The Ryzen 9 9950X3D is the best all-around CPU for this generation. When the Ryzen 7 9800X3D launched at the end of last year, it was undoubtedly one of the best gaming CPUs you could buy. It delivered fantastic gaming performance in almost everything we threw at it, but unfortunately, it still lagged behind other Ryzen options when it came to content creation and raw horsepower, meaning you had to make some sacrifices if you wanted the 3D V-Cache.
With the launch of the Ryzen 9 9950X3D, there are far fewer compromises, with the chip promising fantastic gaming performance and top-end content creation and processing muscle. Having put the new CPU through its paces, I was impressed, as it proved to be one of the best all-around processors you can buy.
Much like the standard 9950X, the Ryzen 9 9950X3D is a 16-core, 32-thread powerhouse that stands at the top of AMD’s desktop CPU lineup. The processor features a base clock of 4.3 GHz with boost capabilities reaching up to 5.7 GHz, allowing it to handle both gaming and content creation workloads with remarkable efficiency.
The processor’s cache configuration is particularly impressive, featuring 16 MB of L2 cache and a substantial 128 MB of L3 cache for a combined total of 144 MB. This massive cache pool significantly reduces memory latency in games and data-intensive applications, contributing to the processor’s exceptional gaming performance. Also, unlike previous X3D models, the 9950X3D introduces full overclocking support, addressing a limitation that enthusiasts had noted in earlier generations.
Like the standard 9950X, the 9950X3D operates with a 170-watt thermal design power (TDP), a significant increase from the 120-watt rating of its predecessor, the 7950X3D. This higher power envelope, combined with the improved thermal design of the second-generation 3D V-Cache, allows the processor to maintain higher sustained clock speeds under load.
As with all members of the Zen 5 family, memory support remains robust, with official compatibility for DDR5-5600 memory in a dual-channel configuration. The processor also features integrated AMD Radeon graphics, providing basic display capabilities without requiring a discrete GPU.
But much like the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, what truly distinguishes the 9950X3D from its predecessors is the implementation of AMD’s second-generation 3D V-Cache technology. What makes this second generation truly revolutionary is how AMD has completely inverted the design compared to first-generation implementations. While the original 3D V-Cache design placed the SRAM cache chiplet on top of the compute die, the second generation positions the cache underneath the compute cores.
This architectural flip addresses one of the key limitations of the first-generation design: thermal constraints. By moving the cache below the heat-producing compute cores rather than above them, AMD has significantly improved thermal efficiency. The result is higher sustainable clock speeds—the 9950X3D features a base clock of 4.3 GHz and can boost up to 5.7 GHz.
The 9950X3D also represents another significant advancement over previous X3D models. Unlike the 7950X3D, which had 3D V-Cache on only one of its two core complex dies (CCDs), the 9950X3D reportedly features 3D V-Cache on both CCDs. This gives the processor an impressive 192 megabytes of L3 cache (96 MB per CCD) and eliminates the asymmetric core performance that required special scheduler optimizations in previous models.
The cache itself remains manufactured on a seven-nanometre process, while the compute dies use AMD’s newer five-nanometre technology. This strategic use of different manufacturing processes for different components exemplifies AMD’s chiplet approach, allowing the company to optimize cost and performance by using cutting-edge processes only where they deliver the most benefit.
In terms of performance, the 3D V-Cache brings with it significant bandwidth improvements, with the second-generation technology offering up to 2.5 terabytes per second of bandwidth between the cache and compute die—a 25 percent improvement over the first generation’s 2 TB/s. The overall performance potential of the new X3D range is impressive all around, but the real question is, how does it perform when put to the test?
As with the 9800X3D, we set up everything on our AMD test bench to ensure nothing could skew the results. We wanted to use the best possible components for testing, so we paired the 9800X3D with an ASUS ROG Crosshair X870E Hero motherboard, 32 gigabytes of DDR5-6000 EXPO memory supplied by AMD, a Samsung 990 Pro Gen4 one-terabyte M.2 SSD, a 1,000-watt Gigabyte power supply unit, and a be quiet! Light Base 600 LX PC case, along with an AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX.
As with every test, the system is running the latest Windows 11 update with the latest drivers and AMD software to ensure optimal performance. This configuration allowed us to thoroughly evaluate the Ryzen 7 9800X3D. AMD also provided an updated chipset driver for these tests, designed to optimize gaming results by using the Windows Process Priority Assignment Suite.
Starting with game testing, the Ryzen 9 9950X3D delivered impressive performance, ranking as one of the best gaming CPUs we have ever tested. It can be difficult to determine which CPU is better when comparing it with the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, as both are neck and neck in some games, while in others, they trade wins between the two chips. However, I was fully impressed with what I saw.
