A new case of catastrophic CPU failure has emerged involving AMD's Ryzen 7 9800X3D processor, marking the latest in a series of reported incidents within the last few days involving high-performance GPUs and CPUs. The failure occurred during routine use when a system equipped with the 9800X3D and an ASRock Nova X870E motherboard suddenly shut down, resulting in visible thermal damage to both components. The incident is particularly noteworthy as the system operated under stock settings, with only AMD EXPO memory optimization enabled. The affected user, who has two decades of PC building experience, reported that the system had been operational for approximately 20 days before the failure, with no temperature anomalies recorded through HWMonitor during its operation.

The hardware was running the ASRock BIOS version 3.16. This case differs significantly from the previous AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D failure, where user error during installation was identified as the primary cause, with the user force-installing the CPU in the socket. The timing of the failure—during a low-intensity workload of streaming video content—further complicates the investigation into root causes. While isolated cases of hardware failure are not uncommon in the PC component market, this case may be the first one caused entirely by the CPU/motherboard combination, not user error. The user also faces uncertainty regarding warranty coverage, as the CPU and motherboard were purchased separately from different retailers. We hope the warranty case goes well, and the user gets a replacement!

German PC hardware retailer MindFactory sold an astonishing 25,625 AMD and Intel CPUs in January 2025. However, an honor falls to AMD this time, as Team Red has managed to capture as much as 92.16% (23,615) of all units sold by this retailer. Not only did it leave Intel with 7.84% (2010) of total units sold, AMD also beat Intel in average selling price, where AMD managed to keep ASP at 320 Euros, while Intel buyers were considering some less expensive CPU SKUs at 290 Euros. This has resulted in AMD's revenue share recording 93.45% at 8,300,674 Euros, while Intel left a smaller mark at 6.55% or 581,959 Euros. The best-selling CPU was AMD's Ryzen 7 9800X3D, sold in 8,390 units in January.

A detailed analysis of socket distribution reveals AMD's AM5 platform's overwhelming dominance, securing 18,410 units or 71.84% of total sales. The mature AM4 platform maintains a significant market presence with 5,205 units (20.31%), showing strong continued demand for AMD's previous-generation socket. Intel's LGA 1700, compatible with 12/13/14th generation processors, accounted for 1,745 units (6.81%), while their older platforms showed minimal market penetration. The LGA 1851 socket, supporting Intel's latest Core Ultra 200S processors, managed just 185 units (0.72%), with legacy LGA 1200 and LGA 1151 sockets trailing at 55 (0.21%) and 25 (0.1%) units respectively. AMD's latest platform market performance suggests strong consumer confidence in AM5's upgrade path and performance capabilities. This dramatic market share capture by AMD represents one of the most significant shifts in the desktop CPU market in recent years, particularly notable given the higher average selling prices at which AMD CPUs are now sold.

The leading system integrator iBUYPOWER, a company focusing on building high-performance gaming computers, is excited to announce that gaming PCs equipped with NVIDIA's GeForce RTX 50 Series GPUs can now be purchased starting today. Backed by iBUYPOWER's comprehensive warranty of three-years labor and two-years parts, players can literally change the game thanks to the RTX 50 Series video cards enabling all-new experiences and next-level graphical fidelity.

Powered by NVIDIA Blackwell, the all-new GeForce RTX 50 Series GPUs bring game-changing capabilities to gamers and creators. Equipped with a massive level of AI horsepower, the RTX 50 Series video cards enable new experiences and next-level graphics fidelity. Owners of these new GPUs can look forward to multiplying their in-game performance with NVIDIA DLSS 4, generating images at unprecedented speed, and unleashing their creativity with NVIDIA Studio.

AMD's Ryzen 9 9950X3D and Ryzen 9 9900X3D "Zen 5" processors are scheduled for launch around March time, with many a hardcore PC enthusiast salivating at the prospect of an increase in core counts over already released hardware—the ever popular Ryzen 7 9800X3D CPU makes do with eight cores (and sixteen threads). Under normal circumstances, higher core counts do not provide a massive advantage in gaming applications—over the years, Team Red's 8-core 3D V-Cache-equipped models have reigned supreme in this so-called "sweet spot." Many have wondered whether new-gen 12 and 16-core SKU siblings had any chance of stealing some gaming performance thunder—a recently published VideoGamer article provides a definitive answer for the "Granite Ridge" generation.

