Tech enthusiasts anticipating AMD’s next big leap in CPU technology may need to temper their expectations. A new leak suggests that the upcoming Ryzen 9 9950X3D and Ryzen 9 9900X3D processors will not feature an increased 3D V-cache capacity, contrary to earlier rumors.
Instead, these chips are expected to maintain the same L3 cache sizes as their predecessors in the Ryzen 7000 X3D lineup.
CES 2025 Launch Confirmed
According to multiple reports, AMD will unveil its Ryzen 9000 X3D series during CES 2025, with retail availability by the end of January. These processors will cap off AMD’s high-end Zen 5 desktop CPU lineup, offering gamers and creators another powerful option to consider. While their exact pricing and performance metrics remain under wraps, they are widely expected to dominate the enthusiast market.
The 3D V-Cache Rumor That Wasn’t
Earlier speculation hinted at a groundbreaking innovation for AMD’s Ryzen 9000 X3D series—dual 3D V-cache tiles, one on each CCD (Core Complex Die). However, a trusted leaker, @AnhPhuH, has now dispelled those rumors, confirming that the L3 cache sizes will remain unchanged. This means AMD is sticking with a single 3D V-cache tile, much like the Ryzen 7000 X3D series.
The lack of additional cache might come as a disappointment for those hoping for further enhancements in cache-dependent workloads like gaming. Still, the processors are rumored to adopt a reversed cache tile layout, which could improve thermals and allow for better overclocking potential.
Overclocking Potential on Ryzen 9 CPUs
One of the notable advantages of Ryzen 9 CPUs, especially in the X3D series, is their relative overclocking flexibility compared to Ryzen 7 models. The reversed cache tile layout could enhance this even further, making the Ryzen 9 9950X3D and Ryzen 9 9900X3D more appealing to PC enthusiasts looking to push their hardware to the limit.
AMD’s Competition Is… AMD
While these CPUs may not bring revolutionary upgrades, AMD faces little external pressure this generation. Intel’s Arrow Lake-S processors have reportedly underwhelmed, leaving AMD to compete against its own Ryzen 7000 series. This relative lack of competition could explain the absence of groundbreaking changes in the Ryzen 9000 X3D lineup.
Will Ryzen 9 Outshine Ryzen 7?
In the previous generation, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D (Available on Amazon) outperformed its Ryzen 9 siblings in gaming workloads, thanks to its single CCD configuration. Whether AMD has addressed this with the Ryzen 9 9950X3D and 9900X3D remains to be seen. However, gamers may once again find themselves drawn to Ryzen 7 models if history repeats itself.
As AMD gears up for its CES 2025 announcement, the Ryzen 9000 X3D series is shaping up to be an evolution rather than a revolution. While the absence of additional 3D V-cache may be a letdown, these CPUs still promise to deliver high-end performance and overclocking potential. With only weeks to go until their official reveal, AMD fans won’t have to wait long to see if the Ryzen 9 9950X3D and 9900X3D live up to their hype.
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