AMD's Ryzen 9 9950X3D2 processor has taken on a mythical status in the CPU world, as it has been rumored for some time without any commercial release. Recently, the CPU appeared in the online database of the Geekbench CPU benchmark, showing a slight performance improvement over its predecessor—the regular Ryzen 9 9950X3D CPU. A Geekbench v6.5 test revealed scores of 3,553 for single-core performance and 24,340 for multicore performance. This represents about a 7% improvement for the X3D2 model over the X3D in both single and multicore scores. Initially, CES 2026 was expected to be the announcement date for this processor, but after the show we got more hints that the SKU will perhaps appear later in the year.

Reportedly, the SKU features 16 cores and 32 threads, with 3D V-Cache on both chiplets, hence the name X3D2, totaling around 192 MB of L3 cache. It operates at a base frequency of 4.30 GHz, with boost clocks reaching up to 5.6 GHz. Compared to its predecessor, it sacrifices a modest 100 MHz in peak speed for significantly greater cache capacity. This configuration is expected to benefit cache-sensitive workloads and gaming, while also appealing to workstation users and content creators handling memory-intensive tasks. However, this enhanced capability comes with a thermal cost, as the rumored TDP increases to 200 W from the 9950X3D's 170 W, potentially pushing PPT values close to 250 W. With 3D V-Cache on both CCDs, the overall performance appears to be boosted by about 7%, so its appearance is justified in some workloads that enthusiasts would appreciate.