AMD is rumoured to release its fastest processor yet in less than a month, opening the way for new performance records. Compatible with existing AM5 motherboards, Ryzen 9 9950X3D is set to become the one-stop shop for multi-taskers.
According to leaker Golden Pig Upgrade, the flagship Ryzen 9 9950X3D CPU will launch on March 12, possibly a day before Intel’s Core Ultra 200HX mobile chips. If things go according to plan, reviews should come a day ahead on March 11, so users can check if the performance is worth the price. 9950X3D is expected to retail for $699, but AMD has yet to announce an official MSRP.
AMD expects this one to be the fastest desktop chip it offers, including gaming. This is unsurprising since it’s the natural progression from Ryzen 7 9800X3D while maintaining the multi-core performance of regular 9000X chips. For context, Ryzen 9 9950X3D carries two CCDs (Core Complex Dies), one perfect for gaming thanks to the extra 3D V-Cache layer and another handling background tasks and multi-threaded apps.
That said, OS optimisations will play a major role in this CPU’s performance, especially for gamers. Previous dual-CCD iterations for AMD’s X3D series have suffered from poor Windows task scheduling, running the game on the non-X3D CCD. This caused a noticeable performance reduction, putting this high-end CPU below its cheaper eight-core sibling. That said, when things run as they should, these processors claim the top spot in most tests as shown by last-gen’s Ryzen 9 7950X3D.
VideoCardz has also received confirmation regarding these dates, apparently including the 12-core Ryzen 9900X3D. Better suited for professionals who game on the side, this one should have enough horsepower to chew through most tasks at a lower price. 9900X3D packs two 6-core CCDs – one featuring 3D V-Cache – and is expected to retail for $599.
If correct, Ryzen 9950X3D and 9900X3D would mark a four-month gap since the first Ryzen Zen 5 X3D chip – the eight-core Ryzen 7 9800X3D. And with the brand’s Radeon 9070 series awaited sometime in early March, users could grab a CPU/GPU combo to upgrade or build a new machine. The Radeon event on February 28 will surely play a big role in Radeon’s success, so AMD better have it packed with enticing announcements. We are eager to see what AMD has been cooking up.
