EXTRAS
AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D, review, the best CPU for gaming in 2023?
Arrived today on the market, we offer you the review of the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3Dthe variant with L3 3D cache Focused on improving gaming performance. keeps the 16 cores and 32 threads of the original model and the maximum speed of 5.7GHz for one of its cores, although it lowers the turbo frequency to 4.2 GHz. obviously, it also maintains the AM5 socket and therefore the compatibility with the DDR5 memories and with the interface PCIe Gen5.
AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D Technical Specifications
| AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D | |
| Socket | AM5 |
| Architecture | AMD Zen 4 |
| Fabrication process | TSMC 5nm FinFET |
| Cores / Threads | 16 cores / 32 threads |
| Basis Frequency | 4.2GHz |
| turbo frequency | 5.7GHz |
| Cache | L2: 16MB L3: 128MB |
| integrated graphics | AMD Radeon Graphics (2 cores) |
| Supported Memory | DDR5-5200 Dual-Channel AMD EXPO Technology |
| PCIe | PCIe 5.0 x16 |
| Maximum temperature | 89ºC |
Packaging and Accessories
As the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D of this review has reached our hands not by AMD, as it should be, but by other means, it has arrived without the external packaging and we can only show the blister that ends up protecting it.
AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D
We begin the review of the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D facing the processor to see how it maintains the LGA design which was chosen for the entire 7000 series.
With dimensions of 40 x 40 mm, it also has the 8-arm package that we already know from its brother 7950X, as well as 1718 connection pins to the AM5 socket.
16 cores and 32 processing threads
Again, like the Ryzen 9 7950X, the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D is composed of what 16 coreswhich in turn offer 32 threads. These start from a 4.2 GHz base frequency to reach a 5.7 GHz boost frequency, although only for one of them. But the real novelty in this 3D model is that it has 128MB L3 cachedouble that of the original model, maintaining the 16MB L2 cache.
120W TDP, 230W PPT
In the same way, keep the 120W PTOalthough it is reduced the PPT at 162W compared to the 230W of the original model. That is, the maximum consumption of the entire processor must not exceed 162W. Nor should the temperature exceed 89 ºC, AMD itself recommending a dual liquid, at least, to cool it.
PCI-Express Gen5 interface
Introduced with platform Zen 4also offers the interface PCI Express Gen5 with up to 28 lines, so in addition to the x16 slot for the graphics card we can connect a PCIe Gen5 SSD unit without problems.
DDR5 and AMD EXPO memories
In the same way, keeping compatibility with DDR5 memories and with the memory profiles AMD EXPO (EXtanded Profiles for Overclocking).
test equipment
To analyze processor performance AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3Dwe have assembled the following test equipment:
- Bench table Banchetto 101
- Esports Extrasbyte X670 AORUS ELITE AX Motherboard (BIOS F7b – AGESA 1.0.0.5 C)
- Memory RAM CORSAIR DOMINATOR PLATINUM RGB DDR5 for AMD @ 6000 MHz CL30
- MSI MEG CoreLiquid S360 Liquid Cooling
- Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 Ti graphics card
- Font Be Quiet! Straight Power 11 1000W
- Windows 11 Pro Operating System
AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D Benchmarks
Benchmarks – Synthetic Tests
Below, we show you the results of the performance tests carried out on this and other processors in Cinebench 23 (rendering), CPU-Z, x264 Benchmark (encoding), 3DMark CPU Profile (calculation).
After them, we can see how the performance drops by around 6-8% compared to the original model in this type of task, although as we will see later, its consumption also does significantly.
DDR5 memory performance
One aspect where it stands out remarkably is in the management of RAM memory, since we went from rates of about 75 GB/s to rates of between 93/120GB/s. It’s a drastic improvement that puts it even ahead of Intel in this regard, while the classic models are quite a bit behind. Of course, the latency of the memories is not as good as in other models, although it is still better than that of Intel.
Testing in Games
Focusing now on games, we make a first approximation with 3DMark Time Spywhere it sits below Intel’s i9, but a step above the Ryzen 9 7950X.
In practice, in games, we have been able to verify how it offers better performance than its maximum rival, the Intel Core i9-13900K. It is true that the differences are really small, and they were before, but now they are in favor of AMD and not Intel.
Temperature and Consumption
An aspect where the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D It also improves the original model is in consumption and temperatures. With a 100W consumption, we are facing a really efficient processor, consuming almost half that of the original model and much less than half that of the 13900K. In the same way, their temperatures are more controlled, around 80ºC at full capacity, which usually goes hand in hand with consumption.
Conclusion
After reviewing the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D, this CPU leaves a very good taste in our mouths, and it has not been for trying a new thermal paste. AMD has chosen to contain the TDP and with it the maximum frequencies, something that makes the processor lose some power in rendering or calculation tasks. However, for games, it is not a problem and thanks to the L3 cache they get extra performance, which is what was sought with this processor.
We can find it tomorrow for sale at a recommended price of 839.95 euros. A really high price for a processor that does not offer a radical improvement either, but if the best gaming performance on the market. Who always wants the best, that has to pay. Now each one decides if that is worth it or not.
| Main advantages | |
| + | Maximum gaming performance |
| + | Great performance for other tasks, but not a leader |
| + | Very high memory read/write rates |
| + | Excellent consumption for its benefits |
| + | Controlled temperature at 80 ºC |
| + | Compatible with DDR5 and PCIe Gen5 |
| Negative Aspects | |
| – | High price |
| Other Aspects | |
| * | Requires a double or triple liquid |
From The Computer Tinkerer we grant him the Gold Award to the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D.
