AMD’s dual-cache Ryzen 9 9950X3D2 is $799 at Amazon, $100 below list

AMD’s Ryzen 9 9950X3D2 Dual Edition is $799 at Amazon, putting the 16-core processor $100 below the retailer’s displayed $899 list price. It is an expensive chip even with that saving, but its unusual dual 3D V-Cache design could appeal to people building a PC for demanding work as well as games.

The US offer was for a new processor sold and shipped by Amazon.com when checked. It was in stock for delivery to a New York ZIP code, and the displayed price did not require a coupon or Prime membership.

There is some useful context behind the discount: $899 is Amazon’s list price and AMD’s launch price, not proof of what the chip has usually sold for. VideoCardz also recorded the $799 price on November 10, so this is not a new low-price claim.

The Ryzen 9 9950X3D2 Dual Edition is a 16-core AM5 processor. Image: AMD

Both chiplets get 3D V-Cache, but gaming gains are small

The 9950X3D2 has 16 Zen 5 cores and 32 threads, with a boost clock of up to 5.6GHz. Its defining feature is that both eight-core chiplets get AMD’s 3D V-Cache, while the regular 9950X3D has the extra cache on one chiplet. AMD lists 192MB of L3 cache on the Dual Edition, plus 16MB of L2 cache.

AMD lists 192MB of L3 cache for the Dual Edition. Image: AMD

That extra cache gives workloads more fast storage close to the CPU cores, but the benefit depends on the software. In Puget Systems’ CPU-rendering tests, the Dual Edition scored 7% higher than the regular 9950X3D in both Blender and V-Ray. The boost figure is a maximum, not a speed every core will sustain.

If your main goal is gaming, I would compare this with a less expensive X3D processor before spending the extra money. In TechSpot’s 14-game average, the 9950X3D2 delivered essentially the same gaming performance as the regular 9950X3D. Results vary by game, resolution and graphics card, so that is a reason to check the games and workloads you actually use.

Speaking of the alternative, the regular 9950X3D was $624 at Amazon when checked, sold and shipped by Amazon.com. That is $175 less than the Dual Edition. Our earlier 9950X3D article has more on that processor, although its quoted deal price may have changed.

A cooler is not included with the boxed processor. Image: AMD

Budget for a cooler and check your motherboard

AMD’s specifications say the processor uses an AM5 socket and DDR5 memory. If you already have an AM5 motherboard, check the board maker’s CPU support list and required BIOS version before ordering. Anyone coming from AM4 will need to account for a compatible motherboard and DDR5 memory too.

AMD lists a 200W default TDP and does not include a cooler in the box. It recommends liquid cooling for optimal performance, so factor a suitable AM5 cooler into your budget and make sure it fits your case.

For a PC that needs both high core counts and the dual-cache layout, $799 takes $100 off the launch price. For gaming alone, the regular 9950X3D or an eight-core X3D model may be a better place to start. Check the current seller and total price before buying, since offers can change.

Image credit: AMD, via Windows Central.

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