The publication managed to extract key quotes from Martijn Boonstra—a Team Red product and business development manager—providing a slightly tepid outlook for the incoming Ryzen 9 9950X3D and 9900X3D models. The company executive stated: "(our) new chips will provide similar overall gaming performance to the Ryzen 7 9800X3D. There will be some games that perform a bit better—if the game engine utilizes more cores and threads—and some games will perform a little worse (if the game engine favors a single CCD configuration), but on the whole, the experience is comparable." Boonstra did not reveal any details regarding forthcoming prices—the Ryzen 7 9800X3D has an MSRP of $479 (if you are lucky enough to find one)—but he hinted that finalized digits will be announced "closer to launch." He signed off with standard marketing spiel: "Ryzen 9000X3D Series desktop processors are perfect for gamers and content creators alike...whether you are already on the AM5 platform, on AM4 or another platform, these products are sure to impress."

A fake AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D processor was recently discovered through AMD's after-sales service inspection in China after a customer reported their CPU wouldn't boot. The counterfeit unit revealed several technical discrepancies that distinguish it from genuine processors, though these differences are difficult to spot without detailed examination. While authentic Ryzen 7 9800X3D processors use PCB number 33050, the counterfeit unit featured PCB number 32546—a designation typically associated with Ryzen 7000 series R7 or R9 processors. This suggests the counterfeiters may be repurposing older generation chips or PCBs to create fake 9000 series processors. The physical appearance of the counterfeit unit showed additional inconsistencies.

Genuine Ryzen 9000 series processors feature a distinctive blue PCB, while the fake unit displayed a dark green coloration characteristic of older models. Component patches adjacent to the PCB also failed to match the standard configuration of the Ryzen 9000 series. In a notable error, some counterfeit units were mislabeled as "Ryzen 9 9800X3D"—a model number that doesn't exist in AMD's product lineup. For comparison, legitimate Ryzen 7 9800X3D units can be identified by their blue-tinted PCB, while older models like the R9 7900X and R7 7700X feature dark green PCBs. The information was initially shared on Chiphell by sources within the PCB manufacturing industry, who provided side-by-side comparisons of authentic and counterfeit units. AMD's after-sales service has confirmed that processors purchased outside official distribution channels will not receive warranty support or service protection. Buyers should buy CPUs only thought official sale distributors to avoid such cases.

ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) today announced the arrival of the 2025 ROG G700 gaming desktop. Featuring cutting-edge silicon from Intel, AMD, and NVIDIA, this desktop is designed completely in-house using only ASUS and ROG components, thoroughly tested and validated in-house to offer gamers incredible performance and reliability. Using standard components and a tool-less chassis, the G700 makes future upgrades and maintenance a dream. High-efficiency airflow and liquid-cooling options keep the high-performance parts operating at their peak, and bold ROG flourishes make the G700 a perfect fit with any battlestation.

As a flagship brand, gamers expect the best performance possible from ROG. The ROG G700 easily lives up to that legacy, featuring either up to an Intel Core Ultra 9 processor 285K or up to an AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D processor, both capable of buttery-smooth framerates in the latest games. Backing up that CPU power, the G700 comes equipped with up to a NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 32 GB GDDR7, offering access to the latest software technology like DLSS 3.5 and Frame Generation for higher framerates and visual fidelity than ever before.

Recent sales data (nicely complied by VideoCardz) from one of the largest German retailers, Mindfactory, has revealed that the AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D processor has achieved higher unit sales than all Ryzen 9000 processors combined. Despite its later market entry, the eight-core 9800X3D CPU has reached 8,650 units sold, surpassing the combined sales of the earlier-released standard Ryzen 9000 processors. For comparison, the entire non-X3D Ryzen 9000 lineup, including the Ryzen 9 9950X, 9900X, Ryzen 7 9700X, and Ryzen 5 9600X, has accumulated fewer total sales through the same retailer. The flagship Ryzen 9 9950X alone accounts for just 780 units, while the Ryzen 9 9900X and Ryzen 5 9600X have moved 810 and 890 units, respectively, while the second-best selling 9000 series SKU was Ryzen 7 9700X with 2,510 units sold. However, the 9800X3D's market performance still falls significantly short of its predecessor. The previous generation Ryzen 7 7800X3D maintains a massive lead with 78,420 units sold through the same retailer.

