Just a few months after the AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D was introduced, the AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D has arrived, bringing its 3D V-Cache technology to a formidable 16-core, 32-thread gaming processor. This beast of a chip is overkill for most users, yet it's perfectly equipped to handle high-end graphics cards like the Nvidia RTX 5090 or future models.
However, with a hefty $699 price tag and a 170W power consumption, the Ryzen 9 9950X3D is a tough sell unless you're building an ultra-powerful gaming rig. For the average gamer, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D offers a more cost-effective solution.
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 vary based on market demand.
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D – Photos
3 Images
Specs and Features
The AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D builds on the Zen 5 architecture of the regular 9950X, integrating the 2nd-generation 3D V-Cache technology seen in the Ryzen 7 9800X3D. This combination results in exceptional multi-core performance alongside enhanced gaming capabilities due to a larger cache.
A key difference from its predecessor, the Ryzen 9 7950X3D, is the placement of the 3D V-Cache. It's now positioned beneath the CPU cores, which not only aids in heat dissipation but also reduces data latency. With the cache closer to the cores, the 9950X3D boasts a massive 144MB of combined L2 and L3 cache, matching the previous generation but significantly surpassing non-X3D processors.
Both the Ryzen 9 9950X and 9950X3D share a 170W TDP, though the original 9950X can reach a higher potential power peak. My testing revealed both models peaked at 200W, with the 9950X3D maintaining a lower peak temperature of 79°C, thanks to a different cooler. Compatibility with AM5 AMD motherboards is a plus, with AMD promising support for this socket until at least 2027.
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D – Benchmarks
11 Images
Performance
Before delving into performance results, note that all CPUs were tested on similar hardware, except the Ryzen 9 9950X, which used an Asus ROG Crosshair X670E Hero motherboard and a Corsair H170i 360mm AIO cooler. While hardware differences may influence performance slightly, 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
Due to a hardware issue with the cooler during testing, I plan to retest the processors and will update this section if significant differences arise.
The AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D, with its 16 cores, 32 threads, and 144MB of cache, is an exceptionally powerful chip. It excels even in creative benchmarks where the Ryzen 7 9800X3D falls short, matching the performance of the most powerful processors available.
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
Remarkably, the Ryzen 9 9950X3D performs well against the Ryzen 7 9800X3D in single-core tasks. In Cinebench 1T, it scores 2,254 points, a 10% improvement over the 9800X3D's 2,033 points. In the 3DMark CPU Profile test, it achieves 1,280 points, closely trailing the Intel Core Ultra 9 285K's 1,351 points.
In multi-threaded workloads, the Ryzen 9 9950X3D shines, scoring 40,747 points in Cinebench's multi-core test. While it slightly lags behind the 9950X and Intel Core Ultra 9 285K in these applications, the trade-off is worth it for its superior gaming performance.
In Total War: Warhammer 3 at 1080p with Ultra settings, the 9950X3D achieves 274 fps, outpacing 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 disabled, it delivers 229 fps, slightly underperforming compared to the 9800X3D's 240 fps but still surpassing the Intel chip's 165 fps.
Overkill?
While the AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D is arguably the most powerful gaming processor currently available, it may not be the best choice for everyone. For most gamers, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, priced at $479, offers a more budget-friendly alternative.
The 9950X3D is ideal for those who not only play games but also use creative applications like Photoshop and Premiere, where it offers a 15% performance boost over the 9800X3D. For a gaming-focused build, however, you might want to consider saving the extra $220 for an upgrade to your graphics card.
