G.SKILL International Enterprise Co., Ltd, the world's leading brand of performance overclock memory and PC components, in cooperation with the ASUS ROG team, is showcasing multiple overclock achievements on the newly announced ASUS ROG Crosshair X870E Apex motherboard, including a high memory speed of DDR5-10600 and another operating at DDR5-6800 CL28 in 1:1 mode, both under Memtest stress-test. Additionally, G.SKILL DDR5 memory is used by ASUS in-house overclocker, Safedisk, to break several overclock records with the latest AMD Ryzen 9 9950X desktop processor.

Exploring OC Limits at DDR5-10600 2x24 GB
Aiming to explore the limits of memory overclock potential of the new motherboard, Safedisk challenged the fastest possible dual-channel memory speed with Memtest stress-test running. The screenshot below shows a 48 GB (2x24GB) memory kit operating at DDR5-10600 with the ASUS ROG Crosshair X870E Apex motherboard and AMD Ryzen 5 8500G desktop processor, completing the Memtest stress-test with CPU and memory under water chiller cooling.

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.

Recent engineering samples of AMD's upcoming Ryzen 9 9950X3D reveal what appear to be the finalized specifications of the top-tier AM5 chip. The 16-core, 32-thread processor builds upon the gaming success of the Ryzen 7 9800X3D while addressing its core count limitations. The flagship processor features AMD's refined cache design, combining 96 MB of 3D V-Cache with 32 MB of standard L3 cache. Unlike its predecessor, the 7950X3D, the new Zen 5 architecture incorporates a redesigned CCD stacking method. The CCD now sits above the cache, directly interfacing with the STIM and IHS, eliminating thermal constraints that previously required frequency limitations. The processor features asymmetric cache distribution across its dual CCDs—one die combines 32 MB of base L3 cache with a 64 MB stacked V-Cache layer, while its companion die utilizes a standard 32 MB L3 cache configuration. In total, there is a 128 MB of L3 cache, with 16 MB of L2.

This architectural advancement enables the 9950X3D to achieve a 5.65 GHz boost clock across both CCDs, matching non-X3D variants. The processor maintains a 170 W TDP, suggesting improved thermal efficiency despite the additional cache. AMD's software-based OS scheduler will continue to optimize gaming workloads by directing them to the CCD with 3D V-Cache. Early leaks indicate the 9950X3D matches the base 9950X in Cinebench R23 scores, both in single and multi-threaded tests—a significant improvement over the 7950X3D, which lagged behind its non-X3D counterpart due to frequency limitations. AMD plans to expand the Zen 5 X3D lineup in Q1-2025 with both the 9950X3D and 9900X3D models. Full performance benchmarks and pricing details are expected at CES 2025, where AMD will officially unveil these processors alongside their RDNA 4 GPUs.

The AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D launched this November remains the fastest processor for PC gaming, but with just an 8-core/16-thread configuration, its performance in multithreaded productivity pales in comparison to the alternatives, including from AMD's own camp, such as the Ryzen 9 7950X3D. The company is planning to expand the Zen 5 X3D line of desktop processors in Q1-2025, with the introduction of its high core-count Ryzen 9 series SKUs, the Ryzen 9 9950X3D, and the Ryzen 9 9900X3D. HXL, a reliable source with hardware leaks, says that the Ryzen 9 X3D SKUs will lack the kind of "frequency debuff" we've seen with the older generation Ryzen 9 X3D chips such as the 7950X3D and 7900X3D.

On the 7950X3D, only one of the two 8-core CCDs comes with 3D V-Cache, the other is a regular CCD with 32 MB on-die L3 cache. The CCD with the 3D V-Cache has its frequency "debuffed" compared to the other CCD, mainly to deal with the thermal limitations of the way the 3D V-Cache is stacked on top of the CCD. With the Ryzen 9000 X3D generation, AMD has redesigned this CCD + L3D stacking such that the CCD is now above, directly interfacing with the STIM and IHS; with no conductive structural silicon along the way. This means that the CCD now thermally behaves like a regular Zen 5 CCD; and for this reason, not only will the CCD with 3D V-Cache on the 9950X3D/9900X3D have the same clock speeds and boosting behavior as the one without 3D V-Cache; but also the 9950X3D and 9900X3D are expected to ship with similar, if not identical clock speeds to the 9950X and 9900X.

