AMD Ryzen 9 9900X3D Quick Review

Technology & Positioning

• AMD's Zen 5 X3D processor, the Ryzen 9 9900X3D, features 12 cores and 24 threads.
• Utilizes a Dual CCD design with 3D V-Cache on one chiplet.
• AMD improved their chipset drivers, including a new application compatibility database, to optimize 3D V-Cache performance.
• Focuses on high gaming performance and improved productivity workloads.
• Built using TSMC's 4nm process..

Performance

• The 9900X3D shows similar or slightly better application performance compared to the non-3D variant 9900X.
• The 9900X3D's gaming performance is significantly better than the 9900X, as expected, and sits between the 9950X3D and 7800X3D.
• ~12% faster than the 9950X and ~8% faster than the 14900K at 1440p.
• ~17% faster than the Core Ultra 285K at 1080p and 17% faster at 1440p.
• ~6% faster than the 7800X3D.
• Differences are minimized at 4K due to GPU bottlenecks.

Pricing and Value

• The 9900X3D's MSRP ($599) is considered high.
• The 9950X3D's MSRP ($699) is only slightly higher, but its current market price (~$880 at the time of writing) makes 9900X3D a reasonable alternative.
• The price difference at MSRP between the 9900X3D and the 9950X3D does not accurately reflect the performance difference.
• The 9800X3D offers superior gaming value.

Power Consumption

• TDP of 120W.
• Average application power consumption ~90W, peaking at ~160W.
• Gaming power consumption ~100W, similar to the 9900X.
• Higher power consumption than the 9800X3D (~75W).

Platform

• Compatible with all AM5 motherboards.
• Optimal memory configuration is DDR5-6000 1:1.
• Improved boot times on AM5 with recent BIOS updates.

Integrated Graphics

• Uses RDNA 2 integrated graphics, suitable for non-gaming tasks.
• Performance is similar to Ryzen 7000 series iGPUs.
• 3D V-Cache does not impact iGPU performance.

Pros

• Impressive gaming performance.
• Effective AMD chipset driver management of 3D V-Cache.
• Low operating temperatures.
• 3D V-Cache does not significantly increase power draw or heat compared to non-3D versions.
• Valid compromise between gaming and productivity at $600, especially with the 9950X3D's current inflated pricing.

Cons

• High initial cost and questionable value at MSRP.
• Limited benefit of 3D V-Cache in non-gaming tasks.

Conclusion

The AMD Ryzen 9 9900X3D delivers very good performance in both gaming and applications, leveraging its 3D V-Cache and Zen 5 architecture. While its MSRP is high, it offers strong performance, particularly in CPU-limited gaming scenarios. Its efficiency and thermal performance are also noteworthy, making it a strong contender for high-end builds. However, for users primarily focused on gaming, the 9800X3D offers better value. For application-heavy workloads, the 9900X provides almost identical performance at a lower price. Compared to the currently overpriced 9950X3D, the 9900X3D offers a reasonable balance between gaming and application performance.

For Ryzen 9 9900X3D specifications go to Ryzen 9 9900X3D page.

To compare Ryzen 9 9900X3D with other processors go to CPU Tables or CPU Charts.