(Credit: AMD)
Following several leaks, AMD has announced that its Ryzen 9 9950X3D2 desktop processor packs even more 3D V–Cache, letting the CPU harness a larger pool of SRAM for gaming and other workloads.
The 16-core “Dual Edition” CPU chip is similar to the 9950X3D, which launched a year ago. The key difference is that the Dual Edition nearly doubles the L3 cache to 196MB, up from 128MB.
AMD pulled this off by using its chip-stacking tech for both core chiplet dies (CCDs) on the processor, rather than just one. As a demo video shows, the cache memory has been added underneath each CCD.
(Credit: AMD)That's a curious decision since our hardware analyst, Michael Justin Allen Sexton, noted that AMD previously tried to "lock games to running on a single CCD because there's a performance penalty in games associated with going between CCDs." So we'll be curious to see how the chip performs on games.
The Dual Edition features 208MB of total cache, including the L2 cache. It’s “the most we’ve ever built into a Ryzen processor,” AMD SVP Jack Huynh said in the video.
“208MB of cache means more game data, more assets, and more working data sitting right next to the CPU cores. That dramatically reduces latency and unlocks new levels of responsiveness across demanding workloads,” he added, calling the Dual Edition the new “Zen 5 flagship.”
Huynh says the chip should especially excel for workloads that “thrive on ultra-fast data access,” such as “large software builds, game engine compiles,” along with AI models, 3D rendering, and other complex content creation workloads.
According to AMD, customers can expect a 5% to 10% performance increase over last year’s 9950X3D, based on its own benchmarking across 3D modeling, simulation, and video editing software. Curiously, though, AMD didn't post a benchmark for any PC games.
(Credit: AMD)The new chip also works on AMD’s AM5 platform, making it easy to install the chip on existing AM5 motherboards. The company expects the processor to appeal to PC builders looking to build a powerful gaming rig that can double as an elite workstation.
On the downside, the Dual Edition features a slightly lower max boost clock speed at 5.6GHz, down from 5.7GHz in the normal 9950X3D. The Dual Edition also requires more power at 200 watts, compared with 170W.
(Credit: AMD)The new desktop processor will launch globally on April 22. AMD didn’t mention the pricing, but the chip seems to sit right above the Ryzen 9 9950X3D, which was originally priced at $699; it's now $675 on Amazon.
Stay tuned for our review, where we'll test performance, especially in comparison to other Ryzen X3D chips, and determine if there’s a significant improvement or other compromises.