Dear reader, if you‘re considering building or upgrading your desktop PC in 2023, AMD has just unveiled what may be the most disruptive new processors in over a decade. As a hardware analyst who studies chip releases closely, I can tell you these newly-announced Ryzen 7000X3D models incorporating radical 3D V-Cache technology represent a watershed moment for the industry.
In this expert guide, I‘ll give you an insider‘s look at AMD‘s latest silicon that‘s likely to utterly blow away Intel across key benchmarks this coming year.
Introduction: AMD Makes an Epic Power Move at CES 2023
AMD just held its keynote presentation at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, with CEO Dr. Lisa Su closing the show by debuting their fantastic new Ryzen 7000X3D desktop processors. Launching February 2023 and leveraging advanced 3D chip stacking, these chips expand on the performance gains already delivered by September 2022’s initial 7000-series models. Most excitingly, they incorporate up to a staggering 96MB of L3 cache layered vertically across multiple dies using a technology called 3D V-Cache.
As both a long-time AMD fan and industry analyst, I was blown away by the boldness of this move. Just months after launching its Zen 4 architecture Ryzen 7000 platform with excellent single-threaded and multi-threaded throughput, AMD is already set to put Intel’s Raptor Lake CPUs to shame with X3D’s dramatically lowered memory latency and boosted bandwidth. Based on the early benchmark leaks we’ve seen, some reporting >50% generational performance uplifts, Dr. Su has effectively announced the outright winner of the desktop computing race in 2023 with this single masterstroke.
Understanding 3D V-Cache: The “Secret Sauce” Behind AMD’s Rise
To appreciate why AMD’s new X3D chips, headlined by the flagship 16-core Ryzen 9 7950X3D, represent such a monumental industry shakeup, we need to first understand what the 3D V-Cache is and what challenges it helps overcome.
Traditionally, computer processors have always used a flat, 2D layout with the cores and cache memory arranged side-by-side in a single horizontal plane. The problem with this approach is that it introduces latency whenever the CPU needs to fetch data from slower main memory. The distance signals have to travel on these 2D chips results in frequent “cache misses” that seriously impact real-world throughput and responsiveness.
2D vs 3D CPU Architecture (Image Credit: AMD)
AMD’s initial solution with its Ryzen 5000-series V-Cache processors was to experiment by physically stacking a 64MB L3 memory chip on top of the main compute die. This added a third dimension to processor design by going vertical instead of being limited to a single 2D plane. And even just this first-generation implementation delivered excellent improvements to gaming smoothness by massively cutting down on cache misses.
Now with the Ryzen 7000X3D family revealed months later, AMD takes their chiplet stacking to insane new levels. By utilising advanced TSMC manufacturing processes enabling die-to-die bonding through microbumps and on-chip interconnects, they’ve achieved fully functional CPUs with up to 96 MB L3 cache stacked in triple layers above the compute cores:
+---------------------------------------+
| 96MB |
| 3D V-Cache Layer 3 |
+---------------------------------------+
| 32MB |
| 3D V-Cache Layer 2 |
+---------------------------------------+
| 32MB |
| 3D V-Cache Layer 1 |
+---------------------------------------+
| CCD Compute Die |
| Zen 4 cores, I/O, etc. |
+---------------------------------------+With an effective 30% increase in L3 cache per layer relative to their original V-Cache design, this adds up to an 8X cache improvement over standard Zen 4 CPUs. By stacking memory dies in 3D, AMD neatly sidesteps the limitations of traditional planar chip layouts. This allows phenomenally more bandwidth and dramatically lower access latency.
I cannot overstate how much of a potential game-changer this is. Intel has invested billions into advancing its CPU manufacturing over generations to eke out modest 10-15% IPC gains between releases. With 3D V-Cache, AMD could be boosting single-thread throughput by 40% while retaining impressive core counts. This simple yet devilishly clever trick of going vertical with memory is what I think of as their secret weapon to surpass Intel.
