At the beginning of the month, AMD released the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, which became the fastest gaming processor and was received much better than the regular Zen 5 architecture models that premiered in August. In addition to the 9800X3D model, AMD is also preparing a twelve-core and a sixteen-core model for those who also need high multithreaded performance for activities outside of games. For those, it was speculated whether they would not have V-Cache on all CPU cores. Now we have the answer to that.
9900X3D and 9950X3D in January
And the answer is unfortunately no (or, unfortunately, at least for those who expected this solution). While there was a report on the TechPowerUp website some time ago, according to which the 12-core and 16-core V-Cache models were supposed to have chiplets under both CPUs, this was apparently less than speculation. It was a misunderstanding of the Chinese information that appeared on the Benchlife website, which itself did not claim anything like that.
That it was a mistake is now claimed by the fairly proven leaker Hoang Anh Phu. Accordingly, AMD already has the Ryzen 9 9900X3D (12-core) and Ryzen 9 9950X3D (16-core) scheduled for release in late January. It is possible that these processors will be revealed or announced already during CES 2025 at the beginning of the month, but the actual release with availability in stores will probably not be until the end of the month. So these processors are roughly two months away.
3D V-Cache still only has half cores
When asked if the processors will have additional 3D V-Cache on both CPU chiplets with cores, Hoang Anh Phu said no and the concept will remain the same as in the Ryzen 7000X3D generation. This means that one of the chiplets with half the cores (eight or six depending on the model) will have a 96MB L3 cache and its frequency will probably have a maximum similar to that of the Ryzen 7 9800X3D (officially 5.2 GHz, unofficially maybe 50-100 MHz more ).
The second chiplet with the other half of the cores will be ordinary, equipped only with a standard 32MB block of L3 cache. However, the cores in this chiplet will be able to go to a higher voltage and reach similar maximum clocks (5.6-5.7 GHz as non-X3D models).
Twelve-core and sixteen-core models in the Ryzen 7000 (X3D) generation
Autor: AMD
As in the previous generation, a software solution will be used to ensure that cache-friendly games are placed on the X3D half of the cores, while application software benefiting from a higher frequency will be able to run on standard cores – the goal is that you ideally have in terms of performance, the best of both worlds, which was not the case with X3D processors without this hybrid solution.
However, in order to function correctly, you need to have AMD chipset drivers installed, Windows 11 and the Xbox Game Bar, which is in charge of detecting games (and you can use it to manually switch the preference for a given program or game). We described it here:
Although this solution does not look elegant and symmetrical, in practice it is probably still more suitable than if the CPU were homogeneous with 3D V-Cache under all cores. Such processors would inevitably have lower performance in common single-threaded programs. Some tasks, such as technical calculations (which would have a total of 192 MB of L3 cache) would probably still be suitable, but there are probably not that many of them and they will probably be in the minority for ordinary desktop PC users. An option for clocked applications could be the Threadrippers 9000, which are said to also have models with 3D V-Cache. However, it will be quite an expensive alternative.
Even Ryzen processors with 3D V-Cache would probably be a bit more expensive if they carried 192 MB (96 + 96 MB) of L3 Cache. Equipping two chiplets with V-Cache would logically increase production costs. Thus, such a variant would again be somewhat less attractive in the gaming market, which is the primary target of the Ryzen “X3D”.
Source: VideoCardz
The Curious Case of AMD’s 9800X3D and the Future Ryzen Releases
Right, gather round, folks—because it seems AMD has dropped a bit of a bombshell that’s got everyone buzzing like a room full of caffeinated squirrels. They’ve just launched the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, and it’s being hailed as the fastest gaming processor on the market! Move over, Zen 5 architecture; there’s a new sheriff in town, and he’s packing more performance than a coffee-fueled marathon runner at a future-ready tech exhibition.
