AMD: Ryzen 7 7800X3D the CPU for Max Gaming Performance, 7900X3D/7950X3D for Content Creators who Game

AMD has broken its silence on the asymmetric design of the Ryzen 9 7900X3D/7950X V-Cache processors. In a blog post, one of its engineers explains why the chipmaker decided to go with two differently configured CCDs (or chiplets). Here’s our primer on chiplets and why they’re better than a single-die monolithic design.

The Ryzen 9 7900X3D and 7950X3D both feature an asymmetrical design. In other words, the CCDs aren’t alike. One features a 3D stacked cache die for higher gaming performance, while the other runs at higher clocks for better computing performance. The former packs 96MB of L3 cache but a slower boost clock of 5.25GHz. The latter has just 32MB of L3 cache, but the cores have a peak frequency of 5.7GHz.

AMD claims that this flexibility is a feature of chiplet designs. Including a CCD optimized for each type of workload allows AMD to target a broad range of applications and games more effectively.

The chipmaker clarifies that the Ryzen 9 7900X3D and 7950X3D are designed for users who want to balance gaming and content creation. Compared to the original Ryzen 9 7950X and Ryzen 9 7900X, the 3D V-Cache-equipped X3D processors offer higher gaming performance and a lower maximum TDP2.

However, content creators leveraging their AMD Ryzen systems for gaming workloads should go with a non-X3D CPU. This last line is the most interesting. “When the Ryzen 7 7800X3D arrives in a few weeks, it will be the eight-core CPU of choice for gamers who don’t need extra cores and want maximum gaming performance.”

AMD essentially admits that the Ryzen 9 7900X3D/7950X3D isn’t meant for purely gaming workloads. They are a good investment for users with more versatile workloads, a good example being game developers who may want to test and design their builds. The Ryzen 7 7800X3D, slated to arrive in the next few weeks, will be the gaming CPU to look out for. Beating the Intel Core i9-13900KS at roughly half the price will be quite the feat.