AMD officially lifted the curtain on its next-generation Ryzen 9000 Desktop CPUs last year. The CPUs use the brand-new Zen 5 core architecture. The next-generation lineup brings some drastic changes, so here are the full specs, benchmarks, and the latest prices as of 2026. [Updated - 2/20/2026]
AMD Ryzen 9000 'Zen 5' Desktop CPUs, 4nm Upgraded Architecture For The AM5 Platform
Our Reviews:
- Ryzen 9 9950X3D
- Ryzen 7 9850X3D
- Ryzen 7 9800X3D
- Ryzen 9 9950X
- Ryzen 9 9900X
- Ryzen 7 9700X
- Ryzen 5 9600X
It's been almost three years since AMD first introduced its AM5 platform alongside a brand new CPU family, which we all know as Ryzen 7000 "Raphael". These chips delivered impressive gains on the single- and multi-threaded fronts while enabling higher efficiency than Intel's 13th & 14th Gen CPUs.
The company soon followed the launch with its new 3D V-Cache parts, the Ryzen 7000X3D family, which extended the SKUs range in the 12 and 16-core territory, offering another level of uplift for gamers. Now, the AMD Ryzen 9000 Desktop CPUs, codenamed Granite Ridge, offer a full stack replacement, with X3D & Non-X3D options.
AMD Ryzen 9000 'Zen 5' Desktop CPU Features:
- Up To 16 Zen 5 Cores and 32 Threads
- Up To 16% IPC Improvement With Zen 5
- Brand New TSMC 4nm process node with 6nm IOD
- 2nd Generation 3D V-Cache architecture
- Up To 23% Faster Gaming Performance Versus Intel 14th Gen
- Up To 56% Faster Multi-Thread Performance Versus Intel 14th-gen
- Support on All Existing AM5 Platforms With LGA1718 Socket
- 800-Series Motherboard Introduction (X870E/X870)
- Faster Dual-Channel DDR5 Memory Support
- Up To DDR5-5600 Native (JEDEC) Speeds
- 28 PCIe Gen5 Lanes (CPU Exclusive / 24 Usable)
- 65W-170W TDPs
The AMD Ryzen 9000 Desktop CPU family, codenamed Granite Ridge, is based on the latest Zen 5 core architecture and targets high-performance Gaming PCs. The family brings a range of new features, with the Zen 5 cores being the highlight, while being supported on existing and upcoming AM5 platforms with improved I/O and DDR5 memory support.
Ryzen 9000 CPU Chip Shot:
AMD Zen 5 Core Architecture - Further Tweaking The Zen Architecture For A 16% IPC Uplift
So before we talk about the Ryzen 9000 Desktop CPU family, we first take a glance at the new and improved Zen 5 core architecture, which offers:
- Improved branch prediction accuracy and latency
- Higher throughput with wider pipelines and vectors
- Deeper window size across the design for more parallelism
In several aspects, the AMD Zen 5 core architecture offers up to a 2x increase, such as the Instruction Bandwidth for the front-end instructions, data bandwidth (L2 to L1 and L1 to FP), and AI perf (AI & AVX512 Throughput). The Zen 5 CPU cores (CCDs) are based on the TSMC 4nm process node, while the IOD is based on the TSMC 6nm process node. They come in the same peak config of 2 CCDs and 1 IOD on consumer platforms.
These new changes have resulted in a significant IPC uplift, averaging 16% versus Zen 4. In certain cases, the Zen 5 core can reach up to +35% IPC, such as (Geekbench 5.4 AES XTS), and another key area that has been improved upon is the L2 and L3 cache structuring. AMD also made some significant changes to the IMC, which now result in much higher EXPO/XMP memory support, and the Infinity Fabric clock has been raised from 2000 MHz on Zen 4 to 2400 MHz on Zen 5, with DDR5-5600 speeds natively supported.
AMD Ryzen 9000X3D Desktop CPU Lineup
The AMD Ryzen 9000 series is split into two segments, the X3D and Non-X3D parts. The X3D parts feature the 2nd Generation 3D V-Cache technology, while the Non X3D parts retain the Zen 5 architecture but do not feature 3D V-Cache technology. AMD has so far released four 3D V-Cache offerings in its Ryzen 9000 stack: the Ryzen 9 9950X3D, Ryzen 9 9900X3D, Ryzen 7 9850X3D, and Ryzen 7 9800X3D. So let's take a look at the specifications of the 3D V-Cache lineup first.
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D CPU Specifications
Starting with the top SKU, we have the AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D CPU. This chip features 16 cores and 32 threads with two CCDs and a single IO die. The chip is configured similarly to the Ryzen 9 9950X but comes with a 3D V-Cache boosted CCD, offering up to 144 MB of total cache.