AMD is preparing to expand its X3D lineup with several new models. The six-core Ryzen 5 9600X3D is scheduled for release, along with 12-core Ryzen 9 9900X3D and 16-core Ryzen 9 9950X3D variants expected later this month. Based on previous generation sales patterns, where higher-core models saw lower adoption rates, these upcoming high-end processors may face similar market dynamics. Of course, these sales figures are only a part of the story as Mindfactory is only a single retailer across a diverse set of sellers, so the complete market picture is unknown to anyone but AMD. PC upgrade cycles are a common bottleneck in new CPU sales, especially as consumers don't tend to upgrade their PCs every year with new CPUs and platforms. We have to wait and see how the market adapts to new X3D SKUs, and if the Zen 5 X3D CPUs can reach the previous generation fame among consumers.

MSI has unveiled a new performance-enhancing feature for its AM5 socket motherboards to improve DDR5 memory latency. Some latency issues that emerged following AMD's AGESA 1.2.0.2a microcode update, which added support for AMD's Ryzen 9000X3D processors, are now fixed. MSI has baked in its BIOS tuning to develop a new "Latency Killer" feature, which can be found in the advanced menu section, specifically within the overclocking submenu in BIOS of MSI X870E/X870 gaming motherboards like MEG X870E GODLIKE and MPG X870E CARBON WIFI. Users have three options to choose from: Auto, Enabled, and Disabled. While the default behavior of the Auto setting remains unclear, it is believed to be initially disabled to ensure system stability.

Recent benchmark testing of Uniko's Hardware using AIDA64 has demonstrated promising results, showing an eight nanosecond improvement in memory latency when the new feature is activated. The test was conducted using a Ryzen 7 9800X3D processor paired with an MPG X870E Carbon WiFi motherboard and DDR5-8000 CL38 memory, running in High-Efficiency mode at its maximum preset. Some Reddit users with AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D on MSI Tomahawk X870 reported seeing 10-12 ns improvement from enabling the "Latency Killer." MSI motherboards complement its Latency Killer feature with additional memory optimization tools in the BIOS, including EXPO / A-XMP profiles, Memory Try It presets, High-Efficiency Mode, and comprehensive manual overclocking options for enthusiasts seeking maximum performance.

Lexar late last week introduced the ARES DDR5-6000 CL26 memory kit. The kit is optimized for AMD Ryzen platforms, such as the recently launched Ryzen 7 9800X3D. It comes with an AMD EXPO profile for DDR5-6000 and tight timings, including a CAS latency of 26, or 55 ns. It also includes an Intel XMP 3.0 profile that enables the same timings. Typical DDR5-6000 kits tend to come with a CL of 30. Under the hood, the kit uses SK Hynix A-die DRAM chips, and a 10-layer PCB. The module features thermal pads for not just the DRAM chips, but also the PMIC. These transfer heat to a 1.8 mm-thick aluminium heatspreader that's crowned by a silicone diffuser for the module's lighting setup that consists of eight ARGB LEDs, with 13 lighting presets. The module comes in two color options—silver and black. The company didn't reveal pricing or availability information.

About a month ago, we reported about the AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D "Zen 5" processor with 3D V-Cache that is flying off the shelves, with scalpers trying to make a profit from buying the retail inventory. The processor continues to face widespread availability issues more than a month after its launch, though the company assures consumers that relief is on the horizon. "We are working diligently to get as much supply to market as possible, with more processors being shipped every week," an AMD spokesperson told Tom's Hardware. "We expect availability to get better as shipments ramp throughout the quarter." The CPU is not only hard to find but also proves to be one of the most sought-after processors on Amazon.

The supply shortage has created opportunities for scalpers, who are listing the processor at prices reaching $1,000—more than double its retail price. Even established retailers like Walmart have listed the chip at inflated prices, approaching $800. Adding to consumers' challenges, some third-party sellers have posted fraudulent listings, making it crucial for buyers to verify seller credibility. While major retailers like Amazon, Newegg, Best Buy, and B&H Photo maintain the official $479 price point when in stock, securing a unit at this price has proven challenging for most consumers. As the holiday season is here, AMD's promised production ramp-up is much needed, as gamers have been planning their upgrade months in advance and are in dire need of pushing the performance of their systems up another notch.

