Following the release of the AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D, the Ryzen 9 9950X3D arrives, bringing 3D V-Cache technology to a 16-core, 32-thread processor. While overkill for most, it effortlessly handles powerful graphics cards like the Nvidia RTX 5090 and beyond. However, its $699 price tag and 170W power consumption make it a less accessible option than the Ryzen 7 9800X3D for many PC builders.
Purchasing Guide
The AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D launched on March 12th, with a suggested price of $699. Pricing may fluctuate based on market demand.
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D – Photos
Specs and Features
The Ryzen 9 9950X3D utilizes the same Zen 5 cores as the standard 9950X, enhanced by 2nd-generation 3D V-Cache, similar to the Ryzen 7 9800X3D. This combination delivers exceptional multi-core performance and improved gaming capabilities thanks to the expanded cache. Unlike its predecessor, the 7950X3D, the 3D V-Cache is positioned directly beneath the CPU cores, resulting in significant thermal improvements. This proximity to the Integrated Heat Spreader (IHS) facilitates more efficient heat dissipation. AMD's performance algorithms leverage this thermal headroom, enabling faster and more sustained clock speeds. The optimized cache placement also reduces data latency. The 9950X3D boasts a substantial 144MB of combined L2 and L3 cache, matching the previous generation 7950X3D and significantly exceeding non-X3D processors.
Both the Ryzen 9 9950X and 9950X3D share a 170W TDP, although the 9950X has a higher potential PPT. Testing revealed peak power consumption around 200W for both, but the 9950X3D exhibited lower peak temperatures (79°C during testing), though tested with a different cooler than the 9950X. Compatibility with any AM5 motherboard ensures future-proofing, with AMD confirming support until at least 2027.
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D – Benchmarks
Performance
All CPUs were tested on identical hardware, except for the Ryzen 9 9950X (tested on an Asus ROG Crosshair X670E Hero motherboard with a Corsair H170i 360mm AIO cooler). While this difference impacts results, the effect is likely minimal, especially given stock settings. The Ryzen 9 9950X3D's 16 cores, 32 threads, and massive 144MB cache deliver exceptional performance. It excels in creative benchmarks where the 9800X3D lags, competing with top-tier processors. Surprisingly, the 9950X3D also holds its own against the 9800X3D in single-core tasks, showing a 10% improvement in Cinebench 1T (2,254 vs 2,033 points). In 3DMark CPU Profile, it scores 1,280 points, approaching the Intel Core Ultra 9 285K's 1,351 points. Multi-threaded performance is significantly enhanced, scoring 40,747 points in Cinebench's multi-core test. While slightly behind the 9950X (41,123 points) and Intel Core Ultra 9 285K (42,245 points) in some multi-threaded applications, the gaming performance gains are substantial. In *Total War: Warhammer 3* (1080p, Ultra), it achieves 274 fps (compared to 254 fps for the 9800X3D and 255 fps for the Core Ultra 9 285K). *Cyberpunk 2077* (1080p, Ultra, ray tracing off) shows 229 fps, lower than the 9800X3D's 240 fps, but still significantly faster than the Intel processor's 165 fps.
Overkill?
The AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D is a powerful gaming processor, but not necessarily the optimal choice for everyone. The Ryzen 7 9800X3D offers a more affordable alternative at $479. The 9950X3D targets users who require both high-end gaming and creative application performance (e.g., Photoshop, Premiere), offering a 15% improvement over the 9800X3D in such applications. For pure gaming, investing the price difference in a better graphics card might be a more beneficial upgrade.
