AMD’s Ryzen 7000 series processors with Zen 4 cores come with an I/O die and has up to two CPU core dies under an integrated heat spreader (IHS). Only Ryzen 9 models require a second CCD chipset in order to give their higher core counts, but a TechTuber has confirmed a Ryzen 5 7600X CPU, which has one CCD chipset, and it has been shipped with dual CCDs under the IHS. 

AMD followed the same production methodology, which has been designed to “maximize its production resources,” with the previous generation. Some users found Ryzen 7 5800X, as well as Ryzen 5 5600X CPUs, rocking two CCDs, but just one out of them was used and was necessary. 

The approach is not a secret, or new. AMD was transparent about this aspect of its production strategy when a channel’s deputy managing editor asked about it last year. 

A a reply to a question about dual CCDs in the lower-tier Ryzen 5000 processors, AMD said that it uses this strategy to increase production and also minimize waste. An example states: processors having one disabled CCD can be produced to spec as a Ryzen 7 5800X or Ryzen 5 5600X on the rest of the CCD, AMD said. It also added that not many units need to take this route, but it ensures that customers have every chance to purchase a high-performance Ryzen processor. AMD clearly continues to use the same production methodology with its newer CPUs.  

Tech-savvy PC DIYers and enthusiasts might have some concerns that a processor having one disabled CCD, and one active, might show weak performance than one manufactured with a single CCD. To this question, AMD asserted that the disabled CCD is permanently fused off at the factory and consists of no effect on the active die. Thus, there will be no latency penalty with the dual-CCD processors when one CCD is fused. Unfortunately, this response also closed the door on any user-hack aspirations related to re-activating the surplus die.