AMD’s 3D V-Cache technology was something of an innovation for the company. Indeed, thanks to it, the company was able to offer the Ryzen 7 5800X3D, 7800X3D and 9800X3D, monsters in gaming. But when we talk about the Ryzen 9 9950X3D2, we’re talking about a monster with two 3D V-Cache arrays, one per CCD. On paper, it’s huge, with an impressive amount of cache, and you’d think performance would go even further, but in reality… Disappointing.
Ryzen 9950X3D2: nothing to write home about!
Sorted media?
We won’t go on for 107 years about how AMD handled the launch of its CPU. But clearly, not all the press had access to it, as was the case with previous Ryzen 9000s. Indeed, the company seems to have carefully excluded certain critical channels and media. GamersNexus and JayzTwoCents, for example, were not given a copy. The same goes for TechpowerUp, ComputerBase and HardwareLuxxx, for example. And that doesn’t bode well!
Hardly tangible gains in gaming, but more convincing gains in productivity!
Over time, X3D technology has forged a solid performance image in the video game sector. One might have thought that, with two CCDs equipped with 3D V-Cache memory, the Ryzen 7 9950X3D2 would avoid the random core management by the OS as was the case with the 7950X3D, for example, and that, by rebound effect, performance would improve. Well, no… Well, marginally.
According to Tom’s Hardware, on an average of 17 games, average FPS is up by 0.8%, while mini FPS is up by 1.3%. Of course, we’re comparing this with the Ryzen 9 9950X3D.
In applications, however, the gains are more interesting, as we’re talking about a 7 to 8% improvement. However, we’re not quite there yet, as AMD had promised gains of around 13%, depending on the case.
Rising power consumption and temperature!
But the main drawback of this processor lies in the nuisance it generates, especially in terms of power consumption. This increases significantly. One colleague measured power consumption rising from 216W to 240W, while another measured an increase of 60W and +72W at the plug at Club386.
Naturally, as temperature is closely linked to power consumption, watercooling kits are put to the test. We’re talking about 80°C under a Glacier One 360 from Phanteks, while Techspot measured a 5°C rise from 9950X3D to 9950X3D2.
And an ever-increasing bill!
But what hurts the most is the sale price of this processor, which stands at $899. This is AMD’s most expensive consumer CPU, more expensive than the FX-9590. Unfortunately, the addition of a second 3D V-Cache is certainly a technical feat, but in reality, the gains linked to this addition are unsatisfactory when the price component is taken into account!