That's 64 MB from the Zen 5 CCDs and 64 MB from the X3D stack, including an additional 16 MB L2. Just like the Ryzen 9 9950X, the X3D variant will feature a maximum boost clock of up to 5.7 GHz while retaining all of its overclocking capabilities in a 170W TDP package.
Things we loved about the AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D CPU (Our Review)
- Multi-Threading Performance on par or better than 9950X
- Gaming Performance matches or exceeds the 9800X3D in several titles
- 8-Core 3D V-Cache Die
- Superb Efficiency & Temperatures
- Up to 5.7 GHz clock speeds
- Features full overclocking support
- Compatible With All AM5 Motherboards
AMD Ryzen 9 9900X3D CPU Specifications
Moving over to the second part, we have the AMD Ryzen 9 9900X3D CPU, which retains the same core configuration as the Ryzen 9 9900X with 12 cores, 24 threads, and 64 MB of L3 cache from its two CCDs, with one of those two CCDs equipped with a 2nd Generation 3D V-Cache stack, which boosts the total figure up to 140 MB.
This chip features a maximum boost clock of up to 5.5 GHz, which is 100 MHz lower than the 9900X but in the same 120W TDP package.
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D Desktop CPU
The AMD Ryzen 7 9850X3D CPU features 8 cores and 16 threads. The chip is packed with 32 MB of L3 and 64 MB of additional stacked X3D cache for a total of 96 MB L3, and 8 MB of L2 cache for a combined total of 104 MB cache. The chip retains the 120W TDP rating and is supported by all AMD AM5 motherboards with DDR5 EXPO support.
The major upgrade with the AMD Ryzen 7 9850X3D is the CPU boost clock, which now operates at 5.6 GHz, a 400 MHz boost over the 9800X3D. AMD said that the underlying 3D V-Cache and core are the same, and there's no process optimization. The 9850X3D is just a better bin, designed to further uplift gaming performance in desktop PCs. The CPU still supports PBO and manual overclocking, so users can expect an awesome gaming experience on new AM5 motherboards with specialized BCLK adjustment features to unlock even higher performance.
Things we loved about the AMD Ryzen 7 9850X3D CPU (Our Review):
- Fastest Gaming Performance Ever Recorded
- 8-Core 3D V-Cache Die
- Good Efficiency
- Up to 5.6 GHz clock speeds
- Features full overclocking support
- PBO & Lots of tuning options provide even higher performance
- Doesn't require fast DDR5 memory
- Compatible With All AM5 Motherboards
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D Desktop CPU
The AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D was the first Zen 5-based CPU to launch with the 2nd Gen 3D V-Cache technology. The CPU packs 8 cores and 16 threads, which is a similar configuration to the previous-gen Ryzen 7 offerings with a 3D V-Cache. The CPU has a base clock of 4.7 GHz and a boost clock of 5.2 GHz, which is a solid +500/+200 MHz increase over the 7800X3D, respectively.
The CPU comes loaded with 32 MB of L3 cache on the single CCD and a 64 MB 3D V-Cache stack, which lies underneath the CCD. This is part of the second-generation 3D V-Cache design that now matches the size of the CCD, removing the need for structural silicon. The 2nd Gen 3D V-Cache allows both chips to run cooler and offer great overclocking headroom besides the standard CO and PBO utilities. Each 2nd Gen 3D V-Cache CCD has direct cooler access versus the 3D V-Cache stack, which is less thermally constrained. Another new feature on the 2nd Gen 3D V-Cache CPUs is full support of overclocking while supporting the same 120W TDP.
Things we loved about the AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D CPU (Our Review)
- Great single-threaded performance
- One of the fastest gaming chips
- 8-Core 3D V-Cache Die
- Superb Efficiency & Temperatures
- Features full overclocking support
- Compatible With All AM5 Motherboards
The best part about the AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D CPU, besides its gaming performance & efficiency, is the fact that AM5 users can easily do a drop-in upgrade without having to replace motherboards or memory. Users who invested in the AM5 platform two years ago can make an easy upgrade without worrying about compatibility issues.
