AMD Prepares Next-Generation Ryzen 10000 "Olympic Ridge" Processors Featuring Up to 24-Core Zen 6 CPUs

AMD Prepares to Launch Ryzen 10000 "Olympic Ridge" Processors

AMD is reportedly preparing its next-generation Ryzen 10000 series, codenamed "Olympic Ridge," which could feature up to 24-core CPUs built on the anticipated Zen 6 architecture. According to industry sources and recent roadmap leaks, the launch is expected in late 2025 or early 2026, potentially marking the highest core counts yet for an AMD consumer desktop product.

Significant Core Count Increase with Zen 6

The Zen 6 architecture is expected to deliver up to 24 cores per chip, a notable jump from 16 cores offered by the current flagship Ryzen 9 models. Documents first revealed by technology news site Moore’s Law is Dead suggest AMD is aiming to compete directly with Intel’s emerging high-core-count desktop CPUs and address performance demands in content creation and multitasking workloads.

Previous Ryzen generations have steadily increased core counts, but a move to 24 cores would represent an aggressive strategy to capture enthusiasts and professional users. While official specifications have not been released, multiple tech insiders indicate that AMD is leveraging advancements in multi-chip module (MCM) packaging and a refined 3nm or possibly 2nm manufacturing process for Zen 6.

Platform and Compatibility

Industry analysts expect that the Ryzen 10000 series will launch alongside a new AM5+ or AM6 platform, offering updated chipset features and higher bandwidth. Support for DDR6 memory and next-generation PCI Express standards has been mentioned, though AMD has not confirmed details.

Historically, AMD has maintained cross-generation motherboard compatibility, but sources emphasize that power delivery and cooling solutions may require upgrades to handle the increased core counts and potential power consumption of 24-core CPUs.

AMD and Industry Response

AMD has not issued an official statement about the specifications or release window of the "Olympic Ridge" processors. However, a spokesperson reiterated the company’s intent to "lead in core performance and efficiency in future desktop platforms" in an email to CRN earlier this year.

Intel, AMD's primary competitor, is expected to launch Arrow Lake and Panther Lake desktop CPUs within a similar timeframe, intensifying competition in the high-end CPU market. Benchmarking and early engineering samples for both companies are anticipated to leak later this year, providing further insight into real-world performance.

Impact on Desktop Computing

Analysts note that AMD’s push to 24-core desktop CPUs signals a broader trend of integrating workstation-class capabilities into mainstream platforms. "We’re seeing more professional applications and content creators moving to desktop hardware as these core counts rise," said Patrick Moorhead, principal analyst at Moor Insights & Strategy. "This could redefine what users expect from high-end desktop systems over the next several years."