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AMD's specialized Ryzen processors (CPU) with a unique 3D V-Cache design are considered the pinnacle of hardware for PC gamers. The latest flagship Zen 5 chip, known as the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, is considered the top option right now, having succeeded the previous top option, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D.
Although AMD offers more powerful variants — including the Ryzen 9 9900X3D and 9950X3D — the combination of stellar performance and a very competitive price pushes the 9800X3D to the forefront for most gamers.
https://t.co/SjaaIdDZbXNovember 30, 2025
Now, it seems like AMD plans to usurp its most popular gaming chip with a new version that's clocked slightly higher than its sibling. AMD actually leaked this revelation itself when it posted a Ryzen 7 9850X3D listing on its official driver website, which was spotted by X user Olrak29_ on November 29, 2025.
Although the AMD site listing has been taken down — the URL now simply shows a 404 error — some info was gleaned with the help of another leaker on X, g01d3nm4ng0.
New Ryzen coming... 🧐🧐🧐Ryzen 9 9950X3D2 - 200W, 16C32T, 192MB L3 cache, 5.6GHz/4.3GHz.Ryzen 7 9850X3D - 120W, 8C16T, 96MB L3 cache, 5.6GHz/4.7GHz.October 21, 2025
It appears that the 9850X3D chip will have the same 8 cores and 16 threads as the 9800X3D, but it will push its boost clock up to 5.6GHz (compared to 5.2GHz in the 9800X3D). It's alleged that it will run at a similar 120W TDP.
Of course, the second leak also mentions a Ryzen 9 9950X3D2 chip, something that's been rumored for a few months without official confirmation from AMD. The "X3D2" portion of the name suggests that it could have dual X3D tiles, expanding the chip's V-Cache — the part that makes such a huge difference in PC gaming performance — to proportions yet unseen.
Turning back to the chip that was accidentally mentioned on AMD's website, the Ryzen 7 9850X3D curiously seems to only represent a slightly higher boost clock without other improvements.
It's unclear for exactly who this chip is intended, especially when there's already the Ryzen 9 9900X3D available for those who need more cores and a higher boost clock.
The Ryzen 7 9800X3D currently retails for about $479 (less if you can find it on sale), while the 9900X3D usually sits at about $599 before discounts. There's definitely room to squeeze in another chip between the two, but with the 9800X3D so readily available at an (assumedly) lower price, AMD will have to work some magic positioning its "upgrade" as a meaningful improvement over the flagship chip.
It could also instead completely replace the 9800X3D over time; I'm hoping to hear more details from AMD at CES 2026.
(via Videocardz, PC Gamer)
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