AMD Introduces High Core-Count Ryzen 9 9950X3D and 9900X3D Processors

AMD has officially expanded its Ryzen 9000X3D series of Socket AM5 desktop processors by introducing two new high core-count models—the Ryzen 9 9950X3D and the Ryzen 9 9900X3D. These processors bring together the “Zen 5” microarchitecture and AMD’s 3D V-Cache technology, aiming to deliver improved performance in both gaming and productivity workloads.

Technical Overview

The Ryzen 9 9950X3D features 16 cores and 32 threads, while the Ryzen 9 9900X3D offers 12 cores and 24 threads. Both processors use a dual-CCD (Core Complex Die) design, similar to the Ryzen 9 7000X3D series. However, AMD has made significant improvements in how the 3D V-Cache is implemented. Unlike the previous generation, the 3D V-Cache in the “Zen 5” architecture is positioned below the CCD rather than above it. This design change enables the CCD with 3D V-Cache to achieve clock speeds comparable to the CCD without it. This is a notable improvement over earlier models, where the presence of 3D V-Cache often led to slightly reduced clock speeds.

To further optimize performance, AMD has refined its OS scheduler software. The updated scheduler ensures that productivity applications can efficiently utilize both CCDs, while gaming workloads are directed to the CCD equipped with 3D V-Cache. This selective utilization aims to maximize performance across diverse tasks.

Specifications

The Ryzen 9 9950X3D has a base clock of 4.30 GHz and boosts up to 5.70 GHz, with a thermal design power (TDP) of 170 W. This marks a significant improvement in boost frequency compared to the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, which maxes out at 5.20 GHz. AMD positions the 9950X3D as the fastest gaming desktop processor in its lineup.

The Ryzen 9 9900X3D, on the other hand, offers a base clock of 4.40 GHz and a maximum boost clock of 5.50 GHz. While its CCD with 3D V-Cache has only six cores, its high clock speeds make it an attractive option for users seeking balanced performance in gaming and productivity tasks.

Performance Benchmarks

AMD reports that the Ryzen 9 9950X3D is, on average, 8% faster than its predecessor, the 7950X3D, in gaming workloads. It also outperforms the Intel Core Ultra 9 285K by 20% in gaming tests conducted across 40 titles. For productivity workloads, the 9950X3D delivers 13% higher performance than the 7950X3D and is 10% faster than the Core Ultra 9 285K in a range of benchmarked tasks.

AMD has yet to release first-party performance data for the Ryzen 9 9900X3D, but based on its specifications, it is expected to compete closely with the 9800X3D in gaming and deliver faster performance in multi-threaded productivity workloads than non-X3D Ryzen 9000 processors.

Market Position and Availability

AMD asserts that the Ryzen 9 9950X3D is the “world’s best processor” for both gaming and productivity, a claim that underscores its aim to maintain a competitive edge against Intel’s latest offerings. The 9900X3D is expected to appeal to users seeking a more affordable yet high-performance option within the Ryzen 9000X3D lineup.

Both processors are scheduled for release in Q1 2025, with further details on pricing and availability expected to follow in the coming months. These additions to AMD’s portfolio demonstrate the company’s commitment to advancing desktop processor technology, leveraging innovations in cache design and microarchitecture to deliver higher performance and efficiency.