Ryzen 9000X3D vs Ryzen 7000X3D CPU Specs:
| CPU Name | Architecture | Cores / Threads | Base / Boost Clock | Cache | Graphics (Integrated) | Memory Support | TDP | Price (MSRP) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ryzen 9 9950X3D | Zen 5 | 16/32 | 4.3 / 5.7 GHz | 128 MB L3 + 16 MB L2 | 2 x RDNA 2 CUs | DDR5-5600 | 170W | $699 |
| Ryzen 9 7950X3D | Zen 4 | 16/32 | 4.2 / 5.7 GHz | 128 MB L3 + 16 MB L2 | 2 x RDNA 2 CUs | DDR5-5200 | 120W | $699 |
| Ryzen 9 9900X3D | Zen 5 | 12/24 | 4.4 / 5.5 GHz | 128 MB L3 + 12 MB L2 | 2 x RDNA 2 CUs | DDR5-5600 | 120W | $599 |
| Ryzen 9 7900X3D | Zen 4 | 12/24 | 4.4 / 5.6 GHz | 128 MB L3 + 12 MB L2 | 2 x RDNA 2 CUs | DDR5-5200 | 120W | $599 |
| Ryzen 7 9850X3D | Zen 5 | 8/16 | 4.7 / 5.6 GHz | 96 MB L3 + 8 MB L2 | 2 x RDNA 2 CUs | DDR5-5600 | 120W | $499 |
| Ryzen 7 9800X3D | Zen 5 | 8/16 | 4.7 / 5.2 GHz | 96 MB L3 + 8 MB L2 | 2 x RDNA 2 CUs | DDR5-5600 | 120W | $479 |
| Ryzen 7 7800X3D | Zen 4 | 8/16 | 4.2 / 5.0 GHz | 96 MB L3 + 8 MB L2 | 2 x RDNA 2 CUs | DDR5-5200 | 120W | $449 |
AMD Ryzen 9000 Desktop CPU Lineup
The Non X3D lineup is composed of four primary role chips: These include the Ryzen 9 9950X, Ryzen 9 9900X, Ryzen 7 9700X, and the Ryzen 5 9600X. Let's take a look at the specifications of these chips.
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X 16-Core Desktop CPU
The AMD Ryzen 9 9950X CPU is the flagship offering with two Zen 5 CCDs and a single IOD. The CPU offers 16 cores, 32 threads, a base clock of 4.3 GHz, and a max boost clock of up to 5.7 GHz. It comes with 80 MB of cache (64 MB L3 + 16 MB L2) and has a TDP of 170W. Now, in terms of clock speed, while the boost clock is identical to the Ryzen 9 7950X, the base clock is slightly dialed down by -200 MHz, but we can expect a lot of efficiency coming out of this flagship product, especially in terms of multi-threaded performance.
Things we loved about the AMD Ryzen 9 9950X CPU (Our Review)
- Strong MT & ST Performance
- 16 cores & 32 threads
- Compatible With All AM5 Motherboards
- One of the fastest gaming chips
- 64 MB of onboard L3 cache
- Superb Efficiency & Temperatures
- Features full overclocking support
The AMD Ryzen 9 9950X also packs 3 chiplets, two of which are the Zen 5 CCDs, each with 8 cores, 16 threads, and 32 MB of L3 cache while the third chiplet is the IO die or IOD which is based on the TSMC 6nm process node is nearly identical to the IOD we saw on the Ryzen 7000 chips but with a few minor adjustments. The IOD retains the same 2 compute units based on the RDNA 2 graphics architecture and comes clocked at 2200 MHz. The CPU comes with full support for overclocking on the CPU, & memory, & has all tech support for PBO2, Curve Optimizer, and support within the Ryzen Master utility. AMD also recommends a liquid cooler for optimal performance with this behemoth.
AMD Ryzen 9 9900X 12-Core Desktop CPU
Next, we have the AMD Ryzen 9 9900X CPU, the 12-core and 24-thread variant. This chip has a base clock of 4.4 GHz and a boost clock of up to 5.6 GHz with a 76 MB cache. The interesting thing with this chip is that it has a TDP of 120W, much lower than the 170W of Ryzen 9 7900X chips.
Things we loved about the AMD Ryzen 9 9900X CPU (Our Review)
- Strong MT & ST Performance
- 12 cores & 24 threads
- Compatible With All AM5 Motherboards
- One of the fastest gaming chips
- 64 MB of onboard L3 cache
- Superb Efficiency & Temperatures
- Features full overclocking support
AMD Ryzen 7 9700X 8-Core Desktop CPU
For the more mainstream users, AMD has the Ryzen 7 9700X which is an 8-core CPU with 16 threads, a base clock of 3.8 GHz, a boost clock of up to 5.5 GHz, 40 MB of cache (1 CCD with 32 MB L3 + 8 MB L2), and a low TDP of 65W which is also much lower than the 105W TDP featured on its predecessor, the Ryzen 7 7700X.
