Unleashing Power: The AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D Proves to be the Ultimate CPU for Gamers and Creators Alike

How do we enhance CPUs? This question has echoed through the computing sector since the launch of the Intel 4004 processor back in 1971. Chip manufacturers have experimented with increasing clock frequencies, incorporating additional cores, and shrinking chip designs to boost speed and efficiency. The rivalry between RISC and CISC instruction sets (ISAs) — «reduced» versus «complex» architectures — continues to this day with RISC-V.

In recent years, AMD has pursued an innovative strategy to enhance some of its processors using 3D V-Cache, a technology that vertically stacks additional L3 cache above Ryzen cores. This method allows the company to maximize memory capacity without enlarging its chips, sidestepping the limitations of traditional 2D designs. With the Ryzen 9 9950X3D, AMD has refined the 3D V-Cache to a level that makes it highly desirable among serious gamers — though not everyone will find a $700 CPU necessary.

The introduction of 3D V-Cache took place with the Ryzen 5800X3D in 2022, and AMD expanded it to laptops in 2023. Although the original model had some noticeable limitations — with lower clock speeds compared to the standard Ryzen 5800 — AMD has consistently improved the technology. The Ryzen 7 7800X3D and Ryzen 9 7900X3D have achieved the same maximum clock speeds as their 2D variants. While the advancements in AMD’s second-generation 3D V-Cache technology in the 9950X3D (and also recent models like the 9900X3D and 9800X3D) aren’t as revolutionary, AMD has successfully navigated the trade-offs made thus far. In short, the Ryzen 9 9950X3D stands out as an incredible CPU for both gaming and productivity.

AMD

90100Expert Score

Ryzen 9 9950X3D

The 9950X3D is a formidable desktop processor, equipped with substantial L3 cache to enhance gaming performance and accommodate heavy productivity tasks. The primary downside is its relatively steep cost.

Pros

• Outstanding performance
• Significant enhancements in gaming
• Generally cool operating temperatures

Cons

• Markedly pricey compared to other desktop CPUs

$700 at Best Buy

What’s new in the Ryzen 9 9950X3D?

The 9950X3D is a 16-core processor featuring a base clock speed of 4.3GHz and a maximum boost speed of 5.7GHz, mirroring its 2D counterpart, the 9950X. The key distinction lies in the total L2 and L3 cache: the 9950X comes with 80MB, while the 3D V-Cache technology in the 9950X3D allows for 144MB. This additional cache permits the 9950X3D to manage more processing tasks without relying on RAM, which can take eight to ten times longer, as noted by Robert Hallock, AMD’s director of technical marketing.

The significant enhancement in the Ryzen 9 9950X3D, aside from being driven by AMD’s latest Zen 5 cores, is the repositioning of its 3D V-Cache layer. Previously, it was above the Zen 3 and Zen 4 cores, which slightly compromised cooling and overall performance. Now, the 3D V-Cache layer is situated underneath the 9950X3D’s Zen 5 cores, enabling these hotter components direct access to the CPU fan’s heatsink. The 9950X3D maintains the same 170 Watt TDP (Thermal Design Power) as its 2D version, ensuring that overheating is less likely, and unlike many other 3D V-Cache models, it is completely overclockable.

Performance: An absolute powerhouse

My expectations for the Ryzen 9 9950X3D to outperform every other PC CPU I’ve assessed were surpassed, with results more significant than anticipated. In the Geekbench 6 single-threaded CPU benchmark, it outperformed the Ryzen 9 7900X I previously tested by 20 percent. The 9950X3D also excelled with a 33 percent boost in the same benchmark’s multi-threaded assessment. (While I didn’t have a 7950X3D for a direct comparison, according to the median scores from 3DMark users, it achieved 14,290 points, while the 9950X3D scored 17,025, reflecting a 19 percent increase based on my tests)

Only Apple’s hardware has managed to surpass these scores. The M4 chip slightly outperforms in single-thread tasks, and the M4 Max and M2 Ultra models in the Mac Studio excel in multi-threaded Geekbench 6 tests compared to AMD. Nevertheless, you could construct a strong Ryzen 9 system for significantly less than the Mac Studio M4 Max’s $2,000 starting price, even when considering the $700 price tag of the 9950X3D.

However, Apple isn’t always superior. In the Cinebench 2024 multi-threaded benchmark, the 9950X3D slightly outperformed the M4 Max chip. This outcome indicates that AMD’s premier processor will be beneficial for Windows content creators. Notably, both the 9950X3D and the M4 Max required 14 seconds to transcode a 4K video clip into 1080p, marking the quickest time we’ve encountered.

The primary attraction of the 9950X3D is its capability to manage demanding titles over the coming years without bottlenecking premium GPUs like the NVIDIA RTX 5080 and 5090. On my setup utilizing an RTX 5090 and 64GB of RAM, the 9950X3D achieved 195 fps in Cyberpunk 2077 at 1080p with high graphics settings. Conversely, the Ryzen 9 7900X reached 166 fps under the same configuration. At higher resolutions where the graphics card handles more workload, the performance gains may be less pronounced. For example, in 4K without DLSS upscaling, the 9950X3D delivered 64 fps, while the 7900X struggled to hit 56 fps under identical settings.

Specifically in 4K gaming, the 9950X3D could enhance performance for monitors with faster refresh rates. For instance, in 4K at maximum settings, Dragon Age: The Veilguard operated at a fluid 250 fps on the 7900X, while the newer model hit 270 fps. If you possess a 4K 240Hz display paired with a less powerful GPU, you would likely get closer to the 240 fps mark thanks to the advantages brought by 3D V-Cache.

Impressively, the 9950X3D maintained a cool 81.5 degrees Celsius at full load, and its idle temperature ranged from 30C to 35C, depending on the task at hand. These results are notable for a CPU that operates at up to 170 Watts.

Is the Ryzen 9 9950X3D Worth Purchasing?

Similar to the $2,000 NVIDIA RTX 5090, I can’t straightforwardly endorse the $700 Ryzen 9 9950X3D for most users. Most gamers would probably find better value with the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, currently priced at a more accessible $479. While it has fewer cores, many games do not heavily utilize a high core count. There’s also the $600 12-core 9900X3D, which might cater better to those who genuinely need numerous CPU cores.

AMD offers alternatives without 3D V-Cache, like the Ryzen 7 9700X, which currently retails for an MSRP of $359 but is available for less than $300. However, if you are already eyeing a high-end graphics card, it may be prudent to invest a little more for the added L3 cache. When AMD first introduced the 5800X3D, the company asserted that 3D V-Cache alone provided a 15 percent boost in 1080p performance. As games evolve to become more intricate and demanding, having greater cache may become increasingly beneficial. (Moreover, opting for a more powerful chip now is often more financially favorable than needing to upgrade in a few years.)

Regarding Intel, it is only planning to introduce its version of the technology, known as Local Cache, in forthcoming Xeon server processors, as stated by der8auer and Bens Hardware (as cited by Tom’s Hardware). Intel’s current top-end desktop processor, the 24-core i9-14900K, performs admirably in gaming tasks but is limited to just 36MB of L3 cache.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the Ryzen 9 9950X3D highlights that AMD is experiencing a remarkable phase. After launching a series of exceptional midrange GPUs that demonstrated the company’s capability to compete with NVIDIA, this CPU and its advanced 3D V-Cache technology reinforces the reality of AMD’s dominance over Intel in numerous aspects. Additionally, let’s remember that AMD was the first in the x86 market to introduce NPUs into both laptop and desktop CPUs. While it might not offer the best value, if it fits your budget, the 9950X3D stands as the premier desktop CPU currently available.