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
AMD’s Ryzen Processor Revolution: Fastest Gaming CPU Yet!
Welcome, dear readers! Grab your snack and settle in because we’re diving into the digital egghead world of AMD’s latest processor releases. Yes, that’s right! This isn’t your grandma’s knitting club; we’re talking about the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, the speedster of gaming processors that has everyone buzzing like a caffeine-fueled squirrel. Released at the beginning of the month, it outshines its Zen 5 architecture predecessors released back in August. You know, the ones that looked good on paper but flopped harder than a failed stunt double?
Not Just a One-Trick Pony!
But wait, there’s more! AMD’s looking to spice things up with more cores than a popcorn machine at the cinema – a twelve-core and a sixteen-core model, perfect for the multitaskers among us. You may be wondering: “Will these new releases have V-Cache on all CPU cores?” Well, for those of you who might have been daydreaming about fully-loaded chiplets, I’ve got some not-so-great news for you!
9900X3D and 9950X3D Scheduled for Release
Our ever-reliable leaker friend, Hoang Anh Phu, has dropped the bombshell that the 12-core Ryzen 9 9900X3D and its 16-core sibling, the 9950X3D, will be hitting the shelves by the end of January. And of course, there’s a fair chance they’ll make their grand entrance at CES 2025 – you know, where dreams go to become fancy gadget announcements. However, don’t go sprinting to your nearest electronics store just yet; the official availability may lag behind the announcement.
3D V-Cache Status: Expect the Unexpected!
Ah, the 3D V-Cache! It seems that some assumptions might have been a bit premature. Hoang’s got our backs and tells us that not all chiplets will be born equal. While one of the chiplets will sport a respectable 96MB of L3 cache, its other half will be the sad cousin in the family photo – only sporting a basic 32MB. It’s like going to a buffet but realizing you only get to eat the stale bread! Hell hath no fury like a tech enthusiast scorned!
But fret not! Well, maybe just a little. The second chiplet can potentially soar higher than your Netflix binge-watching sessions. This chip can reach frequencies similar to the non-X3D models, clocking in at a remarkable 5.6-5.7 GHz. Thank goodness for small mercies, eh?
The good folks at AMD are using a software solution to make sure your cache-friendly games get VIP access to the X3D cores. Meanwhile, the applications that don’t need to be pampered, can be shoved onto those trusty but basic cores. Just make sure you’ve got the right drivers, Windows 11, and the Xbox Game Bar installed. Because what’s gaming without a bit of setup anxiety, right?
Costly Cache & Cryptic Future
Now, if you’re wondering whether these Ryzen chips are going to cost you an arm and a leg, the answer is likely, “Yes!” The reason? If you equip both chiplets with V-Cache, you’re going to skyrocket production costs like a caffeinated rocket scientist. So, it’s likely that AMD’s Ryzen “X3D” will primarily target the gaming market, which, let’s be honest, is as picky as a toddler at dinner time.
While some of you might be scoffing at the mere thought of chiplet inequality, let’s remember: it’s not about how many chips you have; it’s how you use them! And with the promise of an upcoming Threadripper 9000 series with 3D V-Cache, we might just need to brace ourselves for the price hikes of the decade.
So, there you have it – AMD’s processor saga continues, full of twists, turns, and tantalizing tech. Buckle up, gamers and creators alike; the race for the fastest gaming CPU is heating up!
Source: VideoCardz
At the beginning of this month, AMD launched the highly anticipated Ryzen 7 9800X3D, instantly earning the title of the fastest gaming processor available on the market. This latest offering has received rave reviews, particularly in comparison to the conventional Zen 5 architecture models that made their debut in August. Alongside the 9800X3D, AMD has ambitious plans for the future, as they are in the process of developing a twelve-core and a sixteen-core model to cater to enthusiasts who demand exceptional multithreaded performance for tasks beyond gaming. Speculation had arisen regarding whether the new models would feature V-Cache on all CPU cores, but now clarity has emerged on this matter.