A Line-Up Fit for Gamers and Multitaskers Alike
Now, hang onto your hats, because AMD isn’t stopping there. They’ve got a couple of juicy additions lined up: a twelve-core and a sixteen-core model that promise to tickle the fancies of those who indulge in more than just virtual sword fights. That’s right! For all you busy-bees juggling gaming and “other activities” (like sharing cat memes, obviously), these models are geared up to deliver some serious multithreaded performance. But here’s the real kicker—there was speculation on whether they’d rock a V-Cache on all cores. The answer? Spoiler alert—a resounding “no.”
Bad News Travels Fast
To sum it up in a polite, British way—oops! It looks like there was a bit of a misfire in communication. Reports suggested that these upcoming models would feature chiplets with V-Cache across all cores, but that’s clearly not the case. Now, leaker Hoang Anh Phu has stepped forward to clarify—bless him! According to him, we can expect the Ryzen 9 9900X3D and Ryzen 9 9950X3D to hit the shelves by the end of January. A delicious little treat to whet our appetites at CES 2025, right?
The “Half-Cored” Dilemma
But here’s the kicker: When it comes to the V-Cache, we’re playing with half-measures again. Apparently, only one of the chiplets will sport that fancy 96MB L3 cache. The other chiplet? Just your run-of-the-mill 32MB block of L3 cache. It’s like showing up to a fancy dinner and realizing you’re only getting half a meal. Sure, it’s better than nothing—but is it really what you were dreaming of? Well, at least those cores can crank it up a notch, potentially reaching clock speeds reminiscent of non-X3D models.
The Balancing Act of Performance
And if you’re hoping for a smooth experience where cache-friendly games frolic on the X3D cores while the fancy apps prance on the regular cores, fear not! AMD’s got a software workaround to orchestrate this performance ballet. Just make sure you have the right chipset drivers, Windows 11, and the Xbox Game Bar installed. It’s a bit like needing a special tap for the fancy beer—but once you’re set up, the potential for explosive gaming experiences is there!
A Pricey Question of Cache
Now, let’s not ignore the price implications of all this. If AMD were to start equipping both chiplets with 3D V-Cache, you could bet your bottom dollar (or your last slice of pizza) that production costs would skyrocket faster than a kid on a sugar rush. Nobody wants to pay top dollar for a chip that might result in more performance headaches than happy gaming sessions, right?
So, while the Ryzen models with V-Cache sound all hunky-dory for diehard gamers, the reality check is that they might not be the appealing option for everyday users looking to dabble in gaming without selling a kidney.
Conclusion: The Future Looks Bright (With a Squeeze of Caution)
In closing, while the AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D waves the flag as the current champion, the upcoming Ryzen 9 models promise more tantalizing prospects on the horizon. Just be prepared to navigate the twists and turns of expectations, realities, and price tags. After all, in the world of CPU upgrades, one man’s dream is another man’s tedious spreadsheet—and let’s face it, no one got into gaming for Excel spreadsheets.
At the beginning of the month, Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) unveiled its latest powerhouse, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D processor. This new chip has quickly emerged as the fastest gaming processor on the market, earning accolades for its superior performance compared to the standard Zen 5 architecture models that were released just last August. Alongside the groundbreaking 9800X3D, AMD is also gearing up to introduce new twelve-core and sixteen-core models aimed at users who demand exceptional multithreading capabilities for tasks beyond gaming. Enthusiasts speculated on whether these upcoming models would feature V-Cache technology across all CPU cores; thankfully, clarity has now been provided regarding this matter.
9900X3D and 9950X3D in January
Regrettably, the answer to the V-Cache speculation is a resounding no, much to the disappointment of those eager for such advancements. Earlier reports from TechPowerUp had hinted that the forthcoming 12-core and 16-core models might utilize chiplets featuring V-Cache across both CPUs, but this notion has since been revealed to stem from a miscommunication of information originating from Benchlife, which ultimately did not make any specific claims regarding this technology.
Notably, the reputable leaker Hoang Anh Phu has now confirmed that AMD’s schedule includes the release of the Ryzen 9 9900X3D (12-core) and Ryzen 9 9950X3D (16-core) processors, tentatively set for late January. There is speculation that AMD may take the opportunity to unveil or make significant announcements about these processors during CES 2025 in early January, although availability in retail outlets is expected to follow later in the month. Consequently, consumers will likely have to wait about two months before these highly anticipated models become available.
