The AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D and Ryzen 9 9900X3D are high-performance desktop processors released in March 2025. They feature AMD’s Zen 5 architecture and second-generation 3D V-Cache technology. While they share several similarities, they differ in core counts, clock speeds, cache sizes, and thermal design power (TDP), which can influence their performance in various applications.
Comparison
Feature
Ryzen 9 9950X3D
Ryzen 9 9900X3D
Architecture
Zen 5 (Granite Ridge)
Zen 5 (Granite Ridge)
Cores / Threads
16 / 32
12 / 24
Base Clock
4.3 GHz
4.4 GHz
Boost Clock
Up to 5.7 GHz
Up to 5.5 GHz
L3 Cache
144 MB
140 MB
TDP
170W
120W
Socket
AM5
AM5
Memory Support
DDR5-5600
DDR5-5600
Integrated Graphics
Radeon Graphics
Radeon Graphics
Launch Price (MSRP)
$699
$599
*OS Support: Windows 11 – 64-bit Edition, Windows 10 – 64-bit Edition, RHEL x86 64-bit, Ubuntu x86 64-bit *Operating System (OS) support will vary by manufacturer.
Performance Overview
Ryzen 9 9950X3D: With 16 cores and 32 threads, this processor is designed for users requiring top-tier gaming and content creation performance. Its higher boost clock and larger L3 cache contribute to superior multitasking and rendering capabilities.
Ryzen 9 9900X3D: Featuring 12 cores and 24 threads, it offers excellent performance for gaming and general productivity tasks. Its lower TDP makes it more energy-efficient, which can benefit systems with thermal constraints.
A Liquid cooler is recommended for optimal performance, and the Maximum Operating Temperature (Tjmax) is 95°C.
Pricing and Availability
As of May 2025, both processors are available from various retailers and AMD. Prices may vary based on the seller and region. It’s advisable to check with authorized retailers for the most current pricing and availability.
Summary
Choose the Ryzen 9 9950X3D if you:
If you engage in heavy multitasking, content creation, or professional workloads that benefit from higher core counts.
If you desire the best possible gaming performance with future-proofing in mind.
If you are building a high-end system where power consumption is not a primary concern.
Opt for the Ryzen 9 9900X3D if you:
Your primary focus is on gaming and general productivity tasks.
Want a balance between performance and energy efficiency.
If you are building a system with thermal or power constraints.
Both processors offer exceptional performance, and your choice should be guided by your specific use case and system requirements.
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