CPUs take the spotlight this week: AMD launches a budget gaming chip right as Intel raises prices on its Core Ultra lineup. Here are the three stories that matter most if you’re building or upgrading a PC.

AMD launches the Ryzen 7 7700X3D at $329 today

AMD puts the Ryzen 7 7700X3D on sale today, July 16 — an 8-core, 16-thread Zen 4 chip with boost clocks up to 4.5 GHz and 104MB of total cache, priced at $329. Multiple outlets (VideoCardz, Tom’s Hardware, Engadget, OC3D) agree on the price and the goal: an affordable X3D gaming chip right as RAM and GPU prices keep climbing. The launch follows the return of the Ryzen 7 5800X3D at $349 for gamers still on AM4.

What it means for your next purchase: if you want the gaming boost that 3D V-Cache delivers without paying Ryzen 9 money, the 7700X3D is now the cheapest way into that tech on AM5. Before you decide, compare it against the rest of the lineup in our CPU by budget guide.

AMD confirms Zen 6 for July 22, but desktop Ryzen waits until 2027

AMD’s CTO, Mark Papermaster, confirmed that the Zen 6 architecture debuts July 22-23 at the company’s Advancing AI event — but the first product is the EPYC “Venice” server chip (up to 256 cores, built on TSMC’s 2nm node), not a consumer Ryzen. Multiple outlets (VideoCardz, Guru3d, HotHardware, Club386) report that, following the same server-first cadence as Zen 5, desktop Ryzen chips built on Zen 6 aren’t expected until roughly CES 2027.

What it means for your next purchase: if you were holding out for Zen 6 on your next build, the wait is several months longer — not a reason to delay a purchase you need now. Current AM5 Ryzen chips (including the new 7700X3D) remain the option that’s actually available, and the platform has confirmed support through 2029. Check our Intel vs AMD CPU comparison to decide with today’s lineup.

Intel raises Core Ultra 200S Plus prices by up to 17%

Intel quietly changed the recommended pricing for its Core Ultra 200S Plus processors on July 2 with no announcement, then confirmed the move to media on July 6. The Core Ultra 7 270K Plus went from $289-299 to $339-349 (about 17% higher), and the Core Ultra 5 250K Plus climbed from $189-199 to $219-229 (about 15% higher). Multiple outlets (Tom’s Hardware, VideoCardz, TechTimes, BGR) cite Intel pointing to higher supply-chain costs and strong demand.

What it means for your next purchase: these two chips were positioned as the best value in the Arrow Lake lineup, and the hike narrows their edge over AMD alternatives in the same price range. If you had one of these Intel chips on your list, it’s worth checking whether the rest of the lineup (unchanged so far) is now the better deal. Our motherboard buying guide helps you lock in a platform before picking a CPU.

Sources

• VideoCardz — “AMD Ryzen 7 7700X3D launches July 16 for $329”
• Tom’s Hardware — “AMD brings back Ryzen 7 5800X3D, launches Ryzen 7 7700X3D to combat rising component prices”
• Engadget — “AMD unveils the $329 Ryzen 7 7700X3D, brings back the 5800X3D for $349”
• OC3D — “AMD unveils its Ryzen 7 7700X3D - Launches July 16th”
• VideoCardz — “AMD confirms Zen 6 launches in less than two weeks, starting with EPYC Venice”
• Guru3d — “AMD Confirms Zen 6 Processor Debut at Advancing AI 2026 Later This Month”
• HotHardware — “AMD’s Zen 6 Party Kicks Off This Month With EPYC Venice CPUs”
• Tom’s Hardware — “Intel hikes pricing for its flagship desktop PC chips by up to $50”
• VideoCardz — “Intel confirms Core Ultra 7 270k and Ultra 5 250K price hike”
• TechTimes — “Intel Core Ultra Price Hike Reaches 17 Percent as Arrow Lake Refresh Loses Its Edge”

Note: Intel’s price increase was announced in early July but is included here because it’s still in effect and directly affects any current Core Ultra 200S Plus purchase.