3D V-Cache still only has half cores
When questioned on whether the upcoming processors would feature additional 3D V-Cache technology on both CPU chiplets, leaker Hoang Anh Phu reiterated that the design will mirror that of the Ryzen 7000X3D generation. This means that one chiplet containing half the cores, which could number eight or six depending on the configuration, will hold a substantial 96MB L3 cache, achieving impressive clock speeds potentially matching those of the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, pegged officially at 5.2 GHz, with unofficial benchmarks possibly exceeding this by 50 to 100 MHz.
The second chiplet, accommodating the remaining cores, will operate under standard specifications, containing just a 32MB L3 cache. Yet, the cores housed in this chiplet will be able to access a higher voltage, allowing them to reach maximum clock speeds of around 5.6 to 5.7 GHz, similar to non-X3D models.
As with its predecessor generation, AMD will implement a software solution that optimally assigns cache-efficient games to the X3D chiplet while allowing applications that benefit from boosted clock speeds to operate on the standard cores. This strategy seeks to maximize performance efficiency, capitalizing on the strengths of both architectures, a feature lacking in previous X3D processors without this hybrid approach.
However, deploying this hybrid setup requires users to have AMD chipset drivers installed, along with Windows 11, and the Xbox Game Bar, which manages game detection and allows for manual switching of program preferences. Though the solution might not appear elegantly symmetrical, it ultimately proves to be practical, performing better than an entirely homogeneous CPU equipped with 3D V-Cache across all cores.
Although the attractive theoretical prospect of having Ryzen processors equipped with 192 MB of L3 cache (96 MB per chiplet) exists, it is important to note that this would inevitably lead to increased production costs, making such a variant less appealing in the gaming market that primarily drives the development of the Ryzen “X3D” line.
Source: VideoCardz
What factors should buyers consider when evaluating the price and value of AMD’s upcoming Ryzen processors?
Rks suggesting even higher possible frequencies. The second chiplet, however, will stick to the standard 32MB of L3 cache, which feels like an opportunity missed for maximizing performance across both chiplets.
Optimizing Cache Performance
To ensure that gamers and creators can get the most out of their processors, AMD has implemented a software solution that allows the system to intelligently allocate workloads between the chiplets. This means that games optimized for caching can run on the chiplet with the V-Cache while other applications utilize the standard chiplet, ensuring a balanced performance profile. However, achieving optimal performance means users will need to keep their systems updated with the latest chipset drivers, run Windows 11, and have the Xbox Game Bar installed, which is like adding some extra seasoning to your dish—it enhances the experience, but it’s an extra step to remember.
Pricing and Market Considerations
As the expectation builds around these new Ryzen processors, potential buyers are keenly aware of the cost implications. While having the luxury of V-Cache on only one chiplet helps keep production costs in check, it raises questions about the overall competitiveness of the product in a market that demands high performance without breaking the bank. Based on current trends, it’s likely that these processors will come with a premium price tag, but AMD must be careful to strike a balance between perceived value and actual performance to avoid alienating its core audience.
In essence, while the Ryzen 9 9900X3D and 9950X3D promise to bring innovation to the table, budget-conscious gamers and professionals should brace themselves for a price range that may not be as accessible as they would hope. As always, the gaming market thrives on competition, and with Intel also looking to assert its dominance, it will be fascinating to see how AMD’s latest offerings shake up the landscape.
Final Thoughts
As we approach the launch of these exciting new processors, the AMD community is buzzing with potential and speculation. The Ryzen 7 9800X3D has already set the stage by raising the bar for gaming performance, but as with all things in tech, the real value is often found in the details. Whether you’re a gamer, creator, or casual user, the upcoming Ryzen models promise an exciting shift in performance dynamics but come with considerations regarding cost and practical implementation. Keep your eyes peeled, because the end of January is shaping up to be a significant date in the world of high-performance computing.
