The Ryzen 9 9950X3D is the latest high-performance processor from AMD, featuring the company’s cutting-edge 3D V-Cache technology. Designed for content creators, power users, and gamers who demand the best, this CPU aims to push the boundaries of desktop computing. But does it fulfill its promises? Is it really the best processor you can find? In this review, I’ll go through my hands-on experience with the AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D processor, showing you its strengths, weaknesses, and real-world performance, as well as what benchmarks have to say about it. Without further ado, let’s begin:
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D: Who is it good for?
The Ryzen 9 9950X3D is the best option if:
- You’re a professional doing things like video rendering, 3D modeling, or software development
- You’re a gamer looking for maximum frame rates
Pros and cons
These are AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D’s best aspects:
- Exceptional multi-threaded performance
- Great gaming performance thanks to 3D V-Cache
- Good heat management with appropriate cooling
- Advanced architectural improvements with Zen 5
- Works on any AM5 Socket motherboard
There are also downsides:
- Higher price point compared to non-X3D models
- No built-in NPU (Neural Processing Unit) for machine-learning tasks
Verdict
The Ryzen 9 9950X3D is a powerhouse that excels in both productivity and gaming. Its 3D V-Cache delivers exceptional frame rates, while the 16-core (32-thread) architecture ensures smooth multitasking and fast rendering. In practical terms, this means you no longer have to compromise between a processor that’s designed for content creation and productivity, or another that’s designed for gaming, because the Ryzen 9 9950X3D is great at both. However, its premium price tag of $699 is not ideal if gaming is your primary focus. In such a situation, AMD’s more affordable X3D processors, like the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, can deliver even better gaming performance at a lower cost. But if you need an all-round CPU that’s extremely powerful in productivity workloads as well as gaming, the Ryzen 9 9950X3D remains, probably, the best choice you could make today. If you can afford it!
Unboxing the AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D
AMD continues its custom of delivering processors in simple yet good-looking packaging. The box lets you see the CPU through a transparent window, and it also showcases the presence of 3D V-Cache technology.
The packaging for Ryzen 9 9950X3D is as minimalist as always
Inside the box, you find the Ryzen 9 9950X3D securely housed in its protective casing. As with most processors sold these days, no stock cooler is included. The package also contains a basic installation guide and a Ryzen 9 branding sticker.
The box includes the bare essentials plus a sticker
The processor’s packaging is simple, and the unboxing experience is very straightforward. Unfortunately, you don’t get any cooler with this processor, and you must buy one separately, increasing the total acquisition cost.
Hardware specifications
The Ryzen 9 9950X3D is part of AMD’s latest Ryzen 9000 series, built on the Zen 5 architecture. This new design brings a performance uplift of around 16% compared to its predecessor, thanks to improved instructions per clock and a more efficient 4nm manufacturing process. These enhancements allow the CPU to deliver more power while maintaining better thermal efficiency.
The Ryzen 9 9950X3D is a Zen 5 CPU
Equipped with sixteen cores and 32 threads, the Ryzen 9 9950X3D operates with a base clock of 4.3 GHz and a maximum boost clock of 5.7 GHz. Unlike the previous generation, where 3D V-Cache led to lower clock speeds, the second-generation implementation allows this processor to reach higher frequencies while benefiting from an impressive 128MB of L3 cache. The total cache includes 16MB of L2 cache, making data access faster and reducing latency in demanding applications. The redesign places the 3D V-Cache beneath the cores rather than above them, ensuring the processor can maintain cooler temperatures and higher speeds under load.
Ryzen 9 9950X3D features sixteen cores
Memory support includes DDR5 at 5600 MT/s out of the box, though AMD EXPO makes it easy to overclock memory beyond 6000 MT/s for optimized performance. Paired with PCIe 5.0 and 28 lanes, the CPU provides high-speed connectivity for GPUs, NVMe storage, and other peripherals.
The Ryzen 9 9950X3D works with DDR5 RAM
Using the AM5 Socket, the Ryzen 9 9950X3D remains compatible with existing AM5 motherboards, including the A620, B650/E, X670/E, and the latest X870/E, B840, and B850 chipsets. Additionally, it supports multiple USB configurations and includes four USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps) ports for high-speed peripherals and a legacy USB 2.0 port for basic connectivity.
Specs and details about the processor, shown in CPU-Z
TIP: If you want to know more about AMD’s current chipset lineup, read this article: AMD AM5 chipsets explained (X870E, X870, B850, B840 & all the others).
Last but not least, you need to know that with a 170W TDP, this processor is more power-hungry than previous X3D models, so AMD recommends a high-performance liquid cooling solution. For more details, you can visit the official AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D webpage.
When assessing its hardware specifications, the Ryzen 9 9950X3D balances raw power, gaming efficiency, and future-proof compatibility, making it one of the most appealing high-end processors on the market today.
