AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D Review

The AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D, hot on the heels of its Ryzen 7 9800X3D sibling, brings 3D V-Cache technology to a powerhouse 16-core, 32-thread processor. While undeniably overkill for most, it effortlessly keeps pace with top-tier graphics cards like the Nvidia RTX 4090 and beyond. However, this immense power comes at a premium: a $699 price tag and a 170W power consumption. This makes it a difficult recommendation for anyone not already committed to building an exceptionally high-end (and expensive) gaming PC. For the majority, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D offers superior value.

Purchasing Guide

The AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D launched March 12th, with a starting price of $699. This is a suggested retail price, and actual market value may fluctuate based on demand.

AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D – Photos

Specs and Features

The AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D leverages the same Zen 5 cores as the standard 9950X, enhanced by 2nd-generation 3D V-Cache, mirroring the Ryzen 7 9800X3D. This results in exceptional multi-core performance complemented by significantly improved gaming capabilities thanks to the expanded cache.

Unlike its predecessor, the Ryzen 9 7950X3D, the 3D V-Cache is now positioned directly beneath the CPU cores. While seemingly minor, this change dramatically improves thermal performance. The Core Complex Die (CCD), the primary heat source, is now closer to the Integrated Heat Spreader (IHS), facilitating more efficient heat dissipation. AMD's performance algorithms utilize this improved thermal headroom, allowing the 9950X3D to operate faster and for longer durations.

This cache placement offers more than just thermal advantages. The reduced data travel distance between cache and cores lowers latency. Furthermore, the increased space allows for a substantial 144MB of combined L2 and L3 cache—matching the last-generation Ryzen 9 7950X3D and significantly exceeding non-X3D processors.

Both the AMD Ryzen 9 9950X and 9950X3D share a 170W TDP, although the 9950X boasts a higher potential Precision Boost 2 (PPT). Testing revealed both processors peaking around 200W, yet the 9950X3D exhibited lower peak temperatures (79°C during testing), though tested on a different cooler than the 9950X.

Compatibility is simplified by the 9950X3D's use of the existing AM5 motherboard platform. AMD's commitment to AM5 support until at least 2027 ensures future-proofing.

AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D – Benchmarks

Performance

All CPUs were tested on identical hardware, except for the Ryzen 9 9950X (Asus ROG Crosshair X670E Hero motherboard, Corsair H170i 360mm AIO cooler). While this hardware difference impacts results, the effect is likely minimal, especially considering stock settings. A future update will address this discrepancy.

AMD Test Bench: GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090; Motherboard: Asus ROG Crosshair X670E Hero; 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

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

The Ryzen 9 9950X3D's 16 cores, 32 threads, and massive 144MB cache deliver exceptional performance. It excels even in creative workloads where the 9800X3D lags, consistently matching the most powerful processors. Surprisingly, it also holds its own against the 9800X3D in single-core tasks, achieving a 10% improvement in Cinebench 1T (2,254 vs 2,033 points) and approaching the Intel Core Ultra 9 285K in 3DMark CPU Profile (1,280 vs 1,351 points).

Multi-threaded performance is where the 9950X3D truly shines, 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 justify this trade-off. In *Total War: Warhammer 3* (1080p, Ultra), it achieves 274 fps (vs 254 fps for 9800X3D and 255 fps for Core Ultra 9 285K). *Cyberpunk 2077* (1080p, Ultra, ray tracing off) shows a slight dip to 229 fps from the 9800X3D's 240 fps, but still outperforms the Intel processor (165 fps).

Overkill?

Despite being a top-performing gaming processor, the AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D doesn't automatically outshine all competitors. The more affordable Ryzen 7 9800X3D ($479) remains a compelling option for most users. The 9950X3D targets users who combine gaming with demanding creative applications like Photoshop and Premiere, offering a 15% performance boost over the 9800X3D in these scenarios. For pure gaming, investing the price difference in a better graphics card might yield better results.