AMD is seemingly planning two new Ryzen CPUs, the Ryzen 9 9950X3D2 and Ryzen 7 9805X3D CPUs. The first features dual 3D V-Cache CCDs (Core Complex Dies), bringing the total L3 cache to 192MB, whereas the latter boosts frequency over the tried and tested 9800X3D. Both would offer a great experience for gamers by pushing performance even higher.
According to leaker @g01d3nm4ng0 on X, the 16-core Ryzen 9 9950X3D2 will use a dual X3D design, packing 64MB + 32MB of L3 cache on each CCD, for a total of 192MB CPU-wide. For comparison, the highest capacity in the consumer segment is 128MB, available on the Ryzen 9 9950X3D. In other words, the Ryzen 9 9950X3D2 swaps the second non-X3D chiplet for an X3D one to add another 64MB of L3 to the mix, likely leveraging the revamped 2nd gen 3D V-Cache, which puts the CPU cores above the cache to improve thermals and performance.
While @g01d3nm4ng0 did previously leak a similar design, the rumour faced doubt. So, this time the leaker is back with more specs and details, such as the aforementioned name and operating frequency. @g01d3nm4ng0 claims that this dual-X3D variant will be clocked at 4.3GHz base and 5.6GHz boost, which is nearly identical to the 9950X3D if not for a 100MHz decrease in boost frequency. To feed all of this, AMD is seemingly targeting a 200W TDP, i.e. 30W higher than the 9950X3D.
The second rumoured chip is a Ryzen 7 9850X3D, a sort of refreshed version of the acclaimed Ryzen 7 9800X3D. This model is expected to get a nice 400MHz increase to its boost frequency compared to the 9800X3D, bringing it to 5.6GHz while remaining at 120W TDP. However, since it only carries a single X3D CCD, the cache amount remains unchanged at 96MB. Even so, gamers should still see some performance gains, especially on lightly-threaded titles.
Though we would associate gamers with 8-core CPUs like the Ryzen 7 9800X3D and Ryzen 7 9850X3D, the Ryzen 9 9950X3D2 may become the new go-to solution for those looking for ultimate performance. Depending on how titles react to its larger cache, we may see a new level of gaming might on PC, assuming AMD ends up releasing such a chip in the first place.
Looking further ahead, upcoming Zen 6 processors will likely take the cake if the rumoured double-stacked 3D V-Cache is true. In addition to their higher 12 cores per CCD, they are also expected to pack up to 240MB of L3 cache using two 96MB layers stacked on top of each other. And we are not even talking about a dual-CCD chip here.
Going back to the Ryzen 9 9950X3D2 and Ryzen 7 9805X3D, the leaker didn’t indicate any potential release dates or prices, though we can easily assume a higher cost for both and a release before Zen 6. With or without them, AMD is safe for the time being, as I believe Intel isn’t planning anything seriously fast for the near future.