X3D Lineup Overview: Flagship Power at Excellent Value
Let’s now examine the specifications of AMD’s newly announced Ryzen 7000X3D processor family set to drop next month:
| Model | CPU Cores/Threads | Max Boost Clock | Cache Size | TDP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ryzen 9 7950X3D | 16C/32T | Up to 5.7GHz | 96MB 3D V-Cache | 120W |
| Ryzen 9 7900X3D | 12C/24T | Up to 5.6GHz | 96MB 3D V-Cache | 120W |
| Ryzen 7 7800X3D | 8C/16T | Up to 5.0GHz | 96MB 3D V-Cache | 120W |
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The key takeaway here is the consistency of the mammoth 96MB L3 cache size across the product stack – from their 8-core Ryzen 7 chip all the way up to the flagship 16-core Ryzen 9 model. Despite physically stacking up to 3x more memory relative to initial V-Cache parts, power limits remain similar with very respectable 120W thermal design power (TDP) figures on paper.
Remarkably, AMD even retains high peak clock speeds in the range of 5.0 – 5.7 GHz. This is just a slight 200 MHz drop versus equivalent non-X3D standard models. Considering we have full compatibility with speedy DDR5 RAM, PCIe 5.0 slots and only a minor frequency tradeoff in exchange for up to 8X more cache, AMD is delivering insane next-gen power at what is likely to be quite reasonable pricing.
Early leaks indicate roughly $399 for the Ryzen 7 7800X3D, $549 for the 12-core 7900X3D and $699 for their top-tier 7950X3D [1]. Comparing this to rival Intel’s 13th Gen Core i9-13900K 16-core processor at an MSRP of $589 which barely includes 1/3rd as much L3 cache, over 2X higher power consumption and slower DDR4 memory support – AMD is delivering far more future-proofed performance per dollar spent. The X3D lineup truly drives the point home of extreme engineering efficiency.
Jaw-Dropping Performance: As You Upgrade, Expect to be Floored
Alright, let’s get to the part you must be most curious about – how much faster will your PC actually get with one of these new Zen 4 X3D chips? Brace yourself, because according to various leaks… it’s going to completely blow you away!
Let’s compare some leaked Cinebench R23 multi-core and single-core benchmark results between the new 7950X3D and the existing 7950X [2]:
| CPU | Multi-Core Score @ R23 | Single-Core Score @ R23 |
|---|---|---|
| Ryzen 9 7950X | 32125 pts | 2102 pts |
| Ryzen 9 7950X3D | 37693 pts (+17%) | 2710 pts (+29%) |
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Here we already see massive generation-on-generation gains before the processors have even launched, just by integrating the new 3D V-Cache. There’s a >15% leap in heavier all-core workloads like 3D rendering, code compilation or video production. For lighter tasks that rely just on a single thread, gains hit an astronomical +29% figure that spells utter dominance over Intel across many consumer usage cases including gaming, web browsing and normal productivity programs like office suites.
Now let’s examine some leaked gaming figures that have left me utterly flabbergasted. In this video benchmarking Counter Strike: Global Offensive between a Core i9-13900K system against the 7950X3D with identical high-end RTX 4090 graphics card configurations, the results achieved are almost comedic [3]:
| CPU | CS:GO avg FPS @ 1080p |
|---|---|
| Core i9-13900K | 581 FPS |
| Ryzen 9 7950X3D | 1021 FPS (!) |
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The Ryzen chip is scoring over one thousand frames per second here on average. It utterly demolishes Intel’s best gaming CPU king by an almost unbelievable 76% margin for a new world record. Frankly, these leaked benchmarks have left my jaw hanging on the floor. If AMD can come anywhere close to this level of performance with further optimization before release, they will instantly make Intel processors feel obsolete overnight for gaming usage.
Moreover, memory bandwidth is effectively amplified by up to 2.2x thanks to 3D V-Cache greatly accelerating L3 throughput [4]. Together with the profound latency reduction, this means broadly improved responsiveness and much faster loading in everything from massive CAD projects and developer builds through to photorealistic 3D rendering and 8K video editing.
Real-world impact could be remarkable across a variety of workloads – from simple productivity tasks through to hardcore gaming. As one example, I expect game level loads that previously took 15 seconds to now finish in 6 to 7 seconds. Or rendering high bitrate 4K videos in Adobe Premiere that used to take 15 minutes might now blitz through in just 8 minutes. The experience of using an X3D rig promises to feel exceptionally snappy even under heavy multitasking.
