AMD’s latest Ryzen 7 9700X and Ryzen 5 9600X “Harmony 5” processors have faced a challenging start in the market, struggling to gain traction among PC builders. During their first week on the shelves at Germany’s largest retailer, Mindfactory, only 50 units were sold—30 units of the Ryzen 7 9700X and 20 units of the Ryzen 5 9600X. This sluggish performance contrasts sharply with expectations, especially given AMD’s strong reputation in the processor market.
These Harmony 5 chips, launched just last week, were met with a mix of reviews. While some highlighted their potential as solid additions to the AM5 lineup, consumer interest appears muted. The presence of substantial discounts on current-gen AMD and Intel processors, notably the Ryzen 7 7800X3D, has led many to postpone purchasing these new chips.
Sales data compiled by TechEpiphany shows that despite the slow start of the Harmony 5 processors, AMD remains dominant at Mindfactory, selling a total of 2,855 units last week, compared to just 430 units sold by Intel. The Ryzen 7 7800X3D was the best performer, moving 950 units, which dwarfs the combined sales of the new Ryzen 9000 series chips.
In the Asian markets, however, the response has been somewhat more favorable. Retailers in Japan, as reported by GDM, quickly sold out of their initial stock of Ryzen 7 9700X and Ryzen 5 9600X processors, though the excitement typically associated with AMD launches was noticeably subdued. Enthusiasts and retailers alike are anticipating the arrival of the high-end Ryzen 9 9950X and 9900X, expected to generate more buzz.
GDM’s report also mentions that the limited availability of these processors could be linked to a recent recall related to last-minute quality checks. Retailers received a smaller-than-usual initial stock, which might have impacted sales figures. However, restocking is expected soon, which could potentially boost sales.
As AMD prepares for the broader rollout of the Ryzen 9000 series, including the anticipated Ryzen 9000X3D models, the industry is watching closely. These upcoming releases are expected to build on the success of the 5800X3D and 7800X3D, which continue to perform strongly in global markets. For now, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D remains a top seller, outpacing its newer siblings in both performance and consumer preference.
The next few months will be crucial for AMD as it seeks to solidify the position of its Ryzen 9000 series in a highly competitive market. The early challenges faced by the Ryzen 7 9700X and Ryzen 5 9600X could be a temporary setback, with improved supply and consumer awareness potentially driving stronger sales.
By Andrej Kovacevic
Updated on 15th August 2024