AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D: Performance Reviewed

Just a few months after the AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D made its mark, the AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D introduces its 3D V-Cache technology to a formidable 16-core, 32-thread gaming processor. This powerhouse is designed to pair seamlessly with high-end graphics cards like the Nvidia RTX 5090 or future iterations, ensuring top-notch gaming performance. However, with a steep price tag of $699 and a 170W power budget, this processor is more suited for those building an elite, high-cost gaming PC. For the majority of users, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D remains a more practical choice.

Purchasing Guide

The AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D becomes available on March 12, with a starting price of $699. Keep in mind, AMD's processor prices can vary based on market demand.

AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D – Photos

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Specs and Features

The AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D combines the Zen 5 cores from the standard 9950X with the enhanced 2nd-generation 3D V-Cache, similar to what's found in the Ryzen 7 9800X3D. This pairing results in outstanding multi-core performance and improved gaming capabilities due to a larger cache.

Unlike its predecessor, the Ryzen 9 7950X3D, the new 3D V-Cache is positioned beneath the CPU cores, which significantly enhances thermal performance. With the Core Complex Die (CCD) producing most of the heat, its placement closer to the Integrated Heat Spreader (IHS) allows for better heat dissipation. This design not only helps in maintaining lower temperatures but also contributes to the processor's ability to maintain higher speeds over longer periods, thanks to AMD's performance algorithm that considers thermal headroom.

The strategic placement of the cache also reduces data travel distance, lowering latency. Additionally, the 9950X3D boasts a hefty 144MB of combined L2 and L3 cache, matching its predecessor but significantly outpacing non-X3D processors.

Both the AMD Ryzen 9 9950X and 9950X3D share a 170W TDP, though the original 9950X can reach a higher potential PPT. In testing, both processors peaked at 200W, but the 9950X3D maintained a lower peak temperature of 79°C, thanks to a different cooler setup.

F fortunately, the 9950X3D is compatible with any AM5 AMD motherboard, and AMD has committed to supporting this socket until at least 2027, ensuring long-term platform viability.

AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D – Benchmarks

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Performance

Before delving into performance results, it's important to note that all CPUs were tested on the same hardware, except for the Ryzen 9 9950X, which was tested on an Asus ROG Crosshair X670E Hero motherboard with a Corsair H170i 360mm AIO cooler. While this hardware difference may impact performance, the effect is minimal, especially since all tests were conducted at stock settings.

AMD Test Bench:

• 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

Note: A hardware issue with the cooler necessitated a change for the 9950X test. I plan to retest and update this section if significant differences arise.

The AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D, with its 16 cores, 32 threads, and a massive 144MB cache, delivers exceptional performance. It excels in creative benchmarks where the 9800X3D lagged, matching the performance of the most powerful chips available.

Intel Test Bench:

• 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

Surprisingly, the 9950X3D performs well against the 9800X3D in single-core workloads. In Cinebench 1T, it scores 2,254 points compared to 2,033 points for the 9800X3D, a 10% improvement. In the 3DMark CPU Profile test, it achieves 1,280 points, closely trailing the Intel Core Ultra 9 285K's 1,351 points.

In multi-threaded workloads, the Ryzen 9 9950X3D shines, scoring 40,747 points in Cinebench's multi-core test. While it slightly underperforms compared to the 9950X (41,123 points) and the Intel Core Ultra 9 285K (42,245 points), the trade-off is justified by its superior gaming performance.

In gaming benchmarks, the 9950X3D excels in Total War: Warhammer 3 at 1080p with Ultra settings, achieving 274 fps with the RTX 4090, surpassing the 254 fps of the 9800X3D and 255 fps of the Core Ultra 9 285K. However, in Cyberpunk 2077 at 1080p with the Ultra preset and ray tracing disabled, it delivers 229 fps, slightly less than the 240 fps of the 9800X3D but still significantly faster than the 165 fps of the Intel processor.

Overkill?

While the AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D is currently the most powerful gaming processor available, it's not necessarily the best choice for everyone. For most users, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, priced at a more affordable $479, offers sufficient performance. The 9950X3D is ideal for gamers who also engage in creative applications like Photoshop and Premiere, where it provides a 15% performance boost over the 9800X3D. For those focused solely on gaming, saving the extra $220 for a better graphics card might be a wiser investment.