This “new” AMD processor is actually old and could fool thousands of buyers this Black Friday
As Black Friday 2025 kicks off, AMD’s latest “Ryzen 100” laptops may not be what they seem — here’s the truth behind the rebranded processors everyone’s talking about.
AMD’s “New” Processors That Aren’t Really New
The Black Friday sales are in full swing, but before you grab that “Ryzen-powered” deal, there’s something you should know. In October, AMD quietly launched nine new CPUs, labeled Athlon 10, Ryzen 10, and Ryzen 100. The names sound fresh, but these chips are old processors disguised as new releases — some dating back to 2022.
Learn more about the Ryzen 9 9850X3D and 9950X3D2 leaks!
The Great Rebrand: Zen 3 Chips in New Clothes
Here’s the trick. AMD took 2022’s Mendocino chips (built on Zen 2) and renamed them under the “Ryzen 10” line — entry-level CPUs like the Ryzen 3 30 or Ryzen 5 40 with basic Radeon 610M graphics.
The most misleading part is the Ryzen 100 range, actually based on older Zen 3+ (Rembrandt) architecture. The Ryzen 7 160, for instance, is practically the same as the Ryzen 6800U from early 2022, already renamed once as the Ryzen 7 7735U. So that’s three names for one chip, with only a tiny power bump and a 50 MHz boost.
AMD again reshuffles mobile lineup with Ryzen 10 (Zen2) and Ryzen 100 (Zen3+) series rebrands https://t.co/PNH5q3qoWg
— VideoCardz.com (@VideoCardz) October 27, 2025
Why AMD Is Doing This?
This isn’t an accident — it’s strategy. AMD likely wants to clear old 6nm stock before moving to next-gen chips. But it’s also a marketing move: Intel’s new “Core 100” naming launched in 2023, so AMD’s “Ryzen 100” makes consumers feel they’re buying something just as new.
That illusion helps PC brands push discounted laptops that look like next-gen bargains — but in reality, they’re powered by 2022 hardware. These laptops often skip newer features like PCIe 4.0 or USB4. But also comes after the recent confirmation of end of support for gaming optimization drivers on RDNA 1, and specifically RDNA 2 . Which these lower SKUs use RDNA 2 as the graphic architecture for their integrated GPU.
How to Avoid Getting Tricked
To make sure you’re not fooled:
- Ignore the product name. “Ryzen 100” sounds new, but “Ryzen 7000” is actually newer.
- Check the architecture. Only Zen 4 or Zen 5 processors are truly modern.
- Research before buying. A quick search for your CPU model reveals its release year and specs.
Final Thoughts
AMD’s naming shuffle might make business sense, but it muddies the waters for everyday buyers. If you’re planning to upgrade this Black Friday, make sure you know what’s inside your laptop before you buy.
Do you think AMD is being clever — or misleading? What’s also your opinion on the recent confirmation of the end of game driver optimization for RDNA 1 and 2? Share your opinion in the comments below.
A video game enthusiast ever since I first got my hands on a Game Boy. Over the years, I've played many different games across various genres, discovering hidden gems and niche titles along the way. I'm also passionate about technology, always up-to-date with the latest news and insight in the PC and Console market. Ready to share and bring you the latest news !
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