YEYIAN Gaming, a trailblazing leader in high-performance gaming desktop PCs, computer hardware, and accessories, is thrilled to announce its participation at CES 2025, which will take place from January 7 to 10, 2025, at The Venetian Resort in Las Vegas. YEYIAN GAMING will present an impressive lineup of cutting-edge gaming products, including next-generation gaming PCs, high-performance 40-inch curved monitors, advanced mechanical keyboards, and innovative gaming accessories crafted to inspire gamers and creators alike. Visitors, media, influencers, and content creators are invited to experience YEYIAN GAMING's latest innovations firsthand. The showcase, open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, provides an exclusive opportunity to explore next-level hardware engineered for exceptional performance, bold designs, and unmatched versatility.

At CES 2025, YEYIAN Gaming will unveil an exciting array of new products tailored for professional gamers, streamers, and PC enthusiasts. Here's a detailed preview of the lineup:

Minisforum is an easily recognizable brand that is well-regarded for its lineup of mini PCs. The MS-A1 is one such mid-range offering that boasts an AM5 socket, and the product is now available to configure with the 16-core Ryzen 9 9950X with a 100 W TDP, which happens to be an absolute monstrosity of a desktop CPU with hefty cooling requirements.

The system was already available with a Ryzen 7 8700G, which was most likely performant enough for most people. The MS-A1 does not feature dedicated graphics, which is why the Ryzen 7 8700G was a great choice thanks to its relatively potent iGPU. However, it is no surprise that there are many workloads that demand raw CPU power over anything else, and the MS-A1 with the Ryzen 9 9950X will be an excellent option for such demanding scenarios. That said, since the system does not feature discrete graphics, the Radeon 610M iGPU found in the 9950X will simply not be able to keep up with any GPU-intensive workloads.

The desktop version of AMD's next-generation "Zen 6" microarchitecture will retain Socket AM5, Kepler_L2, a reliable source with hardware leaks, revealed. What's more interesting is the rumor that the current "Zen 5" will remain AMD's mainstay for the entirety of 2025, and possibly even most of 2026, at least for the desktop platform. AMD will be banking heavily on the recently announced Ryzen 7 9800X3D, and its high core-count siblings, the Ryzen 9 9950X3D and possible 9900X3D, to see the company through for 2025 against Intel. The 9800X3D posted significantly higher gaming performance than Intel, and the 9950X3D is expected to be at least faster than the 7950X3D at gaming, which means its gaming performance, coupled with multithreaded application performance from its 16-core/32-thread count should be the face of AMD's desktop processor lineup for at least the next year.

It wouldn't be off-character for AMD to launch "Zen 6" on AM5, and not refresh the platform. The company had launched three microarchitectures (Zen thru Zen 3) on Socket AM4. With "Zen 6," AMD has the opportunity to not just increase IPC, but also core-counts per CCD, cache sizes, a new foundry node such as 3 nm, and probably even introduce features such as hybrid architecture and an NPU to the desktop platform, which means it could at least update the current 6 nm client I/O die (cIOD) while retaining AM5. A new cIOD could give AMD the much-needed opportunity to update the DDR5 memory controllers to support higher memory frequencies. The Kepler_L2 leak predicts a "late-2026 or early-2027" launch for desktop "Zen 6" processors. In the meantime, Intel is expected to ramp "Arrow Lake-S" on Socket LGA1851, and debut the "Panther Lake" microarchitecture on LGA1851 in 2025-26.