Using the AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D
When the Ryzen 9 9950X3D arrived, I couldn’t wait to try it. Before I tell you about my daily experience with it, as well as how it handled benchmarks and games, you should first know the system I used for it:
The Ryzen 9 9950X3D mounted on a X870E motherboard
In everyday use, the Ryzen 9 9950X3D runs smoothly and handles both work and entertainment with ease. You can multitask without lag, even with several demanding programs open at the same time. Whether you’re watching high-quality videos, running virtual machines, or working with resource-intensive software, everything feels fast and effortless. The system always stays responsive and stable.
Multitasking is easy for this CPU
If you’re a gamer, the 3D V-Cache is a game-changer. 🙂 Games that rely heavily on the CPU, like Starfield or Cyberpunk 2077, run much smoother and at higher frame rates compared to processors without this technology. The extra cache helps reduce delays and prevents micro stutters, which is especially useful in fast-paced multiplayer games.
The processor performs extremely well in games
Power efficiency represents another key aspect. Although it has a high power rating, the advanced 4nm design keeps energy use in check during everyday tasks. With good cooling, the CPU stays at safe temperatures, and the system runs quietly without generating too much heat.
Another benefit is how well it works with professional software. While I haven’t personally tested programs like Adobe Premiere Pro, Blender, or AutoCAD, the high core count and large cache suggest it should handle demanding workloads well. Compared to processors that are older or don’t have 3D cache, tasks should be completed significantly faster. Thus, it’s pretty safe to say that the Ryzen 9 9950X3D should be a solid choice for professionals who rely on such applications.
Overall, the Ryzen 9 9950X3D is excellent in any situation, from gaming marathons to intensive productivity tasks, software development, or content creation and video editing.
How does the Ryzen 9 9950X3D compare to other AMD processors? (Ryzen 9 9900X, Ryzen 7 9800X3D, etc)
To see how this processor fares in real life, I benchmarked it and compared its performance with that of other processors, including the high-end Ryzen 9 9900X, the gaming-proficient AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D and Ryzen 7 7800X3D, and the mid-range Ryzen 7 9700X.
Productivity benchmarks
In CPU-Z’s Single-Threaded test, which shows how fast a CPU handles tasks that use just one core (which is especially important for games), the Ryzen 9 9950X3D is about 1% faster than the Ryzen 9 9900X and roughly 12% faster than the Ryzen 9 9800X3D. That means even when using only one core, the Ryzen 9 9950X3D offers a clear advantage over its brothers from the AMD family.
Benchmark results in CPU-Z Single Thread
CPU‑Z Multi Thread measures overall performance when all cores work together on heavy tasks like video editing or 3D rendering. In this test, the Ryzen 9 9950X3D outmatches the Ryzen 9 9900X by around 36%, and it’s almost two times faster than the Ryzen 9 9800X3D. The large differences show that the 9950X3D is much better at handling multitasking and demanding software.
Benchmark results in Multi Thread
Cinebench 2024 tests a CPU’s ability to render 3D images and handle complex computations. The Ryzen 9 9950X3D scores about 34% higher than the Ryzen 9 9900X and roughly 75% higher than the Ryzen 9 9800X3D. These improvements mean that the Ryzen 9 9950X3D works significantly faster than its peers for creative work like animation and graphic design.
Benchmark results in Cinebench 2024
In Blender, a 3D modeling and rendering program that relies heavily on multi-core performance, the Ryzen 9 9950X3D performed about 42% faster than the Ryzen 9 9900X and roughly 88% faster than the Ryzen 7 9800X3D. It also outpaces the Ryzen 7 7800X3D by around 139% and the Ryzen 7 9700X by about 135%. These results match its strong multi-threaded performance seen in earlier tests, making the Ryzen 9 9950X3D an excellent choice for demanding 3D content creation tasks.
Benchmark results in Blender 4.2.0
Next came PCMark 10, a tool that can evaluate everyday tasks such as web browsing, office work, and light photo editing. In this test, the Ryzen 9950X3D is about 0.4-1.4% slower than the Ryzen 9 9900X, the Ryzen 9 9800X3D, and the Ryzen 7 9700X. Only the older and more affordable Ryzen 7 9700X is significantly slower than these other CPUs (about 7%). This close performance is within the margin of error, and the scores prove that daily computing feels smooth and responsive on the Ryzen 9 9950X3D.
Benchmark results in PCMark 10
For web browsing and JavaScript performance, I used JetStream 2.2 in Google Chrome. This benchmark tells the story of how quickly web pages load and online apps run. The results showed that the Ryzen 9950X3D is around 13% faster than the Ryzen 9 9900X and the Ryzen 9 9800X3D. This gives users a noticeable improvement when surfing the web or using online tools.
Benchmark results in JetStream 2.2
In 7‑Zip, the compression tests measure how fast a CPU can compress files. Besides being a useful task for saving space, this test is an excellent indicator of how fast and powerful the processor is. The Ryzen 9 9950X3D compresses files about 28% faster than the Ryzen 9 9900X and roughly 60% faster than the Ryzen 9 9800X3D. The better compression speed means that creating archives or backups is noticeably quicker with the Ryzen 9 9950X3D.
