Despite promising a September 2019 release, AMD revealed today that it is pushing back the launch of its Ryzen 9 3950X CPU to November.
Official statement
We are focusing on meeting the strong demand for our 3rd generation AMD Ryzen processors in the market and now plan to launch both the AMD Ryzen 9 3950X and initial members of the 3rd Gen AMD Ryzen Threadripper processor family in volume this November. We are confident that when enthusiasts get their hands on the world’s first 16-core mainstream desktop processor and our next-generation of high-end desktop processors, the wait will be well worth it.
The microprocessor giant cites what appears to be a backlog of orders for existing chips, specifically the highly sought after third-gen Ryzen CPUs, as the reason behind the delay.
Ryzen 9 3950X Release
Demand for top-tier AMD chips is unprecedented with specific models such as the Ryzen 9 3900X becoming almost the stuff of folklore given how difficult it is to find them. Sources speculate that AMD is struggling with shortages of its 7nm chips due to the inherent difficulty within the manufacturing process.
Reports that surfaced earlier this week indicated that TSMC, the forgery responsible for supplying 7nm tech for AMD processors, was struggling to meet demand. They advised clients that it was extending production lead times from two to six months as a cautionary measure.
What Do We Know?
Whether AMD’s announcement is linked is uncertain. But, the timing suggests TSMC’s struggles may be a factor in pushing the release of the Ryzen 9 3950X back to November. You can find out exactly where to purchase the 3950X right here.
Other theories point towards the backlash weathered from consumers who decried the Ryzen 3000 chips not hitting the advertised boost speeds. These suggest AMD is pushing a delay to ensure the same issues don’t affect the Ryzen 3950X.
Fortunately, AMD didn’t leave us high and dry, announcing in tandem that its third-gen Threadripper CPUs would launch in November. It’s the first we’ve heard of a firm release date and goes some way to alleviating the disappointment associated with the Ryzen 3950X.