AMD’s next major CPU architecture, AMD Zen 7 Grimlock, is already stirring excitement across the tech world. Following years of innovation from Zen 1 through Zen 6, this generation looks to deliver a massive leap in both performance and efficiency, setting the stage for AMD’s 2028 lineup.
Below, we break down everything known so far about Zen 7 Grimlock, from architecture and manufacturing to performance expectations, laptop APUs, and server-grade designs.
AMD Zen 7 (Grimlock) release timeline and versions
The AMD Zen 7 Grimlock family is expected to roll out through 2028, following AMD’s traditional two-year cadence.
- Server (EPYC – Steamboat): Launch planned for early to mid-2028.
- Laptop & Desktop (Grimlock Point, Halo & Ridge): Arriving by late 2028, with desktop models likely landing first thanks to groundwork laid by Zen 6.
For context, Zen 6 (EPYC Venice) will debut in 2026. That timeline makes a 2028 Zen 7 launch “totally believable,” especially since Zen 6 desktop chips might slip into early 2027.
Before we get to Grimlock, AMD has massive plans for the current platform. If you want to see the architectural leap that sets the stage for Zen 7, including the shift to 2.5D interconnects and 24-core configs, read our full breakdown of the Ryzen 9 10950X3D and Zen 6 “Medusa”.
Architecture and manufacturing details
At the heart of AMD Zen 7 Grimlock lies the Prometheus classic core, a fundamental redesign rather than a simple refresh.
- Process Node: Most Zen 7 variants (EPYC, Laptop, Desktop) use TSMC’s A14 node, with potential A16 or 2 nm nodes for budget models.
- Cache Structure: Each core features 2 MB of L2 and 4 MB of L3 cache.
- AI Acceleration: Built-in FP512 half-A AI acceleration is powerful enough that some questioned whether an NPU would even be necessary.
- Instruction Set: Includes new ISA instructions for quantization format conversions and optimized parallel data preparation with MI accelerators, and delivers 4× improvement in FP8 and 2× improvement in Intake per cycle.
This means Zen 7 is a true architectural upgrade, not just a “Zen 6 Plus.”
Performance expectations (Zen 6 → Zen 7)
Zen 7’s projected uplift is enormous, maybe one of AMD’s biggest generational jumps ever.
| Metric | Uplift (Zen 6 → Zen 7) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| IPC | +15–25% | New cache design adds ~8% IPC alone; SPEC Int 2017 tests show 15–25% gains. |
| Single-Threading | +15–30% | Improved ISA and cache synergy. |
| Multi-Threading | +50–67% | Driven by higher IPC and ~33% more cores. |
Compared to Zen 5
- Up to 50% faster single-threaded and 150%+ faster multi-threaded.
- Potentially doubles single-thread and triples multi-thread performance over Zen 5.
- The overall leap from Zen 4 to Zen 7 rivals the historic Zen 1 → Zen 3 jump.
3D V-Cache (X3D) performance
AMD will continue leveraging 3D V-Cache technology for extra performance headroom.
- Performance Gap: ~20% difference between standard Zen 7 and Zen 7 X3D in non-gaming apps.
- Broader Benefits: Now boosts multi-thread and non-gaming tasks, not just games.
- Manufacturing: V-Cache dies built on TSMC N4P.
- Design Limit: Only a single layer of V-Cache is planned for the foreseeable future (no two-high stack).
Laptop APUs: Grimlock Point & Grimlock Halo
Zen 7’s laptop lineup, codenamed Grimlock Point and Grimlock Halo, introduces huge efficiency and core-count improvements.
Grimlock Halo (Flagship APU)
- Core Config: 8 Zen 7 classic + 12 Zen 7C cores = 20 cores (base).
- Chiplet Expansion: Supports two optional 8-core Silver King CCDs → up to 36 cores.
- Efficiency: Compact design, more cores than Strix Halo (16 cores today).
Grimlock Point (Mainstream)
- Base Config: 4 Zen 7 classic + 8 Zen 7C cores = 12 cores (base).
- Expansion: Adds one 8-core Silver King chiplet → 20 non-LP cores.
- Efficiency Uplift: Up to 2× more efficient than Zen 5 APUs.
- +13–17% performance per core @ 22 W/core.
- +30–36% uplift @ 3 W/core (low power).
- Product Stack: Includes Grimlock 1 – 4 models (only Grimlock 1 supports chiplet add-on).
- Graphics: No confirmed info yet on integrated GPU performance.
Desktop CPU: Grimlock Ridge
The desktop Zen 7 Grimlock Ridge line will continue using the AM5 platform, with a refined I/O die borrowed from Zen 6.
- I/O Die: Likely 6 nm for cost efficiency (4 nm and 3 nm tested but not selected).
- Flagship Chiplet – Silverton:
- Size: 98 mm² (AMD’s largest desktop chiplet yet).
- Process: 1.4 nm.
- Cores: 16 Zen 7 cores.
- Cache: 32 MB L2 + 64 MB L3 on-die.
- V-Cache: Adds 10 MB per core → 160 MB extra L3 = 224 MB L3 per CCD.
- Clock Target: ~7 GHz.
- Max Desktop Config: Two 16-core chiplets → 32 cores / 448 MB L3 cache (with dual V-Cache).
- Budget Chiplet – Silver King: 56 mm² (8 cores, no V-Cache), shared with laptop APUs.
AMD Zen 7 pricing and value
While Zen 7’s cutting-edge silicon will raise prices, performance gains could easily justify the jump.
- Flagship: ~$999+, 32-core variant with 448 MB L3.
- Mid-Range: 16-core V-Cache model (~$699) ≈ 50% faster than Zen 5 at the same price.
- Budget: 8-core Silver King (~$299) expected to outperform 12-core Zen 5 X3D chips in gaming and multithread workloads.
Even if flagships cost ~50% more, the performance-per-dollar could double, making Zen 7 Grimlock a strong value play.
Server: AMD EPYC Steamboat
For datacenters and high-performance computing, AMD’s EPYC Steamboat variant pushes core density to new heights.
- Up to 264 cores (8 × 33-core chiplets).
- Cache: 7–8 MB L3 per core.
- Total L3: 1.8–2.1 GB thanks to a dedicated L3 die chiplet (not V-Cache).
This configuration is designed for AI, cloud, and data-intensive applications where parallelism is most critical.
Key Takeaway: Two massive generations in a row
AMD Zen 6 and Zen 7 form a one-two punch similar to Zen 2 and Zen 3.
- Zen 6 lays the groundwork for new core designs and higher core counts.
- Zen 7 Grimlock builds on that foundation with fundamental architectural improvements, AI acceleration, and unprecedented scalability.
Together, they represent AMD’s most ambitious CPU evolution yet, a clear statement of intent for the AI-driven era of computing.
If AMD maintains its momentum, the AMD Zen 7 Grimlock series could define the next decade of CPU performance. From 7 GHz desktop chips to 264-core servers and ultra-efficient laptop APUs, AMD’s engineering ambitions are on full display.
