Zen 6 & Medusa Point: AMD’s Next Step
AMD is moving forward aggressively. According to leaks, its Zen 6 desktop CPUs may feature up to 24 cores per chip, likely using a new CCD (Core Compute Die) design. This is a shift from Zen 5, which in many gaming desktop SKUs uses 8-core or 12-core CCDs. Assuming two CCDs in a top SKU, 24 cores means much more multi-threaded headroom for creators and power users.
Further, there’s talk of two notebook-focused Ryzen CPU lines:
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Gorgon Point (premium Zen 5, 2026) to replace Strix Point/Krackan Point lines.
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Medusa Point / Medusa Baby (Zen 6) in 2027, bringing 3nm-class node, more cores, and integrated NPUs (for AI/ML tasks) into more laptops.
Socket & Compatibility
Good news for users: leaks suggest Zen 6 will continue using AM5 socket compatibility for desktop Ryzen CPU lines. That means many current boards—especially mid- to high-end X870/B850/E series—should support them (via BIOS updates). Of course, premium/motherboard VRMs, power phases, and cooling will make a difference in how well you’ll exploit these new chips.
Performance & Cache Leaks
Some rumours indicate upgraded L3 cache per CCD. The current ratio (in many chips) is ~4MB L3 per core; Zen 6 may push that further or adjust cache hierarchies. For gaming, 3D V-Cache variants are expected again, possibly with stacked cache on certain Zen 6 models. Early reports suggest clock speeds, node improvements, and IPC gains will combine for a ~25-30% uplift in mixed workload performance. Gaming gains may be less dramatic if GPU becomes the bottleneck, but creators stand to see good improvements.
Nova Lake & Intel’s Countermove
Intel is responding. Nova Lake is confirmed for late 2026, per recent Intel statements. The Arrow Lake refresh earlier in 2026 likely bridges the gap, but Nova Lake is intended as the more generational leap: larger core counts, possibly improved NPU / integrated AI features, and likely built on Intel’s 18A node (or equivalent).
Potential catches:
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Socket change is rumoured; if true, users will need new motherboards.
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Thermals and power will matter heavily — as core counts and cache expand, delivering high boost frequencies sustainably becomes harder.
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Pricing will be critical. If Nova Lake comes in too premium, AMD’s Zen 6 + AM5 continuity may prove more attractive.
Pricing Trends & Market Movements
Several GPU price movements show the market is softening:
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NVIDIA has adjusted RTX 40-series MSRPs downward in the UK, along with RTX 50 series prices.
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These changes reflect currency shifts, inventory balancing, and competitive pressure (AMD offerings, new leaks, etc.). For PC builders, this means better value in GPUs now, especially if waiting a few months.
What This Means for Builders & Buyers
Putting it all together:
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If you’re planning to build a high-end PC, waiting for Zen 6 or Nova Lake might make sense, especially if they bring significantly more cores, cache, and AI/NPU features.
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Mid-range users can upgrade now if you have a good board, but ensure your cooling & PSU can handle future loads.
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GPU buyers may find better deals in the current window, given price drops in UK and European markets.
Risks & Uncertainties
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Rumours are strong, but leaks can be overstated. Some specs may change.
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Yield on new nodes (especially 2nm / 3nm / 18A) is unpredictable. Delays are very possible.
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The usual trade-offs between power, thermals, and sustained boost will apply. A chip with high core count doesn’t guarantee better performance if power or cooling limits it.
Conclusion
2026-2027 look like pivotal years in CPU history. AMD’s Zen 6 roadmap (Medusa / Gorgon points) and Intel’s Nova Lake both promise jaws. If AMD holds socket compatibility and delivers solid IPC + cache improvements, it could maintain its edge. Intel, with Nova Lake and refreshed manufacturing, has a chance to narrow gaps, especially in productivity and AI tasks. For PC enthusiasts, this period may deliver choices we haven’t seen in years.
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