Just a few months after the AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D was introduced, the AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D arrives with its cutting-edge 3D V-Cache technology, now applied to a formidable 16-core, 32-thread gaming processor. This powerhouse is designed to match the performance of high-end graphics cards like the Nvidia RTX 5090 or future models, offering an unparalleled gaming experience. However, with a steep price tag of $699 and a 170W power budget, this processor is best suited for those constructing top-tier, high-cost gaming rigs. For most users, the more budget-friendly Ryzen 7 9800X3D remains a more practical choice.
Purchasing Guide
The AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D becomes available on March 12, with a starting price of $699. Keep in mind that AMD's pricing can vary based on market demand.
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D – Photos
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Specs and Features
The AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D leverages the same Zen 5 cores as the standard 9950X but enhances them with the new 2nd-generation 3D V-Cache technology, similar to that in the Ryzen 7 9800X3D. This results in superior multi-core performance alongside enhanced gaming capabilities due to an expanded cache.
A notable change from its predecessor, the Ryzen 9 7950X3D, is the placement of the 3D V-Cache beneath the CPU cores, rather than above them. This design tweak significantly improves thermal management. Positioning the Core Complex Die (CCD) closer to the Integrated Heat Spreader (IHS) enhances heat dissipation, allowing the processor to run at higher speeds for longer periods. Moreover, the cache's location under the cores reduces data travel distance, lowering latency. With a total of 144MB of combined L2 and L3 cache, the 9950X3D matches its predecessor and surpasses non-X3D processors in cache capacity.
Despite sharing a 170W TDP with the Ryzen 9 9950X, the 9950X3D's power consumption peaks at 200W in testing, though it maintains lower peak temperatures of 79°C, thanks to different cooling solutions.
Fortunately, the 9950X3D is compatible with any AM5 AMD motherboard, and with AMD's commitment to support this socket until at least 2027, users can build with confidence without worrying about platform obsolescence.
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D – Benchmarks
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Performance
All CPUs were tested on similar hardware, with the exception of the Ryzen 9 9950X, which used a different cooler due to a mounting issue. While this might slightly affect results, the impact is minimal as all tests were conducted at stock settings.
AMD Test Bench
- GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090
- Motherboard: Asus ROG Crosshair X670E Hero; Asus ROG Crosshair X870E Hero (9800X3D)
- RAM: 32GB G.Skill Trident Z5 Neo @ 6,000MHz
- SSD: 1TB PNY CS3140 Gen4x4 NVMe SSD
- CPU Cooler: Asus ROG Ryujin III 360 ARGB Extreme
Intel Test Bench
- GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090
- Motherboard: Asus ROG Maximus Z890 Hero (200S); Asus Prime Z790-A (14th-Gen)
- RAM: 32GB Corsair Vengeance DDR5 @ 6,000MHz
- SSD: PNY CS3140 1TB Gen 4 x 4 NVMe SSD
- CPU Cooler: Asus ROG Ryujin III 360 ARGB Extreme
The Ryzen 9 9950X3D demonstrates impressive performance, particularly in gaming. In single-core workloads, it outperforms the 9800X3D by 10% in Cinebench 1T, scoring 2,254 points compared to 2,033. In the 3DMark CPU Profile, it scores 1,280 points, closely trailing the Intel Core Ultra 9 285K's 1,351 points.
In multi-threaded tasks, the 9950X3D achieves 40,747 points in Cinebench, slightly behind the 9950X and Intel Core Ultra 9 285K but offering superior gaming performance. In Total War: Warhammer 3 at 1080p on Ultra settings, it delivers 274 fps with an RTX 4090, outpacing the 9800X3D and Core Ultra 9 285K. However, in Cyberpunk 2077 at 1080p with Ultra settings and ray tracing disabled, it scores 229 fps, falling short of the 9800X3D's 240 fps but still significantly ahead of Intel's 165 fps.
Overkill?
While the AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D is the most potent gaming processor currently available, it's not universally necessary. For many, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D at $479 offers excellent performance at a more accessible price point. The 9950X3D is ideal for users who require both high-end gaming and demanding creative applications, offering a 15% performance boost over the 9800X3D in tools like Photoshop and Premiere. For purely gaming-focused builds, however, the savings from choosing the 9800X3D could be better spent on upgrading to a superior graphics card.