The Chinese tech press is abuzz with slides allegedly from Intel's pre-launch press-deck for the Core Ultra 2-series "Arrow Lake-S." The most sensational of these are Intel's first-party performance claims for the top Core Ultra 9 285K model. There's good news and bad news. Good news first—Intel claims to have made a big leap in energy efficiency with "Arrow Lake," and the 285K should offer gaming performance comparable to the current Core i9-14900K at around 80 W lower power draw for the processor. But then there in lies the bad news—despite claimed IPC gains for the "Lion Cove" P-core, and rumored clock speeds being on par with the "Raptor Cove" P-cores on the i9-14900K, the 285K is barely any faster than its predecessor in absolute terms.

In its first party testing, when averaged across 12 game tests, which we used Google optical translation to make out the titles of, Intel used performance numbers of the i9-14900K as the mean. The 285K beats the i9-14900K in only four games—Warhammer 40K: Space Marine 2, Age of Mythology Retold, Civilization VI: Gathering Storm, and F1 23. It's on-par with the i9-14900K in Red Dead Redemption 2, Total War: Pharaoh, Metro Exodus, Cyberpunk 2077, Black Myth: Wukong, Rainbow Six Siege. It's slower than the i9-14900K in Far Cry 6, FF XIV, F1 24, Red Dead Redemption 2. Averaged across this bench, the Core Ultra 9 285K ends up roughly on par with the Core i9-14900K in gaming. Intel also compared the 285K to AMD's Ryzen 9 9950X, and interestingly, even the Ryzen 9 7950X3D.

AMD today made four key announcements for its Ryzen 9000 series "Granite Ridge" desktop processors based on the "Zen 5" microarchitecture. These mainly aim to improve upon the products as originally launched in August. To begin with, AMD announced a 105 W cTDP (configurable TDP) mode for the Ryzen 7 9700X and Ryzen 7 9600X processors, with full warranty coverage. This setting can be enabled in the UEFI setup program of a motherboard running its latest version of UEFI firmware, which encapsulates the AGESA ComboAM5 PI 1.2.0.2 microcode. The setting raises the PPT (package power tracking) value of the 9700X and 9600X to 140 W, and treats them as if they were 105 W TDP processors. These chips were originally launched by AMD with 65 W (88 W PPT), and as reviewers quickly found out, unlocking power improves performance at stock clock speeds, as it improves boost frequency residence of these chips.

Next up, is the AGESA PI 1.2.0.2 microcode itself, which introduces the 105 W cTDP mode for the 9700X and 9600X along with warranty coverage, which we just talked about; plus works to improve the core-to-core latency on the Ryzen 9 9900X and Ryzen 9 9950X. These are processors with two CPU complex dies (CCDs), each with either 8 or 6 cores enabled. To the software, this is still a single-socket (1P) CPU with 12 or 16 cores. Although some awareness of the dual-CCD architecture is added to the OS scheduler to help it localize certain kinds of workloads (such as games) to a single CCD, reviewers noted that core-to-core latency on the dual-CCD chips was still too high, which should affect performance when a software's threads are migrating between cores, or if a workload is multithreaded, such as media encoding. AMD addressed exactly this with the new AGESA PI 1.2.0.2 update.

Earlier this week, we got rumors that AMD is rushing in the Ryzen 7 9800X3D 8-core/16-thread "Zen 5" processor with 3D V-cache for a late-October debut. The 9800X3D succeeds the popular 7800X3D, and AMD probably hopes it will have a competitive gaming processor in time for Intel's Core Ultra 2-series "Arrow Lake-S" launch. In the previous article, it was reported that the higher core-count 9000X3D series processor models, the Ryzen 9 9950X3D and Ryzen 9 9900X3D, would arrive some time in Q1 2025, because it was reported that the chips have certain "new features" compared to their predecessors, the 7950X3D and 7900X3D. At the time, we even explored the possibility of AMD giving both 8-core CCDs on the processor 3D V-cache. Turns out, this is where things are headed.