Unlike the Ryzen 7 9700X, which was off to a glacial start when it launched, the new Ryzen 7 9800X3D "Zen 5" processor with 3D V-Cache is flying off the shelves. This is the fastest gaming processor you can buy, and gamers want their best machines in place when the next generation of GPUs make landfall starting January 2025. As of this writing, the 9800X3D is out of stock on Newegg, Amazon, and Micro Center. The chip is, however, available through systems integrators and OEMs, who probably secured their inventory of the chip separately. A quick look over at eBay suggests that the 9800X3D is being scalped—the practice where individuals buy up inventory of the processor at retail prices, and re-sell it at a mark-up. We are seeing prices in the range of $670 to $800. There are probably limits to how high scalpers can price the 9800X3D, because at a high enough price, buyers could simply not be interested in the chip, and simply pick up a much cheaper 7800X3D, or the versatile 7950X3D, or even go Intel with the i9-14900K.

AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D will be available to purchase from today, November 7, 2024. The 8-core/16-thread processor features 3D V-Cache technology, and is based on the "Zen 5" microarchitecture. AMD has priced the 9800X3D at $480 (MSRP). The processor was reviewed by TechPowerUp yesterday, we conclude that it is the fastest processor for a gaming PC build, posting the highest frame-rates at any resolution. It is 12% faster than Intel's flagship Core Ultra 9 285K "Arrow Lake" processor at gaming (at 1080p), although the processor falls behind in productivity workloads due to its significantly lower CPU core count than other CPUs, such as the cheaper Core i7-14700K or Core Ultra 7 265K. The 9800X3D is only around 5% faster than its predecessor, the 7800X3D, at gaming, although it is 13% faster than the 5800X3D.

You can read all about the AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D in its TechPowerUp Review.

The latest update to CPU-Z, the popular system information and diagnostic tool, has rolled out comprehensive support for upcoming processor architectures from both AMD and Intel, along with new memory standards. Among the notable additions is support for AMD's Ryzen 7 9800X3D, which builds upon AMD's successful 3D V-Cache technology and is scheduled to launch tomorrow. The update also covers Intel's "Arrow Lake" processors, including both HX and H series variants. The Arrow Lake lineup integration spans multiple performance tiers, from the flagship Core Ultra 9 285HX down to the mainstream Core Ultra 5 series. The H-series mobile processors, including the Core Ultra 9 285H and various Ultra 7 and Ultra 5 models, are also fully supported.

Additionally, CPU-Z now recognizes Intel's complete Raptor Lake refresh, covering an extensive range of processors across different power segments. This includes the Core 7 series (160HL through 150U), Core 5 series (130HL through 120U), and Core 3 series (100HL through 100U), catering to various computing needs from high-performance to energy-efficient applications. The update extends beyond processors to support CUDIMM ((Clocked Unbuffered DIMM) DDR5 memory. CUDIMMs represent a modified DDR5 memory featuring an integrated Client Clock Driver (CKD) that generates its clock signal to minimize noise and jitter at speeds of 6400 MT/s and above, ensuring better stability and data integrity than traditional DDR5 modules.

DOWNLOAD CPU-Z 2.12 here.

We are days away from the official November 7 launch of AMD's Ryzen 7 9800X3D CPU with 3D V-Cache, and we are already seeing some estimates of the speedup compared to the last-generation Ryzen 7 7800X3D CPU. According to a Geekbench submission discovered by Everest (Olrak29_) on X, the upcoming AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D has been spotted running at a clock speed of 5.46 GHz. This is a 260 MHz increase from the official boost frequency of 5.2 GHz, which indicates overclocking has been applied. If readers recall, the last generations of X3D processors had overclocking disabled, and this time, things are looking different thanks to the compute die being placed on top of SRAM. AMD attributes this to CCD being closer to the heat spreader instead of memory and allowing it to spread heat more effectively, ensuring a stable overclock.

