AMD unveils Ryzen 9000X3D CPUs: Game-changing power for VR gamers and multitaskers alike
AMD launches two new high-end CPUs with 3D V-Cache. The Ryzen 9000X3D series promises more gaming power than all previous desktop processors.
AMD is expanding the Ryzen 9000 series with two new processors with 3D V-Cache technology. At CES 2025, the company presented the Ryzen 9 9950X3D with 16 cores and 144 MB total cache. The CPU clocks at up to 5.7 GHz and is based on the new Zen 5 architecture.
The Ryzen 9 9900X3D also comes with 12 cores, 140 MB of cache and a boost clock of 5.5 GHz. Like their predecessors, both CPUs use two different chiplets — one with 3D V-Cache for gaming, one without for high clock rates.
According to AMD, the 9950X3D achieves 8 percent more performance in games than its predecessor, the Ryzen 9 7950X3D. Compared to Intel's Core i9 285K, the advantage is 20 percent. In applications, the new CPU outperforms its predecessor by 13 percent and Intel by an average of 10 percent.
The large cache of the X3D models benefits VR in particular. Virtual reality requires extremely low latencies and constantly high frame rates for a smooth gaming experience without motion sickness. The 3D V-Cache reduces these latencies and ensures more stable frame rates in VR titles.
Ryzen 9 9950X3D: The new gaming flagship
With the 9950X3D, you get AMD's fastest desktop CPU for gaming and multitasking. The 16 cores and large cache make the CPU particularly interesting if you are streaming or rendering videos while gaming.
This is what the 9950X3D offers:
- 16 cores / 32 threads with Zen 5 architecture
- Boost clock up to 5.7 GHz
- 144 MByte total cache (L2 + L3)
- 170 watt TDP
- Integrated graphics unit
In Adobe Photoshop, the CPU works up to 47 percent faster than Intel's competitor model. The large cache also ensures maximum frame rates in current games and VR applications.
Ryzen 9 9900X3D: The efficient alternative
The 9900X3D is aimed at anyone who does not need absolute maximum performance. With 12 cores and 120 watts TDP, it works more economically than the top model without sacrificing much performance.
This is what's inside the 9900X3D:
- 12 cores / 24 threads
- Boost clock up to 5.5 GHz
- 140 MByte total cache
- 120 watt TDP
- Integrated graphics unit
Thanks to the large cache, the 9900X3D also achieves top values in games. The lower TDP enables the use of more compact coolers.
Availability still unclear
AMD plans to launch the new Ryzen 9000X3D processors on the market in March 2025. However, the company is already struggling with supply bottlenecks for the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, which is driving up retail prices. AMD has not yet announced an official price. However, experts expect the 9950X3D to cost well over 700 euros.
AMD
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