Just a few months after the AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D graced us with its presence, the AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D brings its innovative 3D V-Cache technology to a formidable 16-core, 32-thread gaming processor. This powerhouse is undoubtedly overkill for most users, yet it's perfectly equipped to handle cutting-edge graphics cards like the Nvidia RTX 5090 or future models.
However, with a steep $699 price tag and a 170W power budget, the Ryzen 9 9950X3D is a challenging recommendation for anyone not building an ultra-high-performance gaming PC. For the majority of users, the more cost-effective Ryzen 7 9800X3D is likely a smarter choice.
Purchasing Guide
The AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D will be available starting March 12, with a suggested retail price of $699. Be aware that AMD's processor prices can fluctuate based on market demand.
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D – Photos
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Specs and Features
The AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D utilizes the same Zen 5 cores as the standard 9950X, enhanced by the new 2nd-generation 3D V-Cache, also found in the Ryzen 7 9800X3D. This combination not only retains excellent multi-core performance but also boosts gaming efficiency with an expanded cache.
A significant update from its predecessor, the Ryzen 9 7950X3D, is the positioning of the 3D V-Cache directly beneath the CPU cores. This seemingly minor tweak greatly enhances thermal performance. Since the Core Complex Die (CCD) generates the most heat, its proximity to the Integrated Heat Spreader (IHS) facilitates better heat dissipation. AMD’s performance algorithms, which account for thermal headroom, allow the Ryzen 9 9950X3D to maintain higher speeds for longer periods.
The strategic placement of the cache also reduces data travel distance, lowering latency. Additionally, the increased cache space accommodates a massive 144MB of combined L2 and L3 cache, matching the previous Ryzen 9 7950X3D and surpassing non-X3D processors.
Both the AMD Ryzen 9 9950X and 9950X3D share a 170W TDP, though the original 9950X can reach a higher potential PPT. In my tests, both processors peaked at 200W, but the 9950X3D maintained a lower peak temperature of 79°C, thanks to a different cooler.
Fortunately, the 9950X3D is compatible with any AM5 AMD motherboard, as it doesn't require a new chipset. AMD has committed to supporting this socket until at least 2027, ensuring long-term platform viability.
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D – Benchmarks
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Performance
Before delving into performance results, it's important to note that all CPUs were tested on identical hardware, except for the Ryzen 9 9950X, which was tested on an Asus ROG Crosshair X670E Hero motherboard with a Corsair H170i 360mm AIO cooler. While this hardware difference may impact performance, it's unlikely to be significant, especially since 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
A hardware issue occurred when a mounting screw for the Asus ROG Ryujin III 360mm cooler snapped during the switch to the 9950X. I plan to retest the processors in the coming weeks and will update this section if there are significant changes.
The AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D, with its 16 cores, 32 threads, and a staggering 144MB of cache, delivers exceptional performance. Even in creative benchmarks where the 9800X3D lagged, the 9950X3D keeps pace with the market's most powerful 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
Surprisingly, the 9950X3D performs well against the 9800X3D in single-core workloads. In Cinebench 1T, it scores 2,254 points compared to the 9800X3D's 2,033 points, a 10% improvement. In the 3DMark CPU Profile test, the 9950X3D achieves 1,280 points, closely trailing the Intel Core Ultra 9 285K's 1,351 points.
In multi-threaded workloads, the Ryzen 9 9950X3D excels, scoring 40,747 points in Cinebench's multi-core test. Although it slightly underperforms compared to the 9950X (41,123 points) and the Intel Core Ultra 9 285K (42,245 points), the trade-off is justified by its superior gaming performance.
In Total War: Warhammer 3 at 1080p with Ultra settings, the 9950X3D achieves 274 fps when paired with the RTX 4090, outperforming the 9800X3D (254 fps) and the Core Ultra 9 285K (255 fps). However, in Cyberpunk 2077 at 1080p with the Ultra preset and ray tracing disabled, it delivers 229 fps, slightly less than the 9800X3D's 240 fps but still significantly faster than the Intel processor's 165 fps.
Overkill?
While the AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D is currently the most powerful gaming processor available, it doesn't automatically outshine every other chip. For most users, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, priced at a more affordable $479, is a practical choice.
The 9950X3D is best suited for gamers who also engage in creative applications like Photoshop and Premiere, where it offers a 15% performance boost over the 9800X3D. For a purely gaming-focused PC build, however, saving the extra $220 for a better graphics card might be a wiser investment.
