AMD Zen processor release date, specs latest news: New Horizon event to preview Zen-based CPU ahead of launch

Adanced Micro Devices (AMD's) New Horizon preview event is happening this week and it is expected to feature an exclusive advanced preview of a 16-core, 32-thread variant of the upcoming Naples chip.

Naples is AMD's next generation high-end enterprise chip based on the company's upcoming computer processor microarchitecture called Zen. The multinational semiconductor company has previously held a public demonstration of the 32-core 64-thread server processor, the largest in x86 central processing unit (CPU) history, at a special mini-conference during this year's Intel Developer Forum (IDF).

Based on the photos recently leaked online, the 16-core Naples variant will feature a more compact configuration than the 32-core and will be equipped with two Zen SoCs, two Radeon Pro graphics accelerators, and the standard cooling solution consisting of four fans and two low-profile, high-density aluminum fin heatsinks that are directly cooling the SoCs.

The Zen-based processors will reportedly be built on a 14nm FinFET manufacturing process, which should provide increased power efficiency along with a 40% boost in performance. They will also be equipped with Simultaneous Multi-Threading (SMT) to make video rendering faster and high-intensive gaming more immersive.

According to the public invite posted on the AMD website, the Zen-based CPU that will be presented in New Horizon will officially be launched in the first quarter of 2017. The event will give the public a chance to try the Naples chip's capabilities ahead of its release, and will also feature the premiere eSports professional gaming team, Evil Genuises, as they put the Zen microarchitecture to the test. Other surprise appearances and some nifty giveaways can be expected to make this event one that serious gamers should not miss.

The New Horizon event happens on Tuesday, Dec. 13 at 4 p.m. EST and will be hosted by video game journalist and well-known television presenter, Geoff Keighley. A live stream will be available on the AMD website.