Regarding performance, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D outperforms its predecessor, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D, by an impressive 27.4% in the single-core Geekbench v6 test and 26.8% in the multicore test. The last generation CPU scored 2,726 points in single-core and 15,157 points in multicore tests, while the new Zen 5 design has managed to produce 3,473 points in single-core and 19,216 in multicore tests. These results are approximately 27% improvement over the Zen 4, suggesting that the Zen 5 architecture benefits greatly from better SRAM bandwidth and capacity. While these results only come from synthetic benchmarks, they give us a picture of what to expect from this CPU. We have to wait for more real-world test cases to fully conclude the improvement factor.

Just last week, AMD announced the arrival of its upcoming Ryzen 9000 series of CPUs with 3D V-Cache for November 7. However, we might be in for a treat, as AMD could be preparing Threadripper 9000WX/X series of CPUs with 3D V-Cache. According to VideoCardz, the ASUS Pro WS WRX90E-SAGE SE board appears to include an intriguing feature in its settings—there's a configuration option related to 3D V-Cache control, though this setting currently doesn't have any practical application with the available Threadripper 7000WX and 7000X processors. The presence of this setting hasn't been officially documented by ASUS, showing that this feature could indeed end up in future iterations of Threadripper processors, namely the 9000WX/X series.

AMD currently offers 3D V-Cache treatment in its high-end Genoa-X CPUs, with up to 96 cores and 192 threads, and 1,152 MB of L3 cache. These CPUs were praised for their capabilities in the high-performance computing sector, performing calculations at unprecedented rates thanks to the massive cache size and bandwidth. If AMD decides to opt-in for the HEDT market with 3D V-Cache, we might see an appearance with the upcoming Threadripper generation. However, right now, it is only speculation based on undocumented features in ASUS's high-end board. Even if these CPUs are planned, we are not near their launch as the priority is launching and shipping the consumer-oriented Ryzen 7 9800X3D CPU on November 7.

MSI is thrilled to introduce the upcoming AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D, an innovation built on the Zen 5 architecture and featuring AMD's groundbreaking 3D V-Cache technology. The Ryzen 7 9800X3D is designed for peak performance with improved IPC and superior power efficiency compared to the previous generation, promising an exhilarating leap in computing power.

The Ryzen 7 9800X3D integrates seamlessly with the AM5 socket ecosystem, providing users access to PCIe Gen 5 bandwidth and high-speed DDR5 memory support. Built on a 4 nm process, this processor establishes a new performance, power efficiency, and responsiveness benchmark, ideal for intensive gaming and content creation. MSI's X870(E) motherboards are fully compatible with the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, featuring a robust lineup from MEG X870E GODLIKE to MAG X870 TOMAHAWK WIFI. MSI's X870(E) motherboards and AMD's latest processors unlock peak gaming performance for users.

AMD is about to launch the Ryzen 7 9800X3D 8-core/16-thread processor with 3D V-cache on November 7, 2024, and it is widely expected to extend AMD's leadership with gaming performance. Hoang Anh Phu, a reliable source with PC hardware leaks, says that the 9800X3D comes with a launch price that's $30 higher than the 7800X3D, which had launched at $450. This would put the 9800X3D at $480. At this price, the 9800X3D is priced $80 higher than the Core Ultra 7 265K, and exactly $100 less than the Core Ultra 9 285K. It would also launch about $40 higher than the current street price of the Core i9-14900K, and $120 higher than the Core i7-14700K. The 9800X3D is also a whopping $150 pricier than the Ryzen 7 9700X.

The Ryzen 7 7800X3D remains the fastest PC processor for gaming; neither Intel's limited-edition Core i9-14900KS nor the latest Core Ultra 9 285K could beat it. The 9800X3D has three things going for it—firstly, it's the new "Zen 5" microarchitecture and the IPC uplift that comes with it; secondly, it has a 500 MHz higher base frequencies, and 200 MHz higher maximum boost frequencies than the 7800X3D; and lastly, AMD has inverted the way it stacks the 3D V-cache die with the CPU complex die (CCD), with the CCD now stacking on top of the L3D, which is expected to give the 9800X3D thermal behavior similar to non-X3D processors such as the 9700X.Update 14:29 UTC: This is confirmed by AMD's official announcement, which just went live.

ASRock, the global leading manufacturer of motherboards, graphics cards, mini PCs, and gaming monitors, announced today that its AM5 series motherboards are fully compatible with the AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D processor, maximizing its impressive gaming performance. This allows PC enthusiasts worldwide to be among the first to experience the exceptional capabilities brought by the AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D processor. The AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D is the first model released in the 9000X3D processor series. ASRock AM5 motherboards will continue to receive updates to ensure seamless compatibility with upcoming Ryzen 9000 Series X3D processors, delivering outstanding performance for gaming enthusiasts.