Benchmark results in 7-Zip Compression
Its decompression speed is also notably better than the one measured for the Ryzen 9 9900X (by 36%), holding the first rank above all the rest. This performance boost in data handling makes the Ryzen 9 9950X3D a good choice for those who need to work frequently with compressed files.
Benchmark results in 7-Zip Decompression
Overall, the Ryzen 9 9950X3D performs exceptionally well in productivity and content creation tasks. Moreover, after looking at the charts, it’s clear that no other AMD processor can match the performance levels offered by the AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D.
Gaming benchmarks
To evaluate the gaming performance of the AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D, I tested it at 1080p resolution with low graphics settings to minimize GPU bottlenecks. I used popular titles like Cyberpunk 2077, Assassin’s Creed Mirage, Remnant II, and Horizon Forbidden West, as well as 3DMark. Here are the results I got:
In Cyberpunk 2077, the AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D runs about 11% faster than the Ryzen 9 9900X and around 10% faster than the Ryzen 7 9700X, giving it a clear edge over those two. However, it is about 4% slower than both the Ryzen 9 9800X3D and the Ryzen 7 7800X3D, meaning those CPUs can reach slightly higher frame rates in this game.
Benchmark results in Cyberpunk 2077
In Assassin’s Creed Mirage, the Ryzen 9 9950X3D is about 6% slower than the Ryzen 9 9900X, and roughly 5% behind the Ryzen 7 9700X. It also trails behind the Ryzen 9 9800X3D and the Ryzen 7 7800X3D by about 7% and 6% respectively. While the Ryzen 9 9950X3D still delivers very satisfying performance, these results show that it isn’t the top choice for this particular title.
Benchmark results in Assassin’s Creed Mirage
Using the same 1080p resolution, low preset in Remnant II, the Ryzen 9 9950X3D is around 4% faster than the Ryzen 9 9900X and about 11% ahead of the Ryzen 7 9700X, indicating a nice boost in this game. On the flip side, it’s around 2% slower than the Ryzen 9 9800X3D, and it nearly matches the Ryzen 7 7800X3D. Overall, it’s very competitive, but not the fastest option.
Benchmark results in Remnant II
When playing Horizon Forbidden West, the Ryzen 9 9950X3D is roughly 10% quicker than the Ryzen 9 9900X and about 3% faster than the Ryzen 7 9700X. However, it lags behind the Ryzen 9 9800X3D by around 9%, and is about 8% slower than the Ryzen 7 7800X3D. This means the Ryzen 9 9950X3D offers strong performance, but isn’t quite at the top for this game.
Benchmark results in Horizon Forbidden West
In the 3DMark CPU Profile (Max Threads) benchmark, which measures raw multi-core power, the Ryzen 9 9950X3D stands out by being about 27% faster than the Ryzen 9 9900X and 91% faster than the Ryzen 7 9700X. It also beats the Ryzen 9 9800X3D by around 71% and doubles the speed of the Ryzen 7 7800X3D by approximately 113%. This huge difference makes the 9950X3D a top choice for gaming, especially in titles that know how to use multiple CPU cores. It also proves, once more, that the Ryzen 9 9950X3D is great for heavy multitasking, 3D rendering, and other demanding workloads.
Benchmark results in 3DMark CPU Profile Max Threads
Overall, the Ryzen 9 9950X3D offers impressive gaming performance that will undoubtedly satisfy enthusiasts. This high-quality processor possesses all the capabilities required to earn its place in the PC gaming hall of fame.
Temperature and power consumption
Under heavy use, the AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D runs at about the same temperature as the Ryzen 9 9900X, while being around 5% cooler than the Ryzen 7 9800X3D. However, it is about 8% warmer than the Ryzen 7 9700X and roughly 19% hotter than the Ryzen 7 7800X3D. Considering the strong multi-core performance we saw in earlier tests, like Cinebench 2024 or 3DMark CPU Profile, where the 9950X3D was far ahead, it’s not surprising that it needs a bit more cooling. Even so, it keeps up well with the similarly high-performing Ryzen 9 9900X in terms of temperature.
Maximum temperature recorded
In terms of power consumption, the Ryzen 9 9950X3D draws about 14% more power than the Ryzen 9 9900X and 25% more than the Ryzen 7 9800X3D. It also uses more than double the power of the Ryzen 7 7800X3D and the Ryzen 7 9700X. This extra power draw lines up with the Ryzen 9 9950X3D’s leading results in earlier multi-threaded benchmarks, showing that higher performance often goes hand in hand with higher power requirements.
Maximum power draw readings
Overall, the AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D maintains a temperature similar to the Ryzen 9 9900X while delivering strong performance, but it also draws noticeably more power than all the other CPUs in my comparison. This suggests that its top-tier speed comes at the cost of higher energy use, so proper cooling and power are important when choosing this processor.
What’s your opinion about the AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D?
As you have seen in this review, the AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D stands as a mighty high-end desktop processor, excelling in both gaming and productivity tasks. Its innovative second-generation 3D V-Cache technology and increased core count contribute to its outstanding performance. Are you considering upgrading to the Ryzen 9 9950X3D? Do you believe it’s worth the investment? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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