9900X3D and 9950X3D in January
Unfortunately for those who were hoping for a different outcome, the answer is a definitive no regarding full V-Cache functionality. According to a recent report from TechPowerUp, there was anticipation that the upcoming 12-core and 16-core V-Cache models would incorporate chiplets across both CPUs. However, this information seems to have stemmed from a misunderstanding of Chinese sources posted on the Benchlife website, which did not assert any such claims.
Reliable leaker Hoang Anh Phu has clarified that AMD is, in fact, preparing to unveil the Ryzen 9 9900X3D (12-core) and Ryzen 9 9950X3D (16-core) processors, with an expected launch at the end of January. While these new models may be disclosed at CES 2025 early in the month, a full retail release is anticipated to lag until later in January, making these processors approximately two months away from being available to consumers.
3D V-Cache still only has half cores
In response to inquiries about the integration of additional 3D V-Cache across both CPU chiplets, Hoang Anh Phu firmly stated that this will not be the case. The design will maintain consistency with the Ryzen 7000X3D generation, where one chiplet housing half the cores (either eight or six) will feature a substantial 96MB L3 cache. Its operational frequency is likely to mirror that of the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, officially rated at 5.2 GHz, with potential unofficial enhancements of up to 50-100 MHz.
The second chiplet, containing the remaining cores, will consist of standard architecture, equipped solely with a 32MB L3 cache. Yet, the cores in this configuration are designed to handle a higher voltage, enabling them to achieve maximum clock speeds in the realm of 5.6-5.7 GHz, similar to non-X3D variants.
As with previous generations, AMD’s software strategy will ensure that cache-optimized games are allocated to the X3D chiplet, while applications requiring higher frequencies will effectively utilize the standard cores. This hybrid approach aims to strike an ideal performance balance, enhancing user experience, a significant improvement over earlier X3D processors that lacked such a capability.
Though the implementation is not symmetrical or particularly refined, practical performance benefits may outweigh aesthetic concerns. Opting for CPUs featuring only 3D V-Cache under all cores would likely degrade single-threaded performance. While specific tasks such as technical calculations could benefit from the prospective 192 MB of L3 cache, these use cases represent a minority among typical desktop PC users. An alternative featuring high clock speeds could be the anticipated Threadrippers 9000 series, which are rumored to also offer models with 3D V-Cache, albeit likely at a premium cost.
Even Ryzen processors equipped with 3D V-Cache could see increased price points if they were to include a total of 192 MB (96 + 96 MB) of L3 Cache across all cores. The dual chiplet configuration with integrated V-Cache would logically escalate production expenses. Consequently, such a model might become less appealing in the gaming sector, which represents the primary market for AMD’s Ryzen “X3D” line.
Source: VideoCardz
How do the rumored Ryzen 9 9900X3D and 9950X3D processors balance high cache capacities with production costs?
D to achieve impressive clock speeds, potentially reaching 5.6-5.7 GHz, similar to the non-X3D variants. AMD’s strategy appears to aim at balancing cache allocation and performance across chiplets, enabling enhanced gaming experiences while managing production costs effectively.
This innovative use of chiplets allows AMD to maintain its competitive edge in the gaming CPU market, where high-performance and efficient engineering are crucial. The dual-chiplet design means that while one chiplet offers significant cache size for gaming performance, the other handles non-cache-intensive tasks, ensuring versatility across various applications.
Despite the excitement and high expectations surrounding the Ryzen 9 9900X3D and 9950X3D, price concerns are likely to be a reality for potential buyers. As indicated earlier, the cost of manufacturing chips with high cache capacities may lead to a premium price point for these processors, particularly in a market where value for money is essential.
AMD’s releases plunge deeper into the realm of specialized gaming CPUs with the Ryzen X3D series. The careful engineering behind these processors illustrates AMD’s commitment to delivering top-notch performance while balancing the intricacies of chip production and market demand. For enthusiasts eager to upgrade, the upcoming models represent a tantalizing glimpse into the future of gaming hardware.
As excitement builds for CES 2025 and the subsequent releases, AMD’s innovation is undoubtedly heating up. Gamers, creators, and tech aficionados should keep their eyes peeled as we approach the impending launch dates, eagerly awaiting to see how these new processors stand up against tough competition in the ever-evolving landscape of gaming technology. Buckle up, everyone; it’s going to be an exhilarating ride!
