Along with the Ryzen 7 9850X3D, there’s another high-end Ryzen processor on the way from AMD, at least according to a new rumor circulating online. It’s said to be called the Ryzen 9 9950X3D2, an obvious upgrade to AMD’s existing flagship CPU, the 9950X3D. The ‘2’ at the end of this SKU doesn’t just mean it’s a sequel – it’s likely a reference to a dual 3D V-Cache configuration.

AMD’s X3D innovation for Ryzen chips has helped transform the series by producing some of the best CPUs for gaming we’ve ever seen. X3D refers to stacked 3D V-Cache that helps cram in as much L3 Cache as possible. A dual 3D V-Cache config would set the bar even higher, and the new SKU is rumored to feature 192MB of L3 Cache.

Ryzen 9 9950X3D2 rumored to have 64MB more L3 Cache

Like the 9850X3D rumor, this news comes from known hardware leaker ‘chi11eddog’, who previously mentioned the 192MB spec. This time, they’ve leaked the supposed names of the upcoming chips.

If this rumor holds true, the processor would be the first of its kind for consumer desktops, coming after plenty of speculation about the next logical step for X3D desktop CPUs. Intel still hasn’t announced an equivalent to challenge its main rivals, despite its “refocus on engineering” earlier this year with the introduction of CEO Lip-Bu Tan. In any case, here’s how the specs compare:

There are some pretty notable changes here, namely in the L3 Cache and TDP (Thermal Design Power). The boost clock speed has also been altered, but by a fairly negligible amount, and the base clock remains unchanged. The really interesting part is the additional 64MB of L3 Cache. That’s an even bigger jump (100% bigger) than we currently see when comparing the existing Ryzen 7 9800X3D and Ryzen 9 9950X3D.

The best explanation for this large upgrade, and indeed the ‘2’ in the SKU’s name, is the introduction of dual 3D V-Cache. AMD has previously used the dual design in its workstation and server-grade models; the AMD EPYC 9184X is a good example of this, featuring a massive 768MB of L3 Cache. This has evidently had an effect on the power draw, with the 9950X3D2 expected to require 200W. For reference, the EPYC 9184X data center chip has a default TDP of 320W.

About the Author

Jack Goodall

At PC Guide, Jack is mostly responsible for reporting on hardware deals. He also specializes in monitors, TVs, and headsets and can be found putting his findings together in a review or best-of guide.