# Zen 4

Architecture: AMD

Also called zen 4, zen4, raphael

AMD, Architecture

AMD Ryzen 7000-era CPU architecture. Desktop parts use socket AM5 and DDR5 memory.

## What you need to know

Zen 4 is the Ryzen 7000 desktop architecture.

Desktop Zen 4 chips sit on AM5 and use DDR5. They are not drop-in parts for AM4 boards. Later Zen 5 parts stayed on AM5 with a BIOS check.

- **Socket?**: AM5 on desktop

  **DDR4?**: Desktop AM5 is DDR5

  **Still current?**: Later Zen generations exist. Zen 4 is still capable

Feex says

If you are coming from AM4, you are buying a board and memory too. The chip name is not the whole bill.

## What Zen 4 is

Zen 4 is AMD's CPU architecture used in Ryzen 7000 desktop parts and related mobile SKUs. Desktop Raphael chips use socket AM5.

## What it means on a PC

You need an AM5 board and DDR5. The chip can include graphics on non-F parts. Gaming still follows the GPU more often than the architecture name.

## Upgrade notes

AM4 to AM5 is a platform change. AM5 to a later Zen chip on the same board is a BIOS and list check.

- New board and DDR5 from AM4
- BIOS update for later AM5 chips
- Check the cooler AM5 kit

## Related

These entities connect to this article. Type is shown on every link.

[AM5: Socket](https://feex.it/wiki/hardware/system/am5)[Intel Core i7-12700KF: Desktop CPU](https://feex.it/wiki/hardware/cpu/intel-core-i7-12700kf)

## Sources and verification

Reviewed by Feex editorial. Last verified August 2026 Status: Feex Reviewed. [How we research](https://feex.it/wiki/research).

- [AMD: Ryzen 7000 ](https://www.amd.com/en/products/processors/desktops/ryzen.html)· AMD product documentation

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Quick facts

The short identity of this page. Specs, sources, and the full story stay in the article.

- **Vendor**: AMD

  **Desktop socket**: [AM5](https://feex.it/wiki/hardware/system/am5)

  **Memory**: DDR5 on desktop AM5

  **Launch**: 2022

Feex Reviewed: Last verified August 2026

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Source: [Canonical Feex Wiki page](https://feex.it/wiki/hardware/system/zen-4/)

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