A new report by Benchlife.info claims that the higher core-count 9950X3D and 9900X3D will implement 3D V-cache on both CCD chiplets, giving these processors an impressive 192 MB of L3 cache (96 MB per CCD), and 208 MB or 204 MB of "total cache" (L2+L3). The report also says that AMD is planning a Ryzen 5 9600X3D chip, its second attempt at taking on Intel's Core i5 lineup, following its very recent release of the Ryzen 5 7600X3D, which ended up 1-3% short of the Core i5-14600K in gaming workloads. There's no word on whether the 9600X3D will launch in October alongside the 9800X3D, or in Q1-2025 with the Ryzen 9 9000X3D series.

Cooler Master, a leading provider of PC components, gaming peripherals, and tech lifestyle solutions, today announced its collaboration with AMD to integrate their recently announced AMD's Ryzen 9000 Series, into a select range of Cooler Master PC Systems. Cooler Master is leveraging AMD's cutting-edge technology to deliver unparalleled performance in their latest products, including the Sneaker X, Ncore 1 Pro, and MasterBox 6 Pro. The collaboration underscores Cooler Master's commitment to pushing the boundaries of what's possible in gaming and professional computing.

The inclusion of AMD's CPUs within Cooler Master products will not only elevate gaming and professional experiences but also highlight the symbiotic relationship between powerful processing and efficient cooling. This is a testament to Cooler Master's relentless pursuit of excellence in thermal management, ensuring that each system operates at peak efficiency.

MSI is excited to announce the launch of the latest AMD Ryzen 9000 Series processors, set to debut on the AM5 platform. Powered by advanced 4 nm CPU process technology, the Ryzen 9000 Series promises to revolutionize the computing landscape with unmatched performance, efficiency, and versatility for gamers and content creators. At launch, August 8th, AMD Ryzen 7 9700X, and Ryzen 5 9600X are available while the Ryzen 9 9950X and 9900X will launch on August 15th. These processors will feature up to 16 cores and 32 threads, with a theoretical maximum boost clock speed of 5.7 GHz, 64 MB of L3 cache, and a maximum TDP of 170 W.

AMD Ryzen 9000 Series will also support PCIe 5.0 for the GPU and M.2 while enhancing DDR5 memory speed. Notably, the AMD Ryzen 7 9700X offers approximately 12% better overall performance than the first-gen AMD 3D V-cache CPU. All these processors are compatible with the AM5 socket, and existing AMD 600 Series motherboards and Ryzen 9000 Series processors can seamlessly integrate by updating to the latest BIOS, available on MSI's product support page.

BIOSTAR, a leading manufacturer of motherboards, graphics cards, IPC solutions, and storage devices, today is excited to announce a brand-new BIOS update for its AMD AM5 motherboards, designed to support AMD's latest Ryzen 9000 series processors, including Ryzen 9 9950X, Ryzen 9 9900X, Ryzen 7 9700X, and Ryzen 5 9600X. Incorporating the latest AMD AGESA 1.2.0.0.a Patch A BIOS update on BIOSTAR official website, BIOSTAR AM5 series motherboards consisting of X870E, X670E, B650E, B650, A620, and A620A are now primed and ready to unleash the full potential of AMD's ZEN 5 processors with superior stability.

AMD's latest Ryzen 9000 series processors, built on the groundbreaking Zen 5 architecture, represent a significant leap forward in computing performance and efficiency. These processors offer up to 16 cores and 32 threads, with clock speeds reaching up to 5.7 GHz. Featuring enhanced IPC (Instructions Per Cycle) performance and advanced Ryzen AI capabilities, the Ryzen 9000 series is engineered to handle intensive gaming, content creation, and professional workloads with ease. The new architecture also introduces improved power efficiency, ensuring cooler operation and lower energy consumption. With these cutting-edge processors, users can experience unprecedented levels of speed, responsiveness, and overall computing power.

