1. Introducing AMD Ryzen 9 9900X3D2. Performance and Testing: CPU3. Performance and Testing: Gaming4. Closing Thoughts5. View All Pages

The new AMD Ryzen 9 9900X3D is a good CPU that combines a number of virtues. We have 12 cores of Zen 5 technology and a chunk of 2nd Gen 3D V-Cache which combine to deliver a fine all-round experience.

This CPU handles general purpose duties well and is also very good in games. We were impressed by its relatively low power draw under load and cool operating temperature which are comparable with Intel Core i5.

The problem with Ryzen 9 9900X3D is the price, as the 9900X3D costs £200 more than a 9900X while the 9950X3D costs £120 more than a 9950X. The explanation, we feel, is that the excellent Ryzen 7 9800X3D carries a similarly huge premium over the 9700X and we guess that AMD felt the need to jack up the price of the 9900X3D to keep the product stack looking neat.

The upshot is that the Ryzen 9 9900X3D is a problematic purchase at £600 while the Ryzen 9 9950X3D looks like a decent proposition at £700.

We don't yet have a retail link but the AMD Ryzen 9 9900X3D has a UK MSRP of £599.99 inc VAT.

Pros:

• Impressive gaming performance.
• AMD chipset drivers handle 3D V-Cache very well.
• Low operating temperature of 65 degrees C.
• The 9900X3D has the same clock speeds and power draw as the regular 9900X.

Cons:

• The cost is too high and the value is poor.
• The 3D cache doesn't help in day-to-day tasks.

KitGuru says: The Ryzen 9 9900X3D is a good all-round CPU but costs way too much.

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