AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D With 3D V-Cache Impresses In Launch Day Testing

MojoKid writes: AMD just launched its latest flagship desktop processors, the Ryzen 9 9950X3D. Ryzen 9 9950X3D is a 16-core/32-thread, dual-CCD part with a base clock of 4.3GHz and a max boost clock of 5.7GHz. There's also 96MB of second-gen 3D V-Cache on board. Standard Ryzen 9000 series processors feature 32MB of L3 cache per compute die, but with the Ryzen 9 9950X3D, one compute die is outfitted with an additional 96MB of 3D V-Cache, bringing the total L3 up to 128MB (144MB total cache). The CCD outfitted with 3D V-Cache operates at more conservative voltages and frequencies, but the bare compute die is unencumbered.

The Ryzen 9 9950X3D turns out to be a high-performance, no-compromise desktop processor. Its complement of 3D V-Cache provides tangible benefits in gaming, and AMD's continued work on the platform's firmware and driver software ensures that even with the Ryzen 9 9950X3D's asymmetrical CCD configuration, performance is strong across the board. At $699, it's not cheap but its a great CPU for gaming and content creation, and one of the most powerful standard desktop CPUs money can buy currently.

Flipped

[bill_mcgonigle]

It's cool that they flipped the cores to the top so they can be cooled more efficiently.

Sounds like they're getting ready for Backside Power Delivery in '26 too, maybe on A16.

I'll likely be buying one of these Baby Threadrippers when BPD hits if there are enough PCI lanes. Especially if they can be efficiently downclocked dynamically to save power.

Re:

[DrMrLordX]

How many PCIe lanes are you expecting? There probably won't be a major expansion of I/O for consumer platforms.

Re: Flipped

[Z00L00K]

Never underestimate what the bleeding edge overclockers will try to do.

Anything to shave off network lag for example.

This is terrible!

[Gravis Zero]

As an avid Intel fan, let me tell you about all the things you will miss out on by going with AMD:

* highly dubious benchmark results and advertised speed gains that don't pan out
* anti-competitive business practices
* new flashy instructions that are implemented without regard for security
* microcode updates that will drag down the processing speed
* a compiler designed specifically to hamper non-Intel processors
* a buddy-buddy relationship with Microsoft
* the Intel Management Engine with a checkered security

Re:

[DamnOregonian]

80% of those apply to AMD as well. You cheerleaders are so fucking sad.

Re:

[Tough Love]

Spotted the Intel employee

Re:

[DamnOregonian]

Not remotely.
Wrong industry.
Let's see, here.

* highly dubious benchmark results and advertised speed gains that don't pan out

AMD is famous for this, lol. Check.

* anti-competitive business practices

Would be silly for the underdog to be accused of engaging in anticompetitive business practices, so 100% Intel on this one.

* new flashy instructions that are implemented without regard for security

This one doesn't even apply to Intel, I don't think.
Side-channel speculative exploits exist for every current superscalar CPU manufacturer. So what instruction in particular are you bitching about here?
But can we count how AMD gaslit the entire software industry except for MS into believing that retpoline

Re:

[Lothsahn]

Don't forget:
* The business leading warranty and return policy

Why bother?

[TheMiddleRoad]

You have to be absolutely pushing the bounds of gaming or work to need something like this. Few of us are. My daily grind is almost always drive speed and network bandwidth limited. Even if I quadruple my CPU speed, it won't matter much. CPU usage rarely goes over 50% as is, with a 13th gen i7 mobile. My desktop is faster, but I barely use it, and it's the same story there, except that maybe sometimes its GPU limited with an AMD 6800.

I'd take fewer cores and more battery life, or fewer cores and a faster SSD, or fewer cores and a better network.