AMD, with a post on X confirmed the pricing and availability of its new Ryzen 9000 "Granite Ridge" desktop processor models. These were supposed to launch on July 31, but faced a delay, and are now facing a staggered launch. The 8-core Ryzen 7 9700X and 6-core Ryzen 5 9600X will be available from tomorrow, August 8, 2024. The flagship 16-core Ryzen 9 9950X and 12-core Ryzen 9 9900X follow a week later, on August 15. The company also confirmed pricing of the four chips in USD SEP. The Ryzen 9 9950X is confirmed with a $650 price, followed by the Ryzen 9 9900X at $500, the Ryzen 7 9700X at $360, and the Ryzen 5 9600X at $280. These are slightly cheaper than their predecessors, with the 7950X, 7900X, 7700X, and 7600X, launching at $700, $550, $400, and $300, respectively.

Despite the postponement of the Ryzen 9000 launch announced by AMD on Wednesday, early engineering samples used by motherboard makers reached some users (mainly overclockers). As it is the case with a pre-launch sample of AMD's flagship Ryzen 9 9950X. This CPU is equipped with 16 cores, 32 threads, a base clock frequency of 4.3 GHz with a 5.7 GHz max boost, 80 MB cache (64 MB L3 + 16 MB L2), and a TDP of 170 W.

A user overclocked the 9950X sample to 5.953 GHz using an ASUS ROG Crosshair X670E motherboard equipped with 32 GB DDR5-6000 memory. (Note: There's no information on whether air or water cooling was used.) The user then posted new results in Geekbench 5 and Geekbench 6, which demonstrate impressive performance gains for the 9950X. It's worth noting that AMD also overclocked the processor to 6.6 and even 6.7 GHz, however, they used liquid nitrogen.

AMD is about give the new "Zen 5" microarchitecture a near-simultaneous launch across both its client segments—desktop and mobile. The desktop front is held by the Ryzen 9000 "Granite Ridge" Socket AM5 processors; while Ryzen AI 300 "Strix Point" powers the company's crucial effort to capture Microsoft Copilot+ AI PC market share. We recently did a technical deep-dive on the two. HardwareLuxx.de scored two important bits of specs for both processors in its Q&A interaction with AMD—die sizes and transistor counts.

To begin with, "Strix Point" is a monolithic silicon, which is confirmed to be built on the TSMC N4P foundry node (4 nm). This is a slight upgrade over the N4 node that the company built its previous generation "Phoenix" and "Hawk Point" processors on. The "Strix Point" silicon measures 232.5 mm² in area, which is significantly larger than the 178 mm² of "Hawk Point" and "Phoenix." The added die area comes from there being 12 CPU cores instead of 8, and 16 iGPU compute units instead of 12; and a larger NPU. There are many other factors, such as the larger 24 MB CPU L3 cache; and the sizes of the "Zen 5" and "Zen 5c" cores themselves.

AMD's upcoming flagship desktop processor, the Ryzen 9 9950X, supports Precision Boost Overdrive (PBO) overclocking. In the comments section of our Zen 5 Technical Deep Dive article, a keen-eyed user noticed a footnote in one of the slides that reads that PBO is supported on Ryzen 9000 series desktop processor with the parenthesis "excluding the 9950." Add to this, the company's presentation slide for PBO on Ryzen 9000 series only highlights performance gains for the Ryzen 9 9900X, the Ryzen 7 9700X, and the Ryzen 5 9600X, but not the 9950X. We reached out to AMD seeking a clarification on this.

AMD got back to us and confirmed that the Ryzen 9 9950X does indeed support PBO overclocking: "Confirmed that PBO is supported with 9950X", just like the 9900X, 9700X, and the 9600X, and that there is an "Error in the footnotes." It would be highly unusual for AMD to disable PBO on a specific SKU, especially considering that all non-APU Ryzen processors in the past have supported PBO, not just some special overclocking SKUs, like the "K" models on Intel.