The Ryzen 7 7700X has a 105W part, while the AMD Ryzen 7 9700X has a 65W part, which is almost half its TDP, and that means that the clocks do take a slight bit of a hit with the base clock being -700 MHz lower, but the boost clock is rated at +100 MHz. For the 65W SKUs, AMD recommends using a premium air cooler for optimal performance, but even with such a low TDP, AMD is making sure that enthusiasts don't miss out on the OC and tuning features, as the Ryzen 7 and Ryzen 5 chips come with all the goodies as the higher-end Ryzen 9 SKUs based on the Zen 5 core architecture.
Things we loved about the AMD Ryzen 7 9700X CPU (Our Review)
- Decent ST & MT Performance
- Fast 8 Cores for gaming
- Compatible With All AM5 Motherboards
- 32 MB of onboard L3 cache
- Superb Efficiency & Temperatures
- Features full overclocking support
AMD Ryzen 5 9600X 6-Core Desktop CPU
Lastly, the AMD Ryzen 5 9600X CPU features 6 cores and 12 threads. This chip has a base clock of 3.9 GHz maximum boost clock of up to 5.40 GHz, and packs 38 MB cache and the same 65W TDP. Only the AMD Ryzen 7 and Ryzen 5 CPUs see a clock bump over their predecessor, while the Ryzen 9 chips retain the same clock speeds.
The AMD Ryzen 5 9600X sees a 100 MHz boost clock improvement over its predecessor, the Ryzen 7 76,00X, but comes with a lower base clock of -800 MHz.
Things we loved about the AMD Ryzen 5 9600X CPU (Our Review)
- Decent ST & MT Performance
- Fast 6 Cores for gaming
- Compatible With All AM5 Motherboards
- 32 MB of onboard L3 cache
- Superb Efficiency & Temperatures
- Features full overclocking support
Ryzen 9000 vs Ryzen 7000 CPU Specs:
| CPU Name | Architecture | Cores / Threads | Base / Boost Clock | Cache | Graphics (Integrated) | Memory Support | TDP | Price (MSRP) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ryzen 9 9950X | Zen 5 | 16/32 | 4.3 / 5.7 GHz | 64 MB L3 + 16 MB L2 | 2 x RDNA 2 CUs | DDR5-5600 | 170W | $599 |
| Ryzen 9 7950X | Zen 4 | 16/32 | 4.5 / 5.7 GHz | 64 MB L3 + 16 MB L2 | 2 x RDNA 2 CUs | DDR5-5200 | 170W | $699 |
| Ryzen 9 9900X | Zen 5 | 12/24 | 4.4 / 5.6 GHz | 64 MB L3 + 12 MB L2 | 2 x RDNA 2 CUs | DDR5-5600 | 120W | $499 |
| Ryzen 9 7900X | Zen 4 | 12/24 | 4.7 / 5.6 GHz | 64 MB L3 + 12 MB L2 | 2 x RDNA 2 CUs | DDR5-5200 | 170W | $549 |
| Ryzen 7 9700X | Zen 5 | 8/16 | 3.8 / 5.5 GHz | 32 MB L3 + 8 MB L2 | 2 x RDNA 2 CUs | DDR5-5600 | 65W/105W | $329 |
| Ryzen 7 7700X | Zen 4 | 8/16 | 4.5 / 5.4 GHz | 32 MB L3 + 8 MB L2 | 2 x RDNA 2 CUs | DDR5-5200 | 105W | $399 |
| Ryzen 5 9600X | Zen 5 | 6/12 | 3.9 / 5.4 GHz | 32 MB L3 + 6 MB L2 | 2 x RDNA 2 CUs | DDR5-5600 | 65W/105W | $249 |
| Ryzen 5 7600X | Zen 4 | 6/12 | 4.7 / 5.3 GHz | 32 MB L3 + 6 MB L2 | 2 x RDNA 2 CUs | DDR5-5200 | 105W | $299 |
AMD Ryzen 9000X3D CPU Performance (Gaming)
The AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D & Ryzen 9 9900X3D offer similar or faster content creation performance as their Non-X3D siblings. You can get around 5% faster MT performance out of the 9950X3D and 9900X3D, versus the 9950X and 9900X. With the 3D V-Cache boost, the chips offer stunningly high gaming performance, and that is valid for both average and "Low" FPS. Unlike the 7950X3D, which had a limited TDP envelope, the 9950X3D has the full 170W TDP and retains higher clock speeds, which gives the 9950X3D an edge, even against the 9800X3D.
