AMD introduced its new Ryzen 7 9850X3D desktop gaming processor last week. This early January virtual launch event occurred weeks in advance of a highly-anticipated rollout at retail; officially set to happen within the first quarter of 2026. An unfortunately-timed pre-CES kick-off leak spoiled some fun—coming from prematurely published e-tail listings—signalling a possible January 29 roll out at shop outlets, at least in France . Earlier today, a new claim made by VideoCardz seems to align—timing-wise—with NDA-busting information mistakenly released by the French LDLC webstore. The popular PC hardware news site believes that Team Red will lift its Ryzen 7 9850X3D review embargo on January 28; the day prior to a speculated retail launch. Additionally, VideoCardz reportedly knows about a recent distribution of press samples—likely heading in the direction of reviewers, influencers, and tech-adjacent entities. A delidded example was allegedly presented at CES 2026, as evidenced by a recent PCGamesHardware Germany article. An unnamed provider managed to sneak OEM variants (intact and torn down) in front of a select bunch of journalists.