AMD appears to be preparing a new addition to its Ryzen 9000 series lineup that could offer high-end performance at a more accessible price point. Recent BIOS updates and firmware discoveries suggest the company is readying the Ryzen 7 9700F, a graphics-disabled variant of the existing 9700X processor.
BIOS Updates Reveal Upcoming CPU Support
The speculation began when MSI released a BIOS update mentioning support for an unspecified future CPU. This discovery was followed by similar findings in an Asus BIOS update featuring AGESA microcode version 1.2.0.3e, which allegedly includes upcoming CPU compatibility. Tech enthusiasts and leakers quickly connected these dots, with prominent figures in the hardware community suggesting the mysterious processor is likely the Ryzen 7 9700F.
F-Series Designation Means No Integrated Graphics
The F designation in AMD's naming scheme indicates a processor with disabled integrated graphics, similar to Intel's approach with its own F-series chips. This design choice allows AMD to repurpose chips where the CPU portion functions perfectly but the integrated graphics may be defective, improving manufacturing yields while reducing waste. For consumers, this translates to lower prices since they're not paying for graphics capabilities they might not use.
Expected Specifications and Performance
The Ryzen 7 9700F would essentially mirror the specifications of the Ryzen 7 9700X, featuring eight Zen 5 CPU cores and 32MB of L3 cache, but without the integrated RDNA 2 graphics found in standard Ryzen 7000 and 9000 series processors. This configuration would make it the highest-end F-series processor AMD has ever released, surpassing previous offerings like the Ryzen 5 7500F and Ryzen 7 8700F.
AMD F-Series Processors Comparison
| Processor | Architecture | Cores | L3 Cache | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ryzen 5 7400F | Zen 4 | 6 | 32MB | Chiplet |
| Ryzen 5 7500F | Zen 4 | 6 | 32MB | Chiplet |
| Ryzen 5 8400F | Zen 4 | 6 | 16MB | Monolithic |
| Ryzen 7 8700F | Zen 4 | 8 | 16MB | Monolithic |
| Ryzen 7 9700F | Zen 5 | 8 | 32MB | Chiplet |
Pricing Strategy Targets Budget-Conscious Builders
Industry observers expect the 9700F to launch below the USD $300 price point, making it particularly attractive given that the 9700X currently sells for around USD $304. This pricing strategy positions the processor as an ideal middle-ground option for users who want more cores than the Ryzen 5 series offers but don't want to invest in the premium X3D variants. The chip would be perfect for builders using dedicated graphics cards who have no need for integrated graphics capabilities.
Expected Ryzen 7 9700F Specifications
- CPU Cores: 8 Zen 5 cores
- L3 Cache: 32MB
- Integrated Graphics: Disabled
- Expected Price: Under USD $300
- Comparison Model: Ryzen 7 9700X (USD $304)
- Target Market: Budget-conscious builders using discrete GPUs
Security Improvements Included
Beyond new CPU support, the AGESA 1.2.0.3e firmware update also addresses important security concerns. The update fixes vulnerabilities related to Pluton TPM and AMD's built-in fTPM that could potentially allow attackers to disrupt TPM functionality or access sensitive data stored within the trusted platform module.
Market Positioning and Availability
With BIOS support already appearing in manufacturer updates, the Ryzen 7 9700F could launch within the coming weeks or months. This timing would strengthen AMD's competitive position in the mid-range processor market, offering users a cost-effective path to high-performance computing without unnecessary integrated graphics they won't utilize when paired with discrete GPUs.