Just a few months after the AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D graced us with its presence, the Ryzen 9 9950X3D introduces its 3D V-Cache technology to a 16-core, 32-thread gaming processor. This powerhouse is designed to keep pace with high-end graphics cards like the Nvidia RTX 5090 or future equivalents, offering unparalleled performance for those who demand the best. However, with a steep $699 price tag and a 170W power budget, this processor is best suited for enthusiasts building top-tier gaming PCs. For most users, the more budget-friendly Ryzen 7 9800X3D remains a smarter choice.

Purchasing Guide

The AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D will be available starting March 12, with a suggested retail price of $699. Keep in mind that AMD's processor prices can vary based on market demand.

AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D – Photos

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Specs and Features

The AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D enhances the Zen 5 cores of the regular 9950X with the second-generation 3D V-Cache technology, similar to that found in the Ryzen 7 9800X3D. This combination ensures robust multi-core performance and enhanced gaming capabilities due to a significantly larger cache.

A notable design change from its predecessor, the Ryzen 9 7950X3D, is the placement of the 3D V-Cache beneath the CPU cores instead of above them. This adjustment not only improves thermal performance by allowing heat to dissipate more efficiently through the Integrated Heat Spreader (IHS) but also reduces data latency due to shorter travel distances. The 9950X3D boasts a whopping 144MB of combined L2 and L3 cache, matching the previous model and dwarfing non-X3D processors.

Both the Ryzen 9 9950X and 9950X3D share a 170W TDP, though the original 9950X can reach a higher peak power threshold. In testing, both processors hit a peak power consumption of 200W, but the 9950X3D maintained cooler temperatures, peaking at 79°C on a different cooler.

The 9950X3D is compatible with any AM5 AMD motherboard, with AMD committing to support this socket until at least 2027, ensuring long-term platform viability.

AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D – Benchmarks

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Performance

All CPUs were tested on a consistent hardware setup, with the exception of the Ryzen 9 9950X, which was tested on an Asus ROG Crosshair X670E Hero motherboard with a Corsair H170i 360mm AIO cooler. While this variation may influence 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

The switch to the 9950X was necessitated by a broken mounting screw on the original cooler, and retesting is planned to verify results.

The Ryzen 9 9950X3D, with its 16 cores, 32 threads, and 144MB of cache, delivers exceptional performance across the board. It excels not only in gaming but also in creative workloads where the Ryzen 7 9800X3D typically lags behind.

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

In single-core performance, the 9950X3D shows a 10% improvement over the 9800X3D in Cinebench 1T, scoring 2,254 points compared to 2,033. It also performs competitively in the 3DMark CPU Profile, scoring 1,280 points, close to the Intel Core Ultra 9 285K's 1,351.

For multi-threaded tasks, the 9950X3D scores 40,747 points in Cinebench's multi-core test, slightly trailing the 9950X and Intel Core Ultra 9 285K but offering superior gaming performance. In Total War: Warhammer 3 at 1080p with Ultra settings, it achieves 274 fps, outpacing the 9800X3D and Core Ultra 9 285K. However, in Cyberpunk 2077 at 1080p with the Ultra preset and ray tracing disabled, it delivers 229 fps, slightly below the 9800X3D's 240 fps but still ahead of the Intel counterpart.

Overkill?

While the AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D stands as the pinnacle of gaming processors, its advantages may not justify the cost for every user. The Ryzen 7 9800X3D, priced at $479, offers a compelling alternative for gamers not needing the extra cores for creative applications. The 9950X3D's 15% performance boost in apps like Photoshop and Premiere makes it an attractive option for those with dual-purpose builds. However, for pure gaming setups, investing the savings into a better graphics card might be the wiser financial decision.