AMD launches the Ryzen 9 9950X3D2. This processor particularly stands out for its dual use of AMD’s proprietary 3D V-Cache technology, relevant for cache-intensive workloads.
AMD succeeds its Ryzen 9 9950X3D with the Ryzen 9 9950X3D2 Dual Edition. This suite consists of two CPU chiplets, both with 104 MB of cache. This brings the total amount of cache for the desktop processor to a very solid 208 MB. 1,280 KB is the L1 cache, 16 MB is reserved for the L2, and the remaining 192 MB is the L3 cache.
The ultra-fast cache memory collects the data with which the CPU will work. The more data is ready in the cache, saving the CPU from having to wait for RAM, the more the CPU cores can operate at their maximum speed. A greater amount of cache memory therefore correlates with higher performance for many workloads.
200 watts
The CPU remains unchanged for this edition of the chip. AMD is planning sixteen Zen 5 computing cores, engraved with TSMC’s 4nm process. With a very solid TDP of 200 watts, this chip dissipates more heat. This is surprising, given that the maximum boost frequency decreases compared to last year: by 5.7 GHz to 5.6 GHz The base frequency remains the same at 4.3 GHz.
A 208 MB cache is not relevant for all workloads. More is better, up to a certain point where it doesn’t matter as much. With these chips, AMD is aimed at both gamers and graphics professionals. AMD highlights improvements of five to thirteen percent in benchmarks related to content creation and rendering, including Blender and DaVinci Resolve, compared to last year’s chip.
