Introduction
AMD launched its Ryzen 9 7950X3D CPU with 3D V-Cache on February 27th, 2023. This $699.00 Zen 4-based CPU takes the Ryzen 7000 series and ups the ante with a large 128MB of L3 cache meant to boost gaming performance. AMD does this by incorporating this extra 3D V-Cache on one of the 8-core CCD dies, while the other 8-core CCD die does not have this built on top. In this way, AMD provides a 16-core/32-thread CPU that is able to boost up to 5.7GHz for normal workloads, but yet can also benefit gaming performance by moving games over the CCD die with the 3D V-Cache.
At 5.7GHz boost, the Ryzen 9 7950X3D matches the boost clock of the Ryzen 9 7950X for work applications. However, the caveat is that this only applies for 8 of the cores, as it is only on that one die without 3D V-Cache that it can boost that high. Therefore, if you are running multi-threading applications that exceed 8-cores, it will utilize the other 8-core CCD that has the 3D V-Cache on it, and that particular CCD will not boost as high.
Therefore the question is, how will the Ryzen 9 7950X3D compare in performance versus the Ryzen 9 7950X when it comes to regular, work-related, and content-related normal, computer applications that are outside of gaming? That is what we will explore in this review. This is a review comparing Ryzen 9 7950X3D versus Ryzen 9 7590X in application benchmarks. If you want to see how these two CPUs shape up in terms of gaming performance, please read our AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D Gaming Performance CPU Review. This review is purely a comparison of application performance comparing multi-threading and single-threading performance.
| Model | Cores/Threads | Boost / Base Frequency | Total Cache | TDP |
| AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D | 16C/32T | Up to 5.7 GHz / 4.2 GHz | 144MB | 120W |
| AMD Ryzen 9 7950X | 16C/32T | Up to 5.7 GHz / 4.5 GHz | 81MB | 170W |
Test Setup
Installation follows the instructions we outlined here. For the AM5 platform, we are using an AMD-provided test platform ASUS ROG CROSSHAIR X670E HERO motherboard with the AMD-provided BIOS 9922 and AMD-provided G.SKILL Trident Z5 Neo DDR5 at 6000MHz and CL30 running in EXPO I and an MSI MEG CORELIQUID S360 AIO cooler. We are using the new AMD-supplied Chipset driver 5.02.16.347 which was installed for the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D and AMD Ryzen 9 7950X.
Discussion (5 replies)
Join Discussion →So, question.
Here is a head to head comparison of two different items. The writeup is great and I think it's a very good article. But you have those Review Overview graphs at the bottom that list Performance/efficiency/features/value. So which of these two items in a head to head comparison does that graph pertain to? You may want to revisit that graph layout for head to head comparison type reviews.
It pertains to the 7950X3D. The first CPU in the title, is always the one that is the main focus, or the one being reviewed. I think from the tone of the review, as you read it, starting with the Introduction, I made it quite clear the 7950X3D is the focus of the review and the CPU that is being "reviewed". IMO, the text is very clear about which CPU is in question here. The conclusion also concludes with that comparison and focus. In addition, the "Summary" in the ranking system starts off with the very first line telling the reader what we did in the review: "In this application-focused review, we find out the overall big picture of the Ryzen 9 7950X3D when it comes to application performance." and the rest of it goes into explaining the ratings we chose, and why, for that CPU that it calls out. IMO, the intention is very clear.
I see what you're saying here. When doing a head to head include the overall score and short breakdown for each.... makes sense. Also makes sense to only do the title card.
Oh I also wanted to add, good review enjoyed reading it and feel more informed. I'll be waiting for the next generation CPU's from AMD before I talk upgrade. Or maybe skip two depending on motherboard, ram and storage costs.
That is what the "Summary" section does at the bottom of every page, to explain the rankings.