According to the latest rumor, AMD will only produce 8-core CPUs based on Zen CPU architecture, while quad-core CPUs could come at a later date.

According to a fresh rumor from Bitsandchips.it, AMD will only use an 8-core CPU die for its upcoming Summit Ridge CPU lineup, while mainstream and entry-level market will be covered by Bristol Ridge APUs, based on Excavator CPU architecture.

While this does not mean that we won't see Zen-based quad-core CPUs from AMD, it appears that those will come at a later date. AMD could also use the 8-core Zen with four disabled cores and launch it as a quad-core SKU.

Both the Bristol Rigdge APUs and the Zen-based Summit Ridge CPUs will be compatible with AMD's upcoming AM4 socket and with SMT (Simultaneous MultiThreading) enabled and DDR4 support, Summit Ridge CPUs will bring significant performance improvements.

Earlier report suggested that AMD could launch its first Zen-based CPUs in late 2016, or sometime in October.



Source: Bitsandchips.it.