AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D2 could launch with 192MB of L3 cache, 200W TDP

[DragonSlayer101]

In context: Launched earlier this year, the Ryzen 9900X3D and 9950X3D quickly earned a reputation as two of the best gaming CPUs on the market, praised for their performance and efficiency. Following their strong reception and robust sales, AMD is reportedly preparing next-generation successors.

After an initial leak a few weeks ago, a new report appears to reveal key specifications for AMD's upcoming 3D V-Cache processors, rumored to be the Ryzen 9 9950X3D2 and Ryzen 7 9850X3D. According to prolific tipster chi11eddog, the "Granite Ridge Refresh" CPUs will use Zen 5 architecture while keeping the same core counts as their predecessors.

The flagship Ryzen 9 9950X3D2 reportedly features 16 cores and 32 threads, like the current Ryzen 9 9950X3D, but increases L3 cache to 192 MB from 128 MB. The chip runs at a base clock of 4.3 GHz and boosts to 5.6 GHz, with a 200 W TDP, 30 W higher than the 9950X3D's 170 W rating.

New Ryzen coming... 🧐🧐🧐
Ryzen 9 9950X3D2 - 200W, 16C32T, 192MB L3 cache, 5.6GHz/4.3GHz.
Ryzen 7 9850X3D - 120W, 8C16T, 96MB L3 cache, 5.6GHz/4.7GHz.

– chi11eddog (@g01d3nm4ng0) October 21, 2025

AMD is also developing the Ryzen 7 9850X3D as a more affordable option for mainstream gamers. The 8-core, 16-thread processor will run at a default clock of 4.7 GHz and a boost up to 5.6 GHz, with 96 MB of L3 cache and a 120 W TDP like last year's 9800X3D.

Prior leaks indicated that Granite Ridge Refresh will use Zen 5 CCDs manufactured on TSMC's N4 node. The chips feature AMD's second-generation V-Cache technology, which runs cooler and provides substantial overclocking headroom for gamers and DIY PC builders.

It is worth noting that all information about the next-gen X3D CPUs comes from unofficial sources, and like all unconfirmed leaks, should be taken with a pinch of salt. While chi11eddog is a well-known tipster with a solid track record, there is no way to verify the specifications without official confirmation from AMD.

Intel is also reportedly planning a 3D V-Cache – like technology to compete with AMD in the consumer market. Known as "bLLC" (Big Last Level Cache), the feature is a key part of Intel's latest Clearwater Forest server CPUs. Leaks indicate the company may extend it to its consumer Nova Lake lineup in 2026.

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AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D2 could launch with 192MB of L3 cache, 200W TDP

 

[NumberNine]

Soaking up 75 more watts than the original for higher clocks doesn't automatically make a better processor. The 9800X3D is the perfect balance.

 

[axiomatic13]

What is sad is the Microsoft implementation of the AMD PPM driver is tied to the stupid Windows 11 game bar. The Linux implementation is far superior and is not tied to some silly game bar, but in the kernel where it should be. We should all be collectively complaining about this to Microsoft/AMD.

 

[human7]

Soaking up 75 more watts than the original for higher clocks doesn't automatically make a better processor. The 9800X3D is the perfect balance.

There's 0 watts difference between 9800X3D and 9850X3D; 30 watts difference between 9950X3D and 9950X3D2. The 9950X3D2 is exciting because it's rumored to have 3D cache on both core chiplets, eliminating the main weakness of that chip compared to its little sibling.

 

[daffy duck]

Soaking up 75 more watts than the original for higher clocks doesn't automatically make a better processor. The 9800X3D is the perfect balance.

Where did that mythical 75W come from. That number is not mentioned anywhere in the article

 

[NumberNine]

Where did that mythical 75W come from. That number is not mentioned anywhere in the article

You're absolutely correct, I was off by 5.
It's not 75 watts more, it's 80 watts more.
I got this information by reading the article.

 

[GoldenGoat]

This looks like a great cpu for people with a lot of money to burn. It doesn't make sense financially for me though.

 

[havok585]

Soaking up 75 more watts than the original for higher clocks doesn't automatically make a better processor. The 9800X3D is the perfect balance.

if only you did not spread false info.

 

[NumberNine]

if only you did not spread false info.

I corrected my numbers above, they were low. The difference between 120 watts and 200 watts is 80 watts.

 

[antiproduct]

I corrected my numbers above, they were low. The difference between 120 watts and 200 watts is 80 watts.

That's comparing apples to oranges. A 8C CPU using 120W compared to a 16C CPU at 200W. So... not sure why you're making this comparison other than that the 9800X3D is fine for your needs?

 

[Mr Majestyk]

You're absolutely correct, I was off by 5.
It's not 75 watts more, it's 80 watts more.
I got this information by reading the article.

LOL, you need to stay on the meds. You patently did not read anything!
The 9850X3D's TDP does not increase, it stays at 120W, the 9950X3D3's TDP increases by 30W to 200W

 

[Rapob]

AMD will release this, just because some people will buy it at 799-999 dollars.

From a gaming standpoint, makes little sense and willl loose to 9800X3D still due to inter CCD latency.

Also, it will probably perform worse than 9950X3D in applications due to the lower clocks now. Which will look stupid on a marketing slide, probably the reason why AMD did not reveal this at CES.

9800X3D to 9850X3D was like a few percent on average and 9950X3D2 would look even worse overall.

Zen 6 is probably delayed or why would AMD bother. AMD is not in a rush tho, as Intel has nothing before Nova Lake anyway.

AMD should just release entire Zen 6 lineup (including X3D models) just before or around the same time as Nova Lake. No need to rush anything. AMD has the upper hand for now.

 

[HardReset]

Does not compute for me.

1. Socket AM5 TDP max is specified at 170W, PPT max 230W. Having 200W TDP means whopping 270W PPT. Anyway 200W TDP exceeds socket AM5 design guidelines and that makes claim very strange.

2. Compared against 9950X3D, 9950X3D2 features same base clock but 100 MHz LOWER max turbo. Good explanation is that usually that 3D cache chiplet is clocked lower but still 30 watts+ TDP sounds pretty extreme when only one chiplet actually needs to reach turbo speed and that with single core....