As the highly anticipated launch of the Ryzen 9 9900X3D and Ryzen 9 9950X3D CPUs approaches, the embargo on reviews has been lifted, allowing us to delve into the performance benchmarks of the Ryzen 9 9950X3D. This powerful processor is designed for Linux creators, developers, and enthusiasts who require top-tier performance for technical computing workloads. Featuring an impressive configuration of 16 cores and 32 threads, along with a substantial 144MB total cache, the Ryzen 9 9950X3D stands out as an exceptional desktop CPU.
In our review, we present around 400 Linux benchmarks that showcase the captivating performance and competitive power efficiency of the AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D. These benchmarks provide valuable insights into how this processor performs across various workloads in a Linux environment. The detailed analysis highlights the capabilities of the Ryzen 9 9950X3D, making it a strong contender for users focused on high-performance computing.
While both the Ryzen 9 9900X3D and Ryzen 9 9950X3D are set to launch tomorrow, it is important to note that AMD has not provided review samples for the 16-core Ryzen 9 9900X3D processor. However, I plan to purchase the Ryzen 9 9900X3D on launch day, pending availability. Keep an eye out for upcoming benchmarks and reviews of the AMD Ryzen 9 9900X3D later this week on Phoronix.
The AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D features cutting-edge technology with 16 Zen 5 cores delivering a base clock of 4.3GHz and a maximum boost clock of 5.7GHz. The processor includes a 16MB L2 cache and a total of 128MB of L3 cache, thanks to the innovative AMD 3D V-Cache integrated into its two CCDs. With a default thermal design power (TDP) of 170 Watts, this processor is also unlocked for overclocking enthusiasts.
The AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D is expected to become available worldwide on March 12, priced at $699 USD. In comparison, the standard Ryzen 9 9950X is currently retailing for approximately $545 USD. This pricing strategy positions the Ryzen 9 9950X3D as a premium offering in the Ryzen 9000 series.
My extensive testing of the AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D over the past few weeks has yielded excellent results in a Linux environment. With an updated BIOS, the processor is compatible with existing AM5 motherboards, and any recent version of the Linux kernel should ensure a smooth experience. Specifically, with Linux kernel version 6.13+, users can take advantage of the AMD 3D V-Cache Optimizer driver, which optimizes performance further. In this review, all CPUs were tested using default driver settings.
The benchmarking process included the following CPUs:
Ryzen 7 7800X3D Ryzen 7 9700X Ryzen 7 9800X3D Ryzen 9 7900 Ryzen 9 7900X Ryzen 9 7900X3D Ryzen 9 7950X Ryzen 9 7950X3D Ryzen 9 9900X Ryzen 9 9950X Ryzen 9 9950X3D Core Ultra 5 245K Core Ultra 9 285KAll benchmarks were conducted on Ubuntu 24.10 with the Linux 6.13 kernel, providing a fresh upstream kernel experience. The results of these tests offer a comprehensive look at the performance capabilities of the AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D on Linux, showcasing its potential for demanding tasks.
We thank AMD for supplying the Ryzen 9 9950X3D review kit, which has enabled us to provide these timely and insightful Linux performance benchmarks.