AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D2 and Ryzen 7 9850X3D CPUs: All the Details on the Zen 5 3D V-Cache Update

As AMD gears up to introduce its Zen 5 “Ryzen 9000X3D” CPUs, anticipation builds around the Ryzen 9 9950X3D and Ryzen 7 9850X3D models. These upcoming processors promise to extend the legacy of the initial 9000X3D series, with innovations that could redefine gaming performance.

AMD’s Strategy with Zen 5: A Competitive Edge

The launch of the 9000X3D CPUs earlier this year marked a significant success for AMD, especially the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, which was a hit among gamers. The shortage of these CPUs drove prices above MSRP for a time. One key reason for AMD’s triumph was the limited competition from Intel’s Arrow Lake platform, which allowed AMD to gain considerable momentum in retail.

With the next wave of 9000X3D CPUs, AMD plans to integrate cutting-edge technology, ensuring competitiveness until the release of Intel’s Nova Lake processors. The new X3D series is expected to incorporate AMD’s 2nd-generation 3D V-Cache and possibly a dual cache tile, leveraging a stable architecture before transitioning to Zen 6.

Unveiling the AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D2

AMD is pushing the boundaries with its Ryzen 9 9950X3D2, a groundbreaking CPU featuring dual 3D V-Cache tiles, scaling the cache to an impressive 192 MB. This advancement represents a bold move in architectural innovation, even though AMD previously expressed concerns over the cost of stacking 3D V-Cache on both dies. Yet, the company seems ready to prioritize performance.

The Ryzen 9 9950X3D2 is anticipated to feature a 16-core and 32-thread setup, operating at 200W TDP, with a base clock of 4.30 GHz and a boost clock reduced to 5.6 GHz, slightly lower than its predecessors. The intricate CCD arrangement includes a combination of 64 MB 3D V-Cache and 32 MB on-CCD cache, totaling a massive 192 MB. AMD is expected to implement a new CCD design with dual bonding zones to accommodate the dual X3D CCDs.

• Ryzen 9 9950X3D2
• 16 Zen 5 Cores
• 192 MB of Cache (Dual X3D CCDs)
• Up To 5.6 GHz Clocks
• Up To 200W TDP

This innovative approach sets the stage for the industry to lean towards dual cache tile structures, as Intel’s Nova Lake processors are also predicted to adopt a similar design.

AMD Ryzen 7 9850X3D: Elevating Expectations

Alongside the 9950X3D2, AMD introduces the Ryzen 7 9850X3D, an 8-core and 16-thread CPU boasting a 120W TDP and 96MB of L3 cache. It mirrors the Ryzen 7 9800X3D but offers a significant leap with faster 5.6 GHz clock speeds, a 500 MHz boost over the 9800X3D, delivering enhanced performance.

Although details remain sparse, AMD aims to position the 9850X3D to match the retail success of the 9800X3D, which had an MSRP of $479. A competitive price for the 9850X3D would be around $550, though official pricing is yet to be announced.

• Ryzen 7 9850X3D
• 8 Zen 5 Cores
• 96 MB of Cache (Dual X3D CCDs)
• Up To 5.6 GHz Clocks
• Up To 120W TDP

Benchmark tests reveal a 5% performance increase over the 9800X3D in both single- and multi-core tests, and over 20% faster than the Ryzen 7 7800X3D.

AMD Ryzen 7 9850X3D Performance Uplift (Per Leak):

• +5% vs 9800X3D (single & multi-core)
• +20%+ vs 7800X3D
• +43% single-core vs 5800X3D
• +48% multi-core vs 5800X3D

The upcoming releases are poised to showcase AMD’s 2nd Gen V-Cache technology and dual X3D CCD architecture, promising to drive performance to new heights. Look forward to the retail debut of the 9850X3D and the 9950X3D at CES 2026, where more details, including pricing, are expected to be revealed.

• Ryzen 9 9950X3D2 – $799
• Ryzen 7 9850X3D – $550

AMD Ryzen 9000 “Granite Ridge” Desktop CPUs Specs: