Ryzen 7 9850X3D finally revealed
AMD has officially confirmed the long rumored Ryzen 7 9850X3D, adding another CPU to its lineup of gaming focused desktop chips. This processor uses AMD’s 3D V Cache technology, which stacks extra cache on top of the core to boost game performance, especially in titles that love lots of fast memory close to the CPU.
On paper, a new X3D chip should be exciting news for PC gamers and hardware enthusiasts. Previous models like the Ryzen 7 7800X3D quickly became favorites for high frame rate gaming builds thanks to strong performance per watt and excellent results in CPU limited games. Naturally, people expected the 9850X3D to be a clear step forward.
However, AMD’s own early benchmarks tell a more cautious story. Instead of huge performance leaps, the numbers point to modest gains that may not impress everyone who was hoping for a major upgrade.
What AMD’s benchmarks suggest
AMD typically showcases its new CPUs with a set of internal benchmarks that highlight strengths in gaming and productivity. With the Ryzen 7 9850X3D, these official results appear less dramatic than many enthusiasts expected from a next generation X3D part.
While detailed charts and game lists will vary, the general takeaway is that:
- Performance uplift over previous X3D chips looks relatively small in AMD’s own tests.
- In some scenarios the gains over existing Ryzen gaming CPUs appear to be within a few percent, not a massive jump.
- This suggests that architecture tweaks and clock changes are more incremental than transformative for gaming performance.
For PC gamers, that means the 9850X3D is unlikely to redefine the high end gaming landscape on its own. It may offer slightly better performance, or better efficiency in certain titles, but it does not look like the kind of must upgrade CPU that completely outclasses older X3D models.
It is also important to remember that vendor supplied benchmarks are usually the most favorable numbers you will see for any new product. If even AMD’s handpicked results look underwhelming, real world third party reviews may end up showing even smaller differences in everyday gaming.
What this means for PC builders and gamers
If you are planning a new gaming PC or considering a CPU upgrade, the early picture painted by AMD’s benchmarks has some practical implications.
First, if you already own a strong gaming chip like a Ryzen 7 7800X3D or a comparable high end CPU from the current generation, the Ryzen 7 9850X3D might not deliver a night and day improvement. The frame rate gains in most games could be small enough that you would barely notice them without running side by side benchmarks.
Second, the value story will matter a lot. If AMD prices the 9850X3D much higher than existing X3D models, many gamers might prefer to stick with slightly older but still very powerful CPUs that offer better price to performance. On the other hand, if launch pricing is aggressive and older models drop in cost, the entire Ryzen gaming stack could become more attractive for new builders.
Third, this situation highlights a broader trend in modern PC hardware. As CPUs become more advanced, generation to generation performance gains often shrink, especially in real world gaming. Many modern games are still more limited by the graphics card than the processor at common resolutions like 1440p and 4K. That means a high end GPU upgrade can sometimes have a much larger impact on your experience than moving from one fast gaming CPU to another slightly faster one.
Finally, even if the raw performance uplift is modest, there are still reasons some users might be interested in the Ryzen 7 9850X3D once full specifications and reviews are available. It could offer improvements in power efficiency, thermals, or specific workloads that do not show clearly in early gaming charts. People building compact systems, or those who want the latest platform features, may still find it appealing.
For now, though, the key message from AMD’s own benchmarks is clear. The Ryzen 7 9850X3D looks like an evolution rather than a revolution for PC gaming CPUs. Enthusiasts should wait for independent testing before making big upgrade decisions, and many existing high end Ryzen owners can probably relax knowing their current chips are still very competitive.
Original article and image: https://www.tomshardware.com/pc-components/cpus/amds-ryzen-7-9850x3d-promises-7-percent-uplift-over-ryzen-7-9800x3d-amd-fights-itself-with-new-fastest-gaming-processor
