AMD Ryzen 7950X3D Review - Leo can't believe it!

Summary

In this tech review, the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X 3D processor is put through its paces, showcasing its impressive performance with 3D V-Cache technology. Despite its high cost and complex software requirements for optimal performance, the processor delivers significant gains in gaming and productivity tasks, outperforming its non-3D counterpart and setting a new standard for efficiency with low power draw under load. However, the high idle power consumption and the necessity for a specific BIOS and drivers installation for the 3D cache to function correctly are noted concerns.

Takeaways

• 🚀 AMD has announced the Ryzen 9, 7950X 3D processor with 3D V-Cache technology, promising significant performance improvements in certain applications and games.
• 📅 The Ryzen 9, 7950X 3D is set to launch in February, but the 8-core Ryzen 7 will be available later in April.
• 💡 The 3D V-Cache technology in the Ryzen 9, 7950X 3D allows for asymmetric cache configurations, which AMD will manage through software with the AMD 3D V-Cache Performance Optimizer driver.
• 🔍 AMD presented charts showing the 7950X 3D outperforming the Intel Core i9 3900K and the regular Ryzen 9 7950X in various gaming benchmarks, though the choice of games was controlled by AMD.
• 💰 The 7950X 3D is priced similarly to the non-3D 7950X, which had a price reduction since its launch, making it a competitive option for high-performance processors.
• 🛠️ The Ryzen 7000 series and AM5 motherboards require a specific BIOS and chipset driver to support the 3D V-Cache technology, indicating a complex setup process.
• 🔥 The Ryzen 9, 7950X 3D showed lower power consumption and cooler temperatures under load compared to the non-3D version, which is impressive for performance-oriented processors.
• 🎮 In gaming tests, the 3D cache provided a noticeable boost in frame rates, with some games showing as much as a 30-40% improvement.
• 🤔 The reviewer expressed skepticism about the consistency of the performance gains across different games and the complexity of the required software stack for the 3D cache to function correctly.
• ⏰ The Ryzen 7 7800X 3D, which is expected to be a strong contender for gaming performance, has not been reviewed yet, suggesting potential future competition for the 7950X 3D.
• 🏆 Despite some concerns, the Ryzen 9, 7950X 3D received a high rating of 9 out of 10, being deemed a 'must-have' for those seeking top-tier performance.

Q & A

What new product was announced by AMD during the keynote?

AMD announced the Ryzen 9 7950X 3D, which is a processor with 3D V-Cache technology, along with other Zen 4 models featuring 3D cache, including the Ryzen 7 and Ryzen 9 series.

When are the new Ryzen 7000 processors expected to launch?

The new Ryzen 7000 processors, specifically the 7800, 7900, and 7950X 3D parts, were announced to launch in February, with the 8-core Ryzen 7 going on sale in April.

What is the AMD 3D V-Cache Performance Optimizer and how does it work?

The AMD 3D V-Cache Performance Optimizer is a driver that, along with the AMD PPM Provisioning File driver, detects when a game is being played and ideally directs it to run on the core complex with the extra 3D cache for performance benefits.

How does AMD's 3D V-Cache differ from Intel's Alder Lake and Raptor Lake hybrid core technology?

While Intel's Alder Lake and Raptor Lake designs include a mix of performance and efficient cores with extra hardware support from the start, AMD is adding 3D V-Cache to an existing processor design, managing the asymmetric cache configuration through software.

What potential performance benefits were shown by AMD for the Ryzen 9 7950X 3D?

AMD presented charts indicating that the Ryzen 9 7950X 3D could show significant performance gains over the Intel Core i9 3900K and the regular Ryzen 9 7950X in certain games, with only minor losses in others.

Why might AMD choose to stack cache or memory in their processor designs?

Stacking cache or memory can shorten connection lengths, reduce costs associated with monolithic die size, and improve scalability on a given fabrication process. It also allows for more efficient thermal management and power delivery.

What is the significance of the 3D cache technology for AMD's future processor designs?

The 3D cache technology is significant as it represents a step towards more advanced stacking techniques, which could include stacking regular DRAM, and even graphics, potentially leading to more powerful and efficient processors.

What steps are required to ensure the Ryzen 9 7950X 3D's 3D V-Cache is functioning correctly?

Several steps are needed, including installing the correct BIOS version, ensuring the AMD 3D V-Cache Performance Optimizer driver and AMD PPM Provisioning File driver are installed, verifying the AMD 3D V-Cache device in Device Manager, and checking that the Xbox Game Bar and related services are up to date.

How did the Ryzen 9 7950X 3D perform in gaming benchmarks compared to the regular Ryzen 9 7950X and Intel Core i9 13900K?

The Ryzen 9 7950X 3D showed significant performance improvements in gaming benchmarks, often outperforming both the regular Ryzen 9 7950X and the Intel Core i9 13900K, with higher frame rates in games like Far Cry 6 and Borderlands 3.

What are some of the potential downsides or concerns regarding the Ryzen 9 7950X 3D processor?

Some concerns include the high cost of the CPU and motherboard, the complexity of the required software stack for the 3D V-Cache to function correctly, high idle power draw, and the lack of direct comparison to the yet-to-be-released Ryzen 7 7800X 3D.