AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D: Performance Reviewed

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. This powerhouse is designed to effortlessly match the performance of high-end graphics cards like the Nvidia RTX 5090 or its future counterparts. While it's a beast in performance, it's also overkill for most users due to its $699 price tag and a 170W power budget. For those not looking to build an ultra-high-end gaming PC, 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, the prices of AMD's processors can vary based on market demand.

AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D – Photos

AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D 3 Images

Specs and Features

The AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D builds on the Zen 5 architecture, similar to the regular 9950X, but enhances it with the 2nd-generation 3D V-Cache technology seen in the Ryzen 7 9800X3D. This combination delivers top-notch multi-core performance alongside improved gaming capabilities thanks to an expanded cache.

Notably, the 3D V-Cache in the 9950X3D is positioned below the CPU cores, a change from the previous Ryzen 9 7950X3D's design. This strategic placement not only improves thermal efficiency by allowing heat to dissipate more effectively but also reduces data latency due to the shorter distance the data needs to travel. The processor boasts a hefty 144MB of combined L2 and L3 cache, matching its predecessor but significantly outpacing non-X3D models.

Both the Ryzen 9 9950X and 9950X3D share a 170W TDP, though the original 9950X can reach higher power limits. In testing, both peaked at 200W, but the 9950X3D maintained lower peak temperatures at 79°C, thanks to a different cooler. Compatibility with any AM5 AMD motherboard ensures longevity, with AMD committing to support this socket until at least 2027.

AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D – Benchmarks

AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D Benchmark 11 Images

Performance

Performance tests were conducted on a consistent hardware setup, with the exception of the Ryzen 9 9950X, which was tested on an Asus ROG Crosshair X670E Hero motherboard with a Corsair H170i 360mm AIO cooler. This variation may impact results, but not significantly as all tests were run at stock settings.

The AMD test bench included:

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

Due to a hardware issue with the cooler, retesting will be conducted in the coming weeks, and any significant differences will be reflected in updates.

The Ryzen 9 9950X3D, with its 16 cores and 32 threads, and an impressive 144MB cache, showcases remarkable power. It excels in creative benchmarks, keeping pace with the market's top chips.

The Intel test bench setup was:

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

In single-core workloads, the 9950X3D demonstrates a notable 10% improvement over the 9800X3D in Cinebench 1T, scoring 2,254 points versus 2,033. In multi-threaded workloads, it scores 40,747 points in Cinebench's multi-core test, slightly trailing behind the 9950X and Intel Core Ultra 9 285K but offering superior gaming performance.

Gaming performance is highlighted in Total War: Warhammer 3 at 1080p with Ultra settings, where the 9950X3D achieves 274 fps, outperforming both the 9800X3D and Core Ultra 9 285K. However, in Cyberpunk 2077 at 1080p with the Ultra preset and ray tracing disabled, it delivers 229 fps, slightly underperforming the 9800X3D but still surpassing the Intel competitor.

Overkill?

While the AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D is the most powerful gaming processor available, it may not be the best choice for everyone. For most users, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, priced at $479, offers a more cost-effective solution. The 9950X3D is ideal for users who engage in both gaming and demanding creative applications, such as Photoshop and Premiere, where it shows a 15% performance boost over the 9800X3D. For those focused solely on gaming, the savings from opting for the 9800X3D could be better allocated towards a superior graphics card.