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 models were supposed to have V-Cache under both CPU chiplets, 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 Revolution: Meet the 9800X3D and Friends!
Well, it seems like AMD has turned up to the gaming party with a spicy new platter! At the beginning of this month, AMD released the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, claiming the title of the fastest gaming processor. That’s right, folks, faster than your mate’s excuses for being late! And let’s just say, this chip has been better received than the plain old Zen 5 architecture models that strutted their stuff earlier in August. I mean, if the Zen 5 was a meal, it’d be a soggy salad; the 9800X3D is more like a flaming hot burger! 🍔🔥
But the fun doesn’t stop there! AMD is already prepping more goodies — two new models are coming your way, the twelve-core and sixteen-core siblings. Perfect for those who love multitasking, like gaming, streaming, and managing your cats’ Instagram accounts all at once. Just think, if only our brains had that kind of cache, right?
What’s the Deal with the 9900X3D and 9950X3D?
So, let’s get to the nitty-gritty! There was a rumor swirling around like a bad smell at a public restroom that the new 12-core and 16-core models would feature V-Cache on all CPU cores. And in a plot twist worthy of a soap opera, it turns out, that’s a big fat NO! Like a beleaguered magician trying to pull a rabbit out of a hat only to find it’s a rubber chicken — not quite the magic everyone’s after!
The honorable leaker, Hoang Anh Phu, has revealed that indeed, the Ryzen 9 9900X3D (12-core) and Ryzen 9 9950X3D (16-core) are set to make their grand debut by the end of January. Can you feel the excitement? Or is that just my caffeine kicking in? Either way, keep your eyes peeled at CES 2025 for what’s likely to be a tantalizing announcement!
The 3D V-Cache Dilemma
Now, here’s where we get a bit cheeky: the cores will still only have V-Cache on half of them! It’s like saying you can only ever go to half the fun parties — very rude if you ask me! So, if you’re expecting a full-on fiesta, well, you’re looking in the wrong cupboard.
According to our friend Hoang Anh Phu, the setup mirrors that of the previous Ryzen 7000X3D generation: one chiplet will have the fancy 96MB L3 cache while the other plays it old-school with a standard 32MB L3 cache. Now, the second chiplet will have the ability to ramp up the voltage and may hit dizzying heights of 5.6-5.7 GHz! I mean, why can’t all chiplets be equal? Sounds like high school all over again!
The masterminds at AMD are deploying a software strategy to ensure cache-friendly games utilize the high-tech cores, while other applications can benefit from the speedy chiplets. So what do you need to make this work? Just the usual: AMD chipset drivers, Windows 11, and don’t forget the Xbox Game Bar! Because who doesn’t want another bar to manage on your computer? 🎮
While the hybrid solution isn’t the sleekest design from AMD’s architectural sketchbook, it’s still more user-friendly than opening up your computer and flipping a coin for performance. As fate would have it, it might just be better than trying to cook a gourmet meal in a microwave — not that I’d know anything about that complex scenario.
Of course, if you fancy the idea of a desktop adorned with AMD processors with not just one but two chiplets lovingly equipped with V-Cache, I’ve got some sad news for you; it’ll ding your wallet. I mean, these babies won’t come cheap! But hey, if you want a top-tier gaming experience, what’s a little financial sacrifice in the name of fun, right?
So there you have it, folks! AMD is cooking up some sizzling new processors that will keep our gaming and multitasking dreams alive. Just remember to grab those drivers and that Xbox Game Bar and you’ll be set! Now, is it too early for a celebratory snack? 🍕
Source: VideoCardz
At the start of this month, AMD unveiled its high-performance Ryzen 7 9800X3D, quickly earning the title of the fastest gaming processor currently on the market. This state-of-the-art model has been met with overwhelmingly positive reviews, outshining the previous Zen 5 architecture models that debuted in August. In addition to launching the 9800X3D, AMD has ambitious plans underway to introduce models with twelve and sixteen cores, targeted towards users who demand exceptional multithreaded performance for professional tasks beyond gaming. There had been speculation regarding whether these upcoming models would feature V-Cache technology across all CPU cores, and now clarity has emerged on that front.