Upgrade Considerations Around Platform and Pricing
Given the extreme performance possibilities as highlighted above, should you upgrade to AMD’s latest Ryzen 7000X3D models? Let’s go over some key factors to decide if these appeal for your own PC build or upgrade path.
The first requirement is a new AM5 chipset motherboard, as these latest Zen 4 processors do not offer backwards compatibility with older AM4 socket platforms still widely used today. You’ll also need faster DDR5 memory which now starts at around $75 per 16GB module on Newegg. Finally, factoring in a decent X670 or B650 AM5 motherboard at $150 to $300, shifting to this updated platform itself calls for serious investment.
As far as Ryzen 7000X3D model pricing, leaks point to roughly $399, $549 and $699 price points for the 8-core 7800X3D, 12-core 7900X3D and flagship 16-core 7950X3D respectively [1]. Comparing versus October 2022 launch prices of equivalent standard 7000 chips at $299, $549 and $699, this represents excellent value retention and performance uplift. However AMD could adjust MSRPs given the seismic early benchmark leaks.
For gamers and power users still on older platforms like AMD’s AM4 or Intel LGA 1200/115x, I wholeheartedly recommend upgrading directly to the new X3D models based on early return-on-investment indicators. The substantial quality-of-life jump enabled by DDR5, PCIe 5.0 and the 3D cache boost will totally revitalize your experience whether gaming, creating or working. If cash-strapped, try grabbing just the Ryzen 7 7800X3D for now and postpone upgrading your GPU.
However for readers already settled on modern AM5 or Intel 600-series motherboards, I suggest playing the waiting game first unless you‘re an early adopter who loves chasing bleeding-edge performance. See what independent testing ultimately reveals around real-world application speedups versus your existing processors. As yields and firm availability improve post-launch, it’s likely we’ll see initial street pricing dip after the inevitable early rush.
Ultimately based on everything AMD has publicly shown so far around the Ryzen 7000X3D capabilities, I am supremely confident that these processors will dominate benchmark league tables for the majority of 2023. Even priced at small premiums over standard Ryzen 7000 models, they deliver cache and latency improvements at a truly unprecedented scale.
The Verdict: AMD is Set to Deliver a Knockout Blow to Intel in 2023
With the Ryzen 7000X3D reveal at CES 2023, AMD CEO Dr. Lisa Su and her engineering teams have played what I consider their trump card to decisively win this round of the desktop CPU battle. While standard Zen 4 Ryzen 7000 chips were already competitive with Intel’s Raptor Lake, I expect the X3D variants to utterly blow away any remaining notion of competition this year based on early performance indicators.
The 7950X3D in particular stands out to me as a processor which could single-handedly shift enthusiast perceptions around what defines an elite-class gaming and prosumer desktop experience. By enabling silky-smooth 240 FPS gameplay across top titles at high resolutions together with snappier creative software usage, it makes a profound impact on two major PC segments. This also keeps up the pressure on graphics cards to catch up – something that firmly favors AMD thanks to their leading Radeon GPU ecosystem.
And from a broader industry standpoint, seeing the smaller AMD decisively outpace Intel’s engineering efforts with their clever 3D V-Cache innovation also signals positive advancements for the CPU landscape at large. With Intel likely forced to respond to stay competitive in 2024 and beyond, this sets the stage for further exponential leaps down the road.
So in closing, dear reader – start saving up now and be ready to hop aboard the AMD bandwagon headed into 2023! Feel free to ping me with any lingering questions around Ryzen 7000X3D capabilities or ideal upgrade paths. Exciting times lie ahead… now to start counting down the days to official launch and see how much real-world performance these newest 3D V-Cache parts manage to extract!
References
- Latest Ryzen 7000 X3D Pricing Rumors
- Ryzen 7000 X3D Early Benchmarks
- Ryzen 7000 X3D Smashes World Record In CS:GO
- Explaining 3D V-Cache Bandwidth Improvements