Ryzen 9000X3D vs Ryzen 7000X3D 1080p Gaming Benchmarks
As for the Ryzen 7 3D V-cache chips, the Ryzen 7 9850X3D & Ryzen 7 9800X3D sit at the top of our gaming charts, way past Intel's Core Ultra 9 285K. The CPU offers over double-digit gains across a range of games that we tested versus the 7800X3D and easily surpasses Intel's fastest Arrow Lake & Raptor Lake CPUs. The gaming performance being so great means that it's an easy recommendation from us to every gamer out there who is looking to enhance their PCs with higher gaming performance, and that is valid for both average and "Low" FPS.
The AMD 3D V-Cache chips based on the Zen 5 core architecture also offer spectacular efficiency gains over the previous gen, and disrupt Intel's entire CPU lineup with strong performance per watt all around.
AMD Ryzen 9000X CPU Performance (Application)
The higher-end Ryzen 9 9950X & Ryzen 9 9900X deliver around 15-20% performance uplifts in multi-core applications. In our 12-benchmark application tests, the Ryzen 9 9950X edged out the Core i9-14900KS in 4 tests while being on par with the flagship Intel offering. The Ryzen 9 9900X was faster than the Core i7-14700K in 6 benchmarks and even managed to outperform the 14900K in 4 tests, but in applications that love more cores, the Intel CPUs still have the benefit due to their higher E-Core counts, which result in a lead. In single-core applications, the Ryzen 9 9950X and Ryzen 9 9900X were close to 12% ahead of their predecessors on average.
The AMD Ryzen 7 9700X is a good 13% ahead of the Ryzen 7 7700X in multi-core apps, while the Ryzen 5 9600X is 15% ahead of the Ryzen 5 9600X in multi-core apps. The single-core performance varies from application to application, but we noticed that the chips would average out around 14.5% over the last-gen counterparts.
Ryzen 9000X Application MT Benchmarks
Now, for the gaming performance, the first thing that gamers will compare the two chips against is the Ryzen X3D and the Intel K-series SKUs. The AMD Ryzen 9 9950X ends up 15% faster on average, while the Ryzen 9 9900X ends up 12% faster on average, versus their predecessors in gaming tests.
AMD also states that the Ryzen 9000 "Zen 5" Desktop CPUs make for the ultimate content creator AI platform with a 100% uplift in graphics bandwidth, thanks to dedicated PCIe 5.0 lanes, which the current Intel lineup lacks, and a 20% AI acceleration in LLMs such as Mistral. Do note that AMD isn't incorporating an NPU on its Ryzen 9000 Desktop CPUs, but the new architectural improvements lead to better AI performance than the competition.
AMD Ryzen 9000 "Zen 5" Desktop CPU Pricing & Availability
As for pricing, the AMD Ryzen 9000 & Ryzen 9000X3D Desktop CPUs mostly followed the same pricing as the previous-gen offerings, with a few price adjustments made down the road. The following is what each SKU is priced at in terms of MSRP:
- Ryzen 9 9950X3D - $699 SEP
- Ryzen 9 9950X - $599 SEP
- Ryzen 9 9900X3D - $599 SEP
- Ryzen 7 9850X3D - $499 SEP
- Ryzen 7 9800X3D - $479 SEP
- Ryzen 9 9900X - $469 SEP
- Ryzen 7 9700X - $329 SEP
- Ryzen 5 9600X - $249 SEP
You can buy the AMD Ryzen 9000 Desktop CPUs through these retailers:
The AMD Ryzen 9000 Desktop CPUs launched in July 2024, followed by 3D V-Cache offerings in October 2024 and March 2025. Overall, the Ryzen 9000 CPUs based on the new Zen 5 core architecture look very impressive for PC builders, games and enthusiasts.
FAQ
What is the difference between the X3D and Non-X3D Ryzen CPUs?
The AMD Ryzen X3D CPUs feature a single die stacked with 3D V-Cache, which helps with gaming performance. The Ryzen 3D V-Cache lineup is perfectly suited for gamers. As for the Non-X3D parts, they do have better value, and still offer good gaming performance backed by great ST/MT capabilities. It is advised that overclockers should go for the non-X3D parts despite the X3D chips supporting overclocking. This is due to certain thermal & power limitations that might affect the 3D V-Cache chips versus the Non-X3D parts.
What is the best chip for gaming and the best chip for multi-threading in AMD's lineup?
As of right now, the AMD Ryzen 7 9850X3D is the fastest chip for gaming only. But given the price drops on the 9800X3D, that makes this chip an even better value than the new 9850X3D. In MT, the Ryzen 9 9950X offers great performance, the X3D boosted 9950X3D also comes close, but then again, it costs more too.
