Unlike prior generation 3D V-Cache processors, 9000X3D chips support overclocking. In theory, this should allow you to squeeze more performance out of what are already powerful CPUs. In a bid to quickly explore this potential, I’m tweaking AMD’s Ryzen 9 9950X3D.
Using Ryzen Master, I’ll push core clocks beyond stock specifications. As a reminder, Ryzen 9 9950X3D runs at a 4.3GHz base clock and can boost up to 5.7GHz out of the box. I’m also keen to understand if dropping TDP can help improve the processor’s efficiency, particularly as it’s the first Ryzen 9 X3D CPU to run at 170W by default.
Baseline
In order to extrapolate any gains or losses from my tweaks, it’s important to record baseline performance for Ryzen 9 9950X3D. I’ll be using Cinebench 2024 to do this.
Running Ryzen 9 9950X3D at stock clocks and watts, sans an EXPO profile, the CPU delivers single-core and multi-core scores of 132 and 2,300, respectively. This isn’t how I’d recommend anyone run a processor but knowing this will contextualise how much of an uplift faster memory transfer speeds bring.
Engaging the RAM’s EXPO profile, raising its speed from 4,800MT/s to 6,000MT/s greatly improves the processor’s standing. Through this one-click tweak, its multi-score has risen to 2,419, an increase of 5.1%. Meanwhile single-core scores rise to 140, a 6% bump. This is the baseline from which I’ll begin tweaking clock speeds.
Frequencies
Through Ryzen Master’s ‘Auto OC’ profile, I’m able to quickly boost Ryzen 9 9950X3D’s maximum clock speed to 5,850MHz providing an increase of 150MHz. However, I can push this further to 5,900MHz (+200MHz) via the ‘Advanced View’ at the cost of higher peak package power (231W vs 200W).
Doing so nudges the performance needle slightly as multi-core scores rise to 2,454 (+1.4% vs base) using the former overclock but fall back down to 2,419 with the latter. Sadly, there’s no effect to single-core scores.
Changing tact, I engage PBO (Precision Boost Overdrive). For the uninitiated, it’s a means of automatic overclocking that’s more contingent on the limits of your motherboard rather than stock settings.
My high-end MSI X670E Ace provides as solid ground as any Ryzen could hope for, X3D or otherwise. PBO sees multi-core scores rise again albeit slightly to 2,461 (+1.7% vs base) with no effect on single-core performance. Not exactly earth-shattering gains but this is all without adjusting voltage. These higher frequencies do come at the expense of higher average temperatures, however, rising from our baseline of 69°C up to 77°C.
While essentially free multi-core performance is enticing, it’s clear that the lion’s share of improvement comes from simply turning on EXPO. So, if you’re after a quick boost then there’s your one-click solution but you can squeeze a little extra out of Ryzen 9 9950X3D with a few extra tweaks. I expect to see even more gains materialise as extreme overclockers get their hands on teh chip.
Eco Mode
A 170W TDP partly informs Ryzen 9 9950X3D generational gains over Ryzen 9 7950X3D. Despite its higher level of performance, it isn’t as efficient as its predecessor by our assessment. With this in mind, I’m curious to see how the CPU performs with fewer watts at its disposal.
Using Ryzen Master, I engage ‘Eco Mode’ and put the chip on a diet of 105W. This means it has 15W fewer to play with than its forebear but it still manages to hold its own despite the defecit.
Ryzen 9 9950X3D’s multi-score and single-core scroes drop to 2,248 and 139 with less ‘leccy at its disposal. This represents a performance decline of 7% on the former front which is impressive considering its power budget is 38% lower. Naturally, a lower wattage begets lower temperatures too as maximum values fall to a cool 55°C.
Finally, let’s starve Ryzen 9 9950X3D and feed it 65W. Doing so doesn’t feel like a particularly smart use of the CPU, but I can’t help but sate my curiosity.
As expected, multi-core performance takes a tumble as the chip scores 1,819 points. However, single-core performance recovers back to 140 points, suggesting that this score rests on the edge of knife at these reduced power levels. Putting multi-core capabilities into percentiles, we’re trimming back 25% of its grunt in return for a 62% reduction in power. Once again, temperatures are also lower, peaking at 53°C.
Conclusion
Support for overclocking on Ryzen 9 9950X3D is a welcome addition, as it is on 9900X3D and Ryzen 7 9800X3D. It doesn’t take much to squeeze slightly more out of AMD’s new flagship, if you’re willing to tolerate higher temperatures. However, the majority of users will get the biggest uplift by simply enabling their memory’s EXPO profiles.
That said, I’m keen to see how much more extreme overclockers can get out of Ryzen 9 9950X3D. Pushing beyond 6GHz would be a start but loftier goals of 7GHz and beyond don’t seem out of the question. Of course, these kind of frequencies will only be possible with ample amounts of LN2 to go around.
I’m actually more intrigued by how well Ryzen 9 9950X3D holds up with a constrained TDP. I maintain that running the CPU at 65W isn’t a smart idea but 105W performance is more compelling. Even with a reduced power budget, it still pulls ahead of 7950X3D and isn’t far behind a 170W 9950X.
Exploring Ryzen 9 9950X3D in this manner only further cements it as a versatile processor. Out of the box it’ll handle gaming and workstation tasks like a champ, and can go further with a few tweaks should you wish. On the other hand, it’ll still offer more performance with fewer watts than alternatives.
