AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D Review

Memory cache is an essential piece of any modern-day processor. By substantially increasing the amount of cache on some of its processors, AMD hopes to gain a large enough performance boost to outpace the competition. With the Ryzen 9 7950X3D, AMD's first "Zen 4"-architecture processor to feature its 3D V-Cache technology, this effort has been less than successful. Though the increase in cache size be beneficial, and it proves extremely so for the Ryzen 9 7950X3D in one unexpected area (integrated graphics performance!), it doesn’t help with all kinds of computing tasks, and it does come with some drawbacks. Of course, the big application for the 3D V-Cache chips is gaming. AMD touts the Ryzen 9 7950X3D as a superior gaming processor, and it does show some modest frame-rate advantages at lower resolutions in some games, but it's no slam-dunk. The 7950X3D is an excellent CPU taken in isolation, but its starting MSRP of $699 leaves it overshadowed by AMD’s own Ryzen 9 7950X and Inte...

AMD's Ryzen 9 7950X3D is a speedy AM5 processor, but its added cache doesn't do enough to justify its effective price premium. Current Core i9 chips, and AMD's own 7950X, tamp down its relative value.

Large 128MB pool of L3 cache; Top-shelf gaming performance with discrete card; Energy efficient; Powerful IGP performance

Lower performance in CPU-specific tests than cheaper counterpart; High relative pricing; Heat issues

Ryzen 9 7950X3D review: AMD’s monster gaming CPU works like a pro, too

The Ryzen 7 5800X3D, AMD’s first 3D V-Cache processor, launched last summer. Layered with additional L3 cache, it was a gaming monster, but limited to the single 8-core offering. When AMD’s own Ryzen 7000 series chips and Intel’s impressive 13th-generation Raptor Lake parts launched last fall, the 5800X3D still held its own against them in games, but lagged significantly in workstation tasks that lean heavily on more cores.