Users can download and install the latest AGESA 1.2.0.2a BIOS from the ASRock website or use the BIOS Flashback and Instant Flash features for an easy upgrade. ASRock recommends updating to the latest BIOS version promptly to ensure optimal system compatibility and performance.

The upcoming AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D processor is already in the hands of hardware modders, who have put the chip through de-lidding (removal of the integrated heatspreader or IHS), revealing what's underneath. In the 9800X3D de-lidded picture, the CCD appears plain, with no apparent L3D on top, unlike on the 7800X3D (second picture, below). We'd been hearing reports that with the 9000X3D series, AMD has redesigned the way the 3D V-cache die (L3D) and the CPU complex die (CCD) are stacked together, by inverting their arrangement, such that the CCD is on top, and the L3D below.

In past generations of X3D processors, such as the 7800X3D and the 5800X3D, the L3D is stacked on top of the CCD, with structural silicon handling the crucial task of transferring heat from the CPU cores to the IHS. This inversion in stacking should ensure better thermals for the CPU cores, the 9800X3D boosting behavior should be similar to that of non-X3D chips, such as the 9700X. AMD has given the 9800X3D a 120 W TDP and 5.20 GHz boost frequency. This inversion of the CCD and L3D stacking is probably what is behind the "X3D Reimagined" teaser blurb by AMD.

Specifications of the upcoming AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D processor were leaked to the web by a Geizhals listing. The chip comes with a processor base frequency of 4.70 GHz, and a maximum boost frequency of 5.20 GHz. The base frequency of 4.70 GHz is a significant increase from the 4.20 GHz of the current 7800X3D, while the maximum boost frequency has moved up a couple of notches from the 5.05 GHz of the 7800X3D. The TDP of the processor is set at 120 W, same as the 7800X3D, and higher than the 105 W revised-spec cTDP of the non-X3D Ryzen 7 9700X.

The specs sheet also confirms that the 3D V-cache size is unchanged generationally. The stacked 3D V-cache die adds 64 MB to the on-die 32 MB L3 cache, which is exposed to software as a 96 MB contiguously addressable L3 cache. The per-core L2 cache size remains 1 MB per core. The biggest contributor to generational gaming performance increases will rest on the increase in frequencies, the new "Zen 5" microarchitecture and any IPC improvements on offer, plus L3 cache performance improvements AMD introduced with "Zen 5." We recently reported a spectacular theory that AMD has designed the 9800X3D such that the stacked 3D V-cache is positioned below the 8-core CPU complex die chiplet, and not above it, which should significantly improve thermals, and clock speeds.

Much of the Ryzen 7 9800X3D teaser material from AMD had the recurring buzzwords "X3D Reimagined," causing us to speculate what it could be. 9550pro, a reliable source with hardware leaks, says that AMD has redesigned the way the CPU complex die (CCD) and 3D V-cache die (L3D) are stacked together. In past generations of X3D processors, such as the 5800X3D "Vermeer-X" and the 7800X3D "Raphael-X," the L3D is stacked on top of the CCD. It would stack above the central region of the CCD that has the on-die 32 MB L3 cache, while blocks of structural silicon would be placed on top of the edges of the CCD that have the CPU cores, with these structural silicon blocks performing the crucial task of transferring heat from the CPU cores to the IHS above. This is about to change.

If the leaks are right, AMD has inverted the CCD-L3D stack with the 9000X3D series such that the "Zen 5" CCD is now on top, the L3D is below it, under the central region of the CCD. The CPU cores now dissipate heat to the IHS as they do on regular 9000 series processors without the 3D V-cache technology. The way we imagine they achieved this is by enlarging the L3D to align with the size of the CCD, and serve as a kind of "base tile." The L3D would have to be peppered with TSVs that connect the CCD to the fiberglass substrate below. We know where AMD is going with this in the future. Right now, the L3D "base tile" contains the 64 MB 3D V-cache that gets appended to the 32 MB on-die L3 cache, but in the future (probably with "Zen 6"), AMD could design the CCDs with TSVs even for the per-core L2 caches.