As with any CPU, an X3D chip is not a silver bullet that will suddenly make all games perform better. You will still need a solid GPU, decent RAM, and, of course, a modern SSD. But all things being equal, the 9950X3D delivered fantastic results in Cyberpunk 2077, Total War: Warhammer III, F1 23, and Hitman 3.
“Starting with game testing, the Ryzen 9 9950X3D delivered impressive performance, ranking as one of the best gaming CPUs we have ever tested.”
There were a few games in our tests that showed little change between CPUs, with most of the performance being GPU-driven. Still, even though the 9950X3D is objectively more powerful on paper, the 9800X3D outperformed it in numerous titles, making it an extremely compelling option overall.
There is no question that the 9800X3D is a powerhouse when it comes to gaming, and even with the arrival of the 9950X3D, that still holds true. Where the 9950X3D really shines is beyond gaming, in content creation and other CPU-intensive tasks. This is where the chip offers a much more versatile range of workloads, making it an exciting release.
Looking at the numbers, the 9950X3D more than doubles the performance scores in Cinebench R23’s multi-core tests, delivering an impressive 41,989 compared to the 9800X3D’s 22,083. The same is true in our CPU-Z tests, which show more than double the 9800X3D’s multi-core score.
Our Puget benchmarks tell the same story, with the AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D dominating the current-generation CPU charts, running neck and neck with the non-X3D variant of the same chip. It even outperformed the 9900X, scoring relatively close to what we saw in our initial tests of that chip. Even in 3DMark, the 9950X3D delivered an impressive score of 16,471, beating the 9800X3D’s 15,696.
When editing video, working in software like Photoshop, or exporting video with HandBrake, there is no question the 9950X3D is a more capable chip than the 9800X3D. That makes sense—it is built on the same basic structure as the 9950X but incorporates 3D V-caching, making it a much more capable gaming option.
That is the story here. While it is not the outright winner in gaming, the 9950X3D is an incredibly versatile CPU that can do everything a content creator or gamer could want in a single chip. It is not the best at everything, but it is one of the most capable jacks-of-all-trades available when shopping for a new CPU today.
Having said that, the Ryzen 9 9950X3D is not a budget CPU, launching at an MSRP of $699 and positioning itself at the premium end of the desktop CPU market. This makes sense, given what it brings to the table, as this 16-core powerhouse maintains the same price point as its predecessor while promising significant performance improvements through AMD’s second-generation 3D V-Cache technology.
When we compare the pricing structure of AMD’s 9000X3D range, it becomes clear how the company is segmenting the chips into price brackets. The 9950X3D sits $100 above its 12-core sibling, the Ryzen 9 9900X3D, which is priced at $599. Meanwhile, the already available Ryzen 7 9800X3D launched at $479, though stock shortages have driven market prices up to around $549.99. However, I still occasionally see it at $479, depending on stock levels.
The most interesting comparison is with Intel’s rival flagship, the Core Ultra 9 285K. Despite offering more cores (24 versus 16), Intel’s offering is priced significantly lower at $589 to $599. This $110 price difference raises questions about the value proposition, especially given how well 3D V-Cache technology enhances gaming performance in almost every title we test.
For enthusiasts weighing their options, the decision will largely come down to workload priorities. The 9950X3D’s massive 144 MB of combined cache gives it a significant edge in gaming scenarios, while Intel’s higher core count may benefit certain productivity tasks. With both chips running at a 5.7 GHz boost clock, performance differences will likely stem from their architectural approaches rather than raw specs. However, for those who want the versatility of 3D V-Cache, it makes sense to invest the extra money in the 9950X3D, as it creates a much more robust system overall.
Now that all the numbers are in and we have taken the time to analyze this release, it goes without saying that the Ryzen 9 9950X3D is an exceptional processor that redefines what an X3D chip can offer. By eliminating the compromises of previous generations, AMD has created a processor that excels not only in gaming but also in demanding content creation workloads. The second-generation 3D V-Cache implementation, combined with full overclocking support and symmetrical core performance, makes this one of the most well-rounded CPUs available today.
While the 9950X3D isn’t the outright best in every category, it stands as the ultimate all-in-one solution for those seeking a high-performance CPU without sacrificing versatility. With a $699 price tag, it positions itself as a premium option, but for those who want the best of both worlds—elite gaming performance and workstation-class processing power—it is an investment that delivers. Whether you’re a competitive gamer, a creative professional, or both, the Ryzen 9 9950X3D sets a new benchmark for desktop computing.