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AMD unveiled the Ryzen 7 9850X3D at CES 2026 — a higher-binned, faster variant of the popular 9800X3D designed to eke out more frequency headroom for gamers who want every last frame.
Faster clocks without raising TDP
The 9850X3D retains the same 8-core, 16-thread architecture and the standout 96MB of 3D V-Cache that made the 9800X3D a go-to for gaming. The key difference is binning: AMD is selecting chips that can run at higher voltages and clocks, pushing the new part to a 5.6GHz peak boost — up from 5.2GHz on the 9800X3D — while keeping the TDP at 120W.
- Cores / Threads: 8 / 16
- L3 Cache: 96MB 3D V-Cache
- Max Boost Clock: 5.6GHz
- TDP: 120W
Small real-world gains, clear niche value
Don’t expect transformational gains. AMD’s internal tests show roughly a 3–6% uplift in gaming performance depending on the title, and about a 5% gain in productivity workloads. For competitive or CPU-bound scenarios, that uptick can translate to smoother frame rates — useful for enthusiasts — but it’s modest overall.
How it compares inside AMD’s lineup
Interestingly, the 9850X3D may outshine or match AMD’s more expensive 9950X3D in frequency-sensitive gaming. The 9950X3D can hit 5.7GHz on a CCD without the extra 3D V-Cache, but the cache-enabled CCD typically runs closer to 5.5GHz. With 5.6GHz available on the 9850X3D’s 3D V-Cache chiplet, frequency-bound titles could favor the new 8-core part.
Pricing unknown, but expectations are clear
AMD hasn’t set a street price yet. Given the $480 9800X3D and the $600–$700 range of nearby models, industry observers expect the 9850X3D to land around $500–$600. AMD also confirmed the 9800X3D will remain on sale at current prices, so buyers will have layered options depending on budget and performance needs.
Is it worth upgrading? If you already own a 9800X3D, the gains are likely too small to justify an immediate move unless you’re chasing maximum frequency or overclocking potential. For new builds focused on top-tier gaming performance, the 9850X3D presents the fastest AMD gaming CPU at launch — but with realistically modest returns.
Source: gsmarena
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