Here is the first picture of the AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D retail box up close. We've seen lower-res versions of this box in older leaks. A variation of the retail box-art of other Ryzen 9000 series "Granite Ridge" desktop processors, The 9800X3D box brightens up the silver background behind the AMD Arrow, as well as the Arrow's orange borders. One of the triangular background cutouts has the "7" brand extension, while the other mentions AMD 3D V-cache technology, which is all the confirmation we need that this indeed is the 9800X3D. AMD announced the 9000X3D series debut earlier this week, with product availability starting November 7, 2024.

AMD today lifted the covers off its Ryzen 7 9800X3D Socket AM5 processor powered by the "Zen 5" microarchitecture and 3D V-cache technology. The company did not put out any product specs or other details, except announcing November 7, 2024, as the product availability date for this chip. This would put its launch exactly two weeks from that of Intel's Core Ultra Series 2 "Arrow Lake-S" processors, and give reviewers time to include the performance results of the new Intel chips in reviews of the 9800X3D. AMD is looking to extend its gaming performance leadership which it held with the 7800X3D. The switch to the newer "Zen 5" microarchitecture and higher clock speeds could push gaming performance up beyond the 7800X3D by a few percentage points. The 7800X3D is already faster than the Core i9-14900K in gaming workloads, so we're being set up for an exciting clash between the Core Ultra 9 285K and the Ryzen 7 9800X3D for gaming performance.

Next up, AMD announced official price cuts for all four current models in its Ryzen 9000 "Granite Ridge" desktop processor family. Buyers in the retail channel should be able to find the flagship Ryzen 9 9950X 16-core/32-thread processor up to $50 cheaper than its launch price, which should bring it down to $600. The Ryzen 9 9900X (12-core/24-thread), the Ryzen 7 9700X (8-core/16-thread), and the Ryzen 5 9600X (6-core/12-thread), each get a haircut of up to $30. You should be able to find the 9900X for as little as $470. The 9700X should be down to as low as $330. The 9600X, the most affordable "Zen 5" part, should go for as low as $250. The price-cuts should be effective immediately. Although all pre-launch info points to this being an 9800X3D-only launch, our AMD PR contacts used the plural term ("X3D processors") when referring to the November 7 date. Could we see more than one X3D processor model launch, especially given the $50 price cut given to the 9950X? Watch this space.

AMD China has set up a press event to launch its new Ryzen 7 9800X3D "Zen 5" processor with 3D V-cache. The company is sending out invitations like the one pictured below to the Chinese tech press and select PC enthusiasts. The event is slated to take place in Zhuhai, and spans October 23 and 24, which could mean that the company has set up an experience zone, where visitors can take gaming desktops powered by the 9800X3D for a spin with popular game titles. It won't surprise us if AMD has at least an online press event planned around this time for the rest of the world.

The Ryzen 7 9800X3D is widely expected to extend AMD's lead with gaming performance. In first-party gaming benchmarks put out by Intel for its upcoming Core Ultra 9 285K "Arrow Lake" processor, the new chip is shown within 3% of the Core i9-14900K, which the current Ryzen 7 7800X3D beats, and the 9800X3D can only push the gaming performance envelope further from here. If it's not the higher IPC of "Zen 5," then it could be the alleged 5.20 GHz all-core boost frequency for the 9800X3D. The Ryzen 7 9800X3D is expected to go on sale in the first week of November 2024.

AMD is allegedly announcing its Ryzen 7 9800X3D processor on October 25, with availability in the first week of November 2024. This according to leaky taps among Chinese tech forums with a track record of getting such details right. We've been hearing about an October launch of the 9800X3D in late-September, which puts the announcement just a month after the 9800X3D's early launch first hit the radar. We've since seen a couple of performance or specs leaks, such as this one, which talks about a significant increase in clock speeds over past generations of X3D processors, this one which points to its Cinebench scores, and this one, which confirms a 5.20 GHz all-core boost frequency. Perhaps the biggest leak of them all, which is quasi-official, as it comes from a major PC hardware manufacturer, is this one, with some performance testing. When you cross-reference these numbers with Intel's first party gaming performance claims for its upcoming Core Ultra 9 285K "Arrow Lake-S" processor, you get the hint that AMD is set to win this round for gaming performance.