9900X3D and 9950X3D in January
Unfortunately for those anticipating a breakthrough, the response is a definitive no regarding V-Cache distribution across the cores of the new processors. Previous reports on techPowerUp had suggested that the upcoming 12-core and 16-core models would indeed incorporate V-Cache technology under both CPU chiplets, but this appears to have been a misunderstanding of Chinese sources that surfaced on the Benchlife website, which itself refrained from making such claims.
Respected leaker Hoang Anh Phu has now confirmed that AMD’s Ryzen 9 9900X3D (12-core) and Ryzen 9 9950X3D (16-core) are slated for release at the end of January. It is likely that AMD will unveil these processors during CES 2025 at the beginning of the month, but consumers may have to wait until late January for them to hit store shelves, making them just a couple of months away from becoming available.
3D V-Cache still only has half cores
Regarding the distribution of the 3D V-Cache, Hoang Anh Phu clarified that just like their predecessors in the Ryzen 7000X3D generation, only one of the chiplets—housing half of the cores—will include the enhanced 96MB L3 cache. This chiplet will maintain a maximum frequency similar to that of the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, officially rated at 5.2 GHz, with potential unofficial boosts of 50-100 MHz.
The remaining chiplet, which contains the other half of the cores, will not integrate V-Cache technology but will instead offer the standard 32MB L3 cache. However, cores within this chiplet will be able to operate at a higher voltage, allowing for maximum clock speeds in the range of 5.6-5.7 GHz, comparable to non-X3D models.
To maximize performance, AMD will utilize a software solution to ensure that cache-optimized games are assigned to the X3D chiplet cores, while applications that benefit from higher frequencies will run on the standard cores. This strategic allocation aims to deliver users the best of both performance worlds, effectively enhancing user experience and addressing the limitations observed in previous X3D processors that lacked this hybrid approach.
To ensure seamless functioning, users must have AMD chipset drivers installed, along with Windows 11 and the Xbox Game Bar, which is essential for game detection and allows manual preference adjustments for specific programs or games.
Although the implementation may not be the most symmetrical or straightforward, this strategy still appears more advantageous than a homogeneous CPU design equipped with V-Cache under all cores. Such a configuration would likely result in compromised performance with common single-threaded applications. Specific demanding tasks, such as technical calculations, could benefit from having a total of 192 MB of L3 cache at their disposal. However, given that such tasks are not the norm for typical desktop users, this approach could limit appeal.
Furthermore, leveraging Ryzen processors equipped with 3D V-Cache could also elevate production costs, making them a pricier option if they contained a total of 192 MB of L3 Cache (96MB + 96MB). This increase in costs may render this variant less appealing within the gaming-centric market that the Ryzen “X3D” models primarily target.
Source: VideoCardz
How do the AMD chipset drivers and Xbox Game Bar enhance the gaming experience on Windows 11?
D will utilize software strategies that ensure games and applications can effectively leverage these high-performance cores. Users will need to install AMD chipset drivers and be running Windows 11, alongside the Xbox Game Bar, which will assist in optimizing performance for gaming experiences.
While the architecture may not be straightforward from a design perspective, it offers a user-friendly alternative compared to having to manually fine-tune your system for performance. The decision to integrate only one chiplet with 3D V-Cache means that, although limited, the performance enhancements can still be significant, especially in cache-friendly gaming environments.
However, those looking for a processors with dual chiplets both featuring V-Cache will face a steep financial commitment, as these high-performance components typically come with a higher price tag. Nonetheless, for die-hard gamers and enthusiasts seeking top-tier performance, this investment might just be warranted.
AMD’s relentless innovation continues to push the boundaries of performance in gaming processors, with exciting prospects on the horizon. As we anticipate the upcoming Ryzen models and their unique cache configurations, it becomes clear that AMD aims to cater to both the gaming community and professionals alike, ensuring a solid future for their chip offerings. So, keep your eyes peeled for those mid-January releases, and may your gaming endeavors be ever thrilling!