Introduction

We review the top-performing ZEN5 processor, the Ryzen 9 9950X, featuring a formidable 16 cores. This model boasts the highest number of cores and the fastest speeds available to consumers. Moving beyond the high-end category, this processor enters the realm of enthusiast-level hardware.

Update 29/8/2024: We've now updated this article to include KB5041587 patch results for games as AMD announced a branch prediction optimization for its Ryzen processors, now available for Windows 11 version 23H2 through an optional update. This update targets AMD Ryzen processors built on the Zen 3, 4 and 5, enhancing gaming performance on regular Windows accounts, including non-local (online) accounts. Users can find this update under "Cumulative Update Preview for Windows 11 Version 23H2 for x64-based Systems (KB5041587)" in the Windows Update section. 

Built on the latest ZEN 5 architecture, it conveniently fits into existing motherboards such as the X670 and B650. All that's required to integrate this new processor into these motherboards is a simple system BIOS update. The new processors are based on ZEN 5 architecture, yet can be seated on the existing compatible motherboards like X670 and B650 with merely a System BIOS upgrade. Given its excellent performance combined with an architecture that supports PCIe Gen 5, DDR5, and a CPU that exceeds 5.9 GHz, this product might become a sweet spot processor for many enthusiast and creators. AMD recently announced its first ZEN5-based Ryzen 9000 processors. While some updated graphics cards have been released this year, not much else has been released in the component hardware arena. Yes, AMD has officially announced the launch date for its new Ryzen 9000 series desktop CPUs which include four SKUs: the 16-core Ryzen 9 9950X, 12-core Ryzen 9 9900X, 8-core Ryzen 7 9700X, and 6-core Ryzen 5 9600X. The Ryzen 7 9700X will be a key model in the lineup and has been a topic of extensive discussion, particularly concerning its performance relative to previous models. AMD has addressed rumours regarding potential changes to its Thermal Design Power (TDP), confirming that it will launch with an incredibly low 65W TDP. The higher-end Ryzen 9 9950X will feature a 170W TDP, while the Ryzen 9 9900X will maintain a 120W TDP. Both the Ryzen 7 9700X and Ryzen 5 9600X are set at 65W, highlighting AMD's effort to balance performance and power efficiency.

However, it is also acknowledged that the Ryzen 7 9000 will not match the gaming performance of the Ryzen 7 7800X3D, based on statements from AMD’s Don Waligroski. For that, you'll have to wait for X3D processors. AMD's launch presentation included a series-to-series comparison, demonstrating an 11% to 22% performance improvement from the previous generation while simultaneously lowering the TDP for three of the four new SKUs. That is something we're going to validate in our reviews. The Zen 5 architecture marks a meaningful advancement in AMD's Ryzen 9000 series processors for desktops. The structural aspects such as the socket and the internal layout remain consistent, featuring an unchanged I/O die and one or two new Zen 5-based CPU core dies, compatible with the current series 500/600motherboards.  

AMD Ryzen 9000 Series Overview

The Ryzen 9 9950X is really high-performance desktop processor from AMD's Granite Ridge product line. This CPU is equipped with 16 cores and 32 threads using AMD's latest Zen 5 architecture. It is expected to be available for purchase about a month after its release. The Ryzen 9 9950X shares several characteristics with its predecessor, the Ryzen 9 7950X, which was based on the Zen 4 architecture a similar maximum clock speed of up to 5.7GHz. However, the 9950X operates under a long-term Thermal Design Power (TDP) of 170 watts, indicating the amount of heat generated that cooling systems need to dissipate under average load. The 9950X uses a three-die configuration, where the core dies are manufactured using TSMC’s advanced 4nm process. This contrasts with processors like the Strix Point, which utilizes a single-die design. The Ryzen 9 9950X supports advanced technologies like PCIe 5. It offers 24 direct lanes of PCIe 5, each capable of transferring data at 3.93GB/s, along with up to 12 additional lanes of PCIe 4 depending on the motherboard. This provides substantial bandwidth for high-speed components like SSDs and graphics cards. The processor also supports DDR5 memory, which can operate at speeds up to 5600MT/s, and includes optional support for Error-Correcting Code (ECC) memory, enhancing system stability and reliability. In terms of graphics, the integrated GPU within the 9950X is fairly basic, featuring only 2 Compute Units (CUs) and 128 unified shaders, with a maximum frequency of 2200MHz. Based on the RDNA 3+ architecture, this GPU supports DirectX 12 Ultimate, which includes features like ray tracing. However, with its limited number of shaders, it's not suited for demanding gaming tasks. The iGPU can support up to three or four SUHD (4320p) monitors simultaneously and provides hardware support for encoding and decoding various video codecs like AVC, HEVC, VP9, and AV1, though it lacks support for VVC. As for power efficiency, the Ryzen 9 9950X benefits from its 4nm manufacturing process, which helps improve energy efficiency—an essential factor given current energy concerns. Although it has a long-term TDP of 170W, power consumption can reach 250W or more under intense loads, such as during high-end gaming or video rendering. Overclocking, which involves running the CPU at speeds higher than its official maximum, can further increase power consumption.