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 overkill for most users, yet it's perfectly poised to pair with high-end graphics cards like the Nvidia RTX 5090 or future models.
However, with a hefty $699 price tag and a 170W power budget, the Ryzen 9 9950X3D is a challenging recommendation for anyone not building a top-tier, expensive gaming PC. For most gamers, the more cost-effective 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, the price may 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 2nd-generation 3D V-Cache technology from the Ryzen 7 9800X3D. This combination delivers exceptional multi-core performance alongside superior gaming capabilities, thanks to an expansive cache.
A key design change from the Ryzen 9 7950X3D is the placement of the 3D V-Cache beneath the CPU cores, rather than above. This seemingly minor adjustment significantly improves thermal performance. By situating the Core Complex Die (CCD) closer to the Integrated Heat Spreader (IHS), heat dissipation is enhanced, allowing the 9950X3D to maintain higher performance levels for longer periods.
The cache's new position also reduces data travel distance, lowering latency. The 9950X3D boasts a massive 144MB of combined L2 and L3 cache, matching the previous generation's Ryzen 9 7950X3D and far exceeding that of non-X3D processors.
Both the Ryzen 9 9950X and 9950X3D share a 170W TDP, though the former has a higher potential PPT. Testing revealed both models peaked at 200W, but the 9950X3D maintained a cooler peak temperature of 79°C, thanks to different cooling setups.
The 9950X3D's compatibility with existing AM5 AMD motherboards is a significant advantage, as AMD plans to support this socket through at least 2027, ensuring longevity for your investment.
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D – Benchmarks
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Performance
All CPUs were tested on identical hardware setups, with the exception of the Ryzen 9 9950X, which used an Asus ROG Crosshair X670E Hero motherboard and a Corsair H170i 360mm AIO cooler. This variation may impact performance, though minimal 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
A note on the test setup: a mounting screw issue with the cooler used for the 9950X led to a different setup. I will retest and update if significant differences arise.
The Ryzen 9 9950X3D, with its 16 cores, 32 threads, and 144MB cache, showcases formidable performance. It excels in creative benchmarks where the 9800X3D lagged, keeping pace with the industry's top chips.
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 workloads, the 9950X3D outperforms the 9800X3D by 10%, scoring 2,254 points in Cinebench 1T compared to 2,033. In 3DMark CPU Profile, it scores 1,280 points, closely trailing the Intel Core Ultra 9 285K's 1,351.
In multi-threaded workloads, the 9950X3D achieves 40,747 points in Cinebench's multi-core test, slightly behind the 9950X's 41,123 and the Intel Core Ultra 9 285K's 42,245, yet it prioritizes gaming performance.
Gaming benchmarks reveal the 9950X3D's prowess: in Total War: Warhammer 3 at 1080p on Ultra settings, it achieves 274 fps with an RTX 4090, surpassing the 9800X3D's 254 fps and the Core Ultra 9 285K's 255 fps. However, in Cyberpunk 2077 at 1080p with the Ultra preset and ray tracing off, it delivers 229 fps, slightly below the 9800X3D's 240 fps but still well ahead of the Intel processor's 165 fps.
Overkill?
While the AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D is the pinnacle of gaming processors, it's not necessarily the best choice for everyone. The Ryzen 7 9800X3D, at $479, offers a more budget-friendly option for most gamers. The 9950X3D is ideal for users who need both gaming and creative application performance, such as in Photoshop and Premiere, where it boasts a 15% improvement over the 9800X3D. For pure gaming builds, saving the extra $220 for a better graphics card might be a wiser move.
