjsIg0i
— HXL (@9550pro) July 30, 2025
“The next generation APU is just a rebrand of the 8000G.”
— Chiphell leaker
The Silver Lining
If true, this could benefit:
- Current 8000G Owners: No immediate obsolescence
- B650/X670 Buyers: Existing AM5 boards remain compatible
- Bargain Hunters: Fire-sale prices on 8000G stock
Also, Read
- ASUS Confirms AMD Ryzen 7 9700F – First Zen 5 CPU Without Integrated Graphics
- AMD Threadripper 9000X Launches July 31 – 64-Core Beast at $5,000
- Lisuan 7G106 – China’s First 6nm Gaming GPU Plays Black Myth at 4K
Key Unanswered Questions
- Release Timing: When would refreshed 9000G launch?
- Differentiators: Will AMD add higher clocks/new features?
- OEM Adoption: Will prebuilt systems embrace rebranded chips?
- Intel’s Response: Lunar Lake could dominate low-power iGPU niche
Final Note: AMD hasn’t confirmed these rumors. Official details may surface at CES 2026 or earlier. Until then, temper expectations for revolutionary APU gains.
Sources: Chiphell forums, HXL (@9550pro) on X/Twitter, AMD historical APU releases.