**AMD’s Upcoming Zen 5 Processors Featuring 3D-V Cache: Anticipations for the Ryzen 9 9900X3D and 9950X3D**
AMD continues to excel with its Zen 5 architecture, and the recent debut of the Ryzen 7 9800X3D has fortified its position at the forefront of the gaming CPU industry. Thanks to its groundbreaking 3D-V cache technology, the 9800X3D has rapidly ascended the ranks of gaming performance, earning a spot as a favorite among tech enthusiasts. The excitement, however, doesn’t end there. AMD is preparing to launch two additional processors in the Zen 5 series, the Ryzen 9 9900X3D and Ryzen 9 9950X3D, both of which promise enhanced power and versatility. Here’s a summary of what we know to date.
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### **The Next Major Release: Ryzen 9 9900X3D and 9950X3D**
Building upon the success of the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, AMD is set to unveil its upper-tier Zen 5 processors with 3D-V cache. These CPUs are intended for users seeking higher core counts and superior performance for gaming, content generation, and multitasking.
#### **Key Specifications Summary**
– **Ryzen 9 9900X3D**: 12 cores, 24 threads.
– **Ryzen 9 9950X3D**: 16 cores, 32 threads.
Both models are anticipated to utilize AMD’s state-of-the-art 3D-V cache technology, which layers additional cache memory atop the CPU die to enhance performance in cache-dependent tasks such as gaming.
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### **Expected Release and CES 2025 Presentation**
Reliable industry insider “AnhPhuH” has indicated that the Ryzen 9 9900X3D and 9950X3D are expected to be launched at the conclusion of January 2025. This timeline aligns with AMD’s tradition of introducing major products at CES, the Consumer Electronics Show, set to take place in Las Vegas from January 7th to 11th, 2025. Historically, AMD is likely to feature these processors during its CES keynote, with retail availability following soon after.
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### **Architecture and Cache Configuration: A Familiar Strategy**
While there is significant enthusiasm surrounding these CPUs, recent leaks indicate that AMD might not implement groundbreaking alterations to the 3D-V cache setup. According to AnhPhuH, the Ryzen 9 9900X3D and 9950X3D will sport 3D-V cache on just one of their two chiplets (CCD), akin to the previous generation. This differs from past speculations that suggested both chiplets would integrate 3D-V cache, which could have raised the total L3 cache from 128MB to 192MB.
#### **Reasons for Single CCD with 3D-V Cache**
Technical and financial considerations likely inform AMD’s choice to restrict the 3D-V cache to a sole CCD:
– **Thermal Issues**: Attaching cache to both chiplets may complicate heat management, especially in high-core processors like the 9950X3D.
– **Cost-Effectiveness**: Equipping both chiplets with 3D-V cache would heighten manufacturing intricacies and expenses, potentially reducing the competitive pricing of the CPUs.
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### **Performance Outlook**
Even without dual-CCD 3D-V cache, the Ryzen 9 9900X3D and 9950X3D are predicted to provide outstanding performance. AMD’s scheduler logic, which adeptly allocates workloads to the suitable chiplet, will be vital for maximizing gaming and productivity efficiency. Games, which gain the most from the 3D-V cache, will be funneled to the chiplet housing the stacked cache, thereby ensuring optimal performance.
#### **Gaming Performance**
The Ryzen 7 9800X3D has already established a high standard for gaming performance, and it is anticipated that the Ryzen 9 models will further enhance this benchmark. Although the extra cores may not have a direct impact on gaming, the larger cache and refined Zen 5 architecture should result in a noticeable uptick in frame rates for demanding titles.
#### **Professional and Multitasking Capabilities**
For content creators and professionals, the increased core counts of the Ryzen 9 9900X3D and 9950X3D will excel in tasks such as video editing, 3D modeling, and software engineering. These CPUs are expected to compete directly with Intel’s premium offerings, particularly in multi-threaded scenarios.
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### **What Could Be Better?**
While the Ryzen 9 9900X3D and 9950X3D are certainly thrilling, they may not provide the groundbreaking advancements some enthusiasts anticipated. The lack of dual-CCD 3D