AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D: In-Depth Review

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 that's undeniably overkill for most users. Yet, it's perfectly poised to keep pace with powerful graphics cards like the Nvidia RTX 5090 or future models. However, with a hefty $699 price tag and a 170W power budget, this processor is challenging to recommend for anyone not building a high-end, costly gaming PC. For those seeking value, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D remains a more sensible choice.

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 processors often experience price fluctuations 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 regular 9950X, enhanced with the 2nd-generation 3D V-Cache introduced in the Ryzen 7 9800X3D. This combination ensures robust multi-core performance alongside enhanced gaming capabilities, thanks to an expanded cache.

A notable difference from its predecessor, the Ryzen 9 7950X3D, is the placement of the 3D V-Cache below the CPU cores rather than above. While this might seem minor, it significantly improves thermal performance. Positioning the Core Complex Die (CCD) closer to the Integrated Heat Spreader (IHS) facilitates better heat dissipation. AMD's performance algorithm, which accounts for thermal headroom, enables the Ryzen 9 9950X3D to sustain higher speeds for longer durations.

Moreover, the cache's strategic placement reduces data travel distance, thereby lowering latency. The 9950X3D boasts a substantial 144MB of combined L2 and L3 cache, matching its predecessor but dwarfing non-X3D processors.

Both the AMD Ryzen 9 9950X and 9950X3D share a 170W TDP, although the 9950X has a higher potential PPT. In my testing, both CPUs peaked at around 200W, with the 9950X3D maintaining a cooler peak temperature of 79°C, albeit on a different cooling setup than the original 9950X.

F fortunately, the 9950X3D's compatibility extends to any AM5 AMD motherboard, with AMD committing to support this socket until at least 2027, ensuring long-term platform viability.

AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D – Benchmarks

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Performance

Before delving into the performance metrics, it's important to acknowledge that all CPUs were tested on identical hardware, except for the Ryzen 9 9950X, which used an Asus ROG Crosshair X670E Hero motherboard and a Corsair H170i 360mm AIO cooler. Although this variance in hardware might influence performance, it's unlikely to cause significant deviations, 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

The discrepancy arose because one of the mounting screws for the Asus ROG Ryujin III 360mm cooler snapped during the transition to the 9950X. I plan to retest the processors in the upcoming weeks, and any significant changes will be reflected in an update to this section.

The AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D, with its 16 cores, 32 threads, and an impressive 144MB of cache, delivers formidable performance. It outperforms the Ryzen 7 9800X3D in creative benchmarks where the latter struggled, matching the prowess of the market'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

Surprisingly, the 9950X3D also excels in single-core workloads compared to the 9800X3D. In Cinebench 1T, it scores 2,254 points, a 10% improvement over the 2,033 points of the 9800X3D. 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 applications, the Ryzen 9 9950X3D shines with 40,747 points in Cinebench's multi-core test. Although it falls slightly behind the 9950X's 41,123 points and the Intel Core Ultra 9 285K's 42,245 points, the trade-off is justified by its enhanced gaming performance.

In gaming benchmarks, the 9950X3D demonstrates its prowess. In Total War: Warhammer 3 at 1080p with Ultra settings, it achieves 274 fps when paired with the RTX 4090, surpassing the 254 fps of the 9800X3D and 255 fps of the Core Ultra 9 285K. However, in Cyberpunk 2077 at 1080p with the Ultra preset and ray tracing disabled, it slightly underperforms at 229 fps compared to the 9800X3D's 240 fps, yet still outpaces the Intel chip's 165 fps.

Overkill?

While the AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D is arguably the most powerful gaming processor currently available, it doesn't necessarily lead in every category. For most users, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, priced at a more accessible $479, offers a compelling alternative.

The 9950X3D is best suited for gamers who also engage in creative applications like Photoshop and Premiere, where it provides a 15% performance boost over the 9800X3D. For those solely focused on gaming, allocating the $220 savings towards a superior graphics card might be the wiser choice.