AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D: Performance Unveiled

Just a few months after the AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D hit the market, the AMD 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 and beyond. While it might be overkill for most users, it's a dream come true for those building top-tier gaming rigs.

However, this performance comes at a steep price of $699 and a 170W power budget, making it a challenging recommendation for anyone not already investing in a premium gaming setup. For most gamers, the more budget-friendly Ryzen 7 9800X3D offers a compelling alternative.

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 integrates the Zen 5 cores from the standard 9950X with the advanced 2nd-generation 3D V-Cache technology, enhancing both multi-core and gaming performance. A notable upgrade from its predecessor, the Ryzen 9 7950X3D, is the strategic placement of the 3D V-Cache directly beneath the CPU cores. This design not only improves thermal efficiency by positioning the Core Complex Die (CCD) closer to the Integrated Heat Spreader (IHS) but also reduces data latency due to shorter travel distances.

With a total of 144MB of combined L2 and L3 cache, the 9950X3D matches the cache capacity of the previous generation's Ryzen 9 7950X3D, significantly outpacing non-X3D processors. Both the Ryzen 9 9950X and 9950X3D share a 170W TDP, though the original 9950X can reach higher power peaks. In testing, the 9950X3D maintained cooler temperatures, peaking at 79°C, which contributes to sustained high performance.

Compatibility is another strength of the 9950X3D, as it works with any AM5 AMD motherboard. AMD has committed to supporting this socket until at least 2027, ensuring long-term viability for your investment.

AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D – Benchmarks

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Performance

All CPUs were tested on identical hardware, with the exception of the Ryzen 9 9950X, which was evaluated on an Asus ROG Crosshair X670E Hero motherboard with a Corsair H170i 360mm AIO cooler. This slight variance in hardware should not significantly affect the results, especially since testing was 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 minor hardware issue occurred when a mounting screw for the Asus ROG Ryujin III 360mm cooler broke during the switch to the 9950X, necessitating a retest in the near future. Any significant changes will be reflected in an updated section.

The AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D, with its 16 cores, 32 threads, and expansive 144MB cache, delivers exceptional performance across the board. It excels even in creative benchmarks where the 9800X3D lagged, keeping up with 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

In single-core workloads, the 9950X3D outperforms the 9800X3D, scoring 2,254 points in Cinebench 1T compared to 2,033 points, a 10% improvement. In the 3DMark CPU Profile test, it achieves 1,280 points, closely trailing the Intel Core Ultra 9 285K's 1,351 points.

The 9950X3D shines in multi-threaded workloads, scoring 40,747 points in Cinebench's multi-core test, though it slightly trails the 9950X and Intel Core Ultra 9 285K. However, the trade-off is a significant boost in gaming performance.

In Total War: Warhammer 3 at 1080p with Ultra settings, the 9950X3D achieves 274 fps alongside the RTX 4090, surpassing the 254 fps from the 9800X3D and 255 fps from the Core Ultra 9 285K. In contrast, for Cyberpunk 2077 at 1080p with the Ultra preset and ray tracing off, it delivers 229 fps, slightly less than the 240 fps from the 9800X3D but still much faster than the 165 fps of the competing Intel processor.

Overkill?

Despite being the most powerful gaming processor currently available, the AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D may not be the best choice for everyone. At $479, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D is a more affordable option for most gamers. The 9950X3D is ideal for users who need top-tier performance in both gaming and creative applications like Photoshop and Premiere, where it offers a 15% performance boost over the 9800X3D. For gamers focused solely on gaming, saving the extra $220 could be better spent on upgrading the graphics card.