AMD recently unveiled its new Ryzen 9000 series of desktop processors based on the new Zen 5 architecture. While these new CPUs bring numerous improvements and advancements, they are not expected to surpass the gaming performance of the previous generation’s Ryzen 7000X3D models, which feature 3D V-Cache technology. While this might come as a surprise to some, it underscores the unique advantages of AMD’s 3D V-Cache technology in gaming scenarios.
The Ryzen 9000 series promises a host of upgrades over the Zen 4 architecture used in the Ryzen 7000 series. These enhancements include better energy efficiency, higher core counts, and architectural refinements aimed at boosting overall performance. The Zen 5 chips are expected to deliver significant gains in multi-threaded workloads and general computing tasks, making them a compelling option for a wide range of users. However, when it comes to gaming performance, the Ryzen 9000 series might not outshine the Ryzen 7000X3D models.
In an interview with Tom’s Hardware during Computex 2024, AMD Senior Technical Marketing Manager of Consumer Processors Donny Woligroski said that while the new chips will come close, they won’t be able to match the gaming prowess of their predecessors equipped with 3D V-Cache. 3D V-Cache stacks additional cache memory on top of the CPU die, significantly increasing the amount of L3 cache available to the processor. For gaming, where quick access to large sets of data is crucial, this added cache can dramatically reduce latency and improve frame rates. The impact on gaming performance has been substantial.
In many scenarios, the Ryzen 7000X3D CPUs have outperformed not only their AMD counterparts but also Intel’s high-end gaming processors. The enhanced cache allows for smoother gameplay and higher frame rates, particularly in games that are heavily reliant on CPU performance. However, it is important to note that the Ryzen 9000 series will still offer strong gaming performance. The improvements in core architecture, clock speeds, and overall efficiency will ensure that these new processors remain competitive in the gaming market, even if they don’t take the crown from the X3D models.
Looking forward, AMD does have plans to integrate improved 3D V-Cache technology in future iterations of its processors. This suggests that while the initial Ryzen 9000 series may not feature this technology, subsequent models or refreshes could bring even greater gaming performance enhancements. AMD’s commitment to 3D V-Cache technology also indicates that the company recognizes its significant impact on gaming and aims to leverage it in future products.
The AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D and 9900X3D processors have had their launch schedule up in the air for some time. Having first been unveiled at CES 2025, there have been many rumors circulating about the components. However, a new report suggests that the release of the upcoming CPUs is now more locked in. AMD’s new chips should be available in just a few weeks, with reviews of their performance going live the day before release, according to VideoCardz.
Recent sales data from German retailer MindFactory highlights a striking trend in AMD’s Zen 5 CPU lineup, with the Ryzen 7 9800X3D accounting for nearly 90% of all Ryzen 9000-series sales. The latest figures indicate that consumers overwhelmingly prefer this gaming-optimized processor over other models in the lineup. In January 2025, MindFactory recorded 25,625 total CPU sales, with AMD capturing 92.16% of the market—equivalent to 23,615 units. Intel, by contrast, managed to sell just 2,010 processors, reinforcing AMD’s dominance in the consumer market.
Shots fired. Frank Azor, an AMD executive, just straight-up called Intel’s Arrow Lake line of CPUs “horrible.” Where did it all start? Why, with the ongoing shortage of AMD’s best gaming processors, of course. And surprisingly, AMD blames Intel for the fact that its X3D processors are hard to come by right now. In a recent media roundtable reported by Tom’s Hardware, AMD admitted that it never expected the demand for its CPUs to be that high. In fact, it expected it to be lower because it thought that Intel would be more competitive — but since Arrow Lake turned out to be largely unimpressive, people turned to AMD for their next-gen CPUs even more so than before.
