AMD extends AM5 support to 2029 and relaunches legacy chips at Computex 2026
The company’s announcement signals a strategy to retain existing users through extended platform longevity and targeted price reductions on older silicon.
At Computex 2026 in Taiwan, Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) announced it will support the AM5 desktop motherboard socket with new Ryzen processors through 2029. The commitment allows users to upgrade central processing units without replacing motherboards until the end of the decade. This move positions AMD against a broader industry trend of rising hardware costs, offering a pathway for desktop PC gamers to extend the lifecycle of their current systems.
Alongside the platform longevity pledge, AMD is introducing the Ryzen 7 7700X3D for the AM5 socket at a price of US$330. The processor is widely expected to be a binned version of the existing Ryzen 7 7800X3D, which launched in 2023 and retails between US$380 and US$450, though it has occasionally been available for as low as US$320. On paper, the new 7700X3D offers performance only slightly below the 7800X3D, providing a lower-cost entry point for users transitioning to or upgrading within the AM5 ecosystem.
For owners of the legacy AM4 platform, AMD is marking the 10th anniversary of the socket with a relaunch of the Ryzen 7 5800X3D. Marketed as a 10th Anniversary edition, this processor is priced at US$349 and will be available from June 25, 2026. The release serves as a final major upgrade option for AM4 users, capitalising on the enduring performance capabilities of the older architecture despite the arrival of newer 9000-series successors in late 2024.
In the graphics processing unit segment, AMD is expanding the availability of the Radeon RX 9070 GRE to global markets, including the United States, starting June 1, 2026. Previously exclusive to China, the card is priced at US$549. While positioned as a more affordable alternative to the standard RX 9070, the GRE variant trails the Nvidia RTX 5070 in performance metrics. The pricing strategy aims to address previous availability issues, as the standard RX 9070 settled closer to US$599 or US$620 following an initial launch period affected by supply constraints.
The announcements reflect a calculated effort to stabilise consumer spending in a market where gaming hardware costs have escalated. By extending the AM5 lifecycle and offering competitive pricing on refined versions of existing silicon, AMD is targeting users who prioritise value and upgradeability over immediate adoption of the latest generation components.
