AMD Ryzen 9 3950X

AMD Ryzen 9 3950X

AMD Ryzen 9 3950X: A Comprehensive Review of the Processor for Professionals and Enthusiasts

(Relevant as of April 2025)


1. Key Features: Zen 2 Architecture and the 7nm Revolution

The AMD Ryzen 9 3950X processor, released in 2019, continues to be in demand among users who value a balance between multi-threaded performance and energy efficiency.

Architecture and Manufacturing Process

- Zen 2: 16 cores and 32 threads, divided into two CCDs (Core Complex Dies) and one IOD (Input/Output Die).

- 7nm manufacturing process by TSMC: Reduced power consumption (TDP of 105W) while maintaining a high clock speed (up to 4.7 GHz in Precision Boost mode).

- 64 MB L3 cache: Doubled cache size compared to previous generations improves performance in data-heavy tasks.

Key Features

- PCIe 4.0: Support for 24 PCIe 4.0 lanes for high-speed NVMe drives and GPUs.

- Precision Boost 2 and AutoOC: Dynamic frequency boosting based on workload and temperature.

- Energy Efficiency: Despite its 16 cores, the processor consumes less power than many competitors (e.g., Intel Core i9-10900K).

Performance

- Geekbench 6: 1700 (Single-Core) / 10655 (Multi-Core).

- Real-World Scenarios: Rendering 4K video in DaVinci Resolve takes 20% less time compared to the Ryzen 7 3700X. In gaming (e.g., Cyberpunk 2077), FPS ranges from 90 to 120 when using an RTX 4070.


2. Compatible Motherboards: Platform Selection

The processor uses the AM4 socket, making it compatible with X570, B550, and A520 chipsets.

Recommended Chipsets

- X570: Best choice for overclocking and maximum performance (e.g., ASUS ROG Crosshair VIII Hero). PCIe 4.0 support across all slots.

- B550: Budget option with PCIe 4.0 support for a graphics card and one NVMe (MSI B550 Tomahawk).

- A520: For basic builds without overclocking (Gigabyte A520M S2H).

Selection Features

- VRM and Cooling: A motherboard with a powerful VRM (at least 12 phases) is required for the stable operation of the 3950X. Avoid cheap models with passive cooling.

- BIOS: Update the firmware before installing the processor (Zen 2 support was added in BIOS versions from mid-2019).


3. Memory: DDR4 and Optimization

The Ryzen 9 3950X supports DDR4 with an official maximum frequency of 3200 MHz, but overclocking to 3600-3800 MHz is feasible on most boards.

RAM Recommendations

- Capacity: 32 GB (2x16 GB) is optimal for work tasks.

- Timings: Choose kits with low latencies (CL14-CL16), such as G.Skill Trident Z Neo.

- Important: DDR5 is not supported due to AM4 architecture limitations.


4. Power Supply: Power Calculation

With a TDP of 105W, the actual power consumption under load reaches 140-160W.

Recommendations

- Minimum: 650W (for systems with an RTX 4060 level GPU).

- Optimal: 750-850W (for RTX 4080/4090 or Radeon RX 7900 XT).

- Criteria: 80 Plus Gold certification (Corsair RM750x, be quiet! Straight Power 11).

Example Build:

- Ryzen 9 3950X + RTX 4080 + 32 GB DDR4 + 2x NVMe = 750W.


5. Pros and Cons

Advantages:

- Unmatched multi-threaded performance for its price (around $450 in 2025).

- PCIe 4.0 support for future upgrades.

- Low power consumption for a 16-core CPU.

Disadvantages:

- No support for DDR5 and PCIe 5.0.

- Requires expensive motherboards for overclocking.

- In gaming, it lags behind newer CPUs with higher IPC (e.g., Ryzen 7 7800X3D).


6. Usage Scenarios

- Gaming: Suitable for streamers (OBS + gaming) or VR systems. At 1440p/4K, the performance difference with new CPUs is minimal.

- Work Tasks: Rendering, code compilation, 3D modeling (Blender, Maya).

- Multimedia: Photo/video processing in Adobe Suite, streaming content encoding.

Example: A video editor uses the 3950X + RTX 4070 for rendering 8K projects in Premiere Pro, saving up to 40% of the time compared to 8-core CPUs.


7. Comparison with Competitors

- Intel Core i9-10900K (10 cores): Falls short in multi-threaded tasks but excels in gaming (around 5-10% higher IPC). Price: ~$350 (new).

- Ryzen 9 5950X (16 cores, Zen 3): 15-20% faster in single-threaded tasks but costs around ~$550.

- Apple M2 Max (12 cores): Better energy efficiency but limited by the macOS ecosystem.


8. Build Tips

- Cooling: Use an AIO cooler (NZXT Kraken X63) or a tower cooler (Noctua NH-D15).

- Case: Ensure good ventilation (Lian Li Lancool III, 3-4 fans).

- Optimization: Enable PBO (Precision Boost Overdrive) in BIOS for automatic overclocking.


9. Final Conclusion: Who is the Ryzen 9 3950X Suitable For?

This processor is ideal for:

1. Professionals: Video editors, 3D designers, programmers.

2. Enthusiasts: Those wanting to build a powerful AM4 system without paying a premium for DDR5.

3. Streamers: 4K streaming without lag.

Why in 2025?

Despite its age, the 3950X remains a worthwhile option due to the availability of motherboards and DDR4. If you don't need PCIe 5.0 or DDR5, it offers the best price-to-performance ratio in the sub-$500 segment.


Prices are indicated for new devices as of April 2025. The relevance of the build is confirmed by tests and user feedback.

Basic

Label Name
AMD
Platform
Desktop
Launch Date
July 2019
Code Name
Matisse

CPU Specifications

Total Cores
?
Cores is a hardware term that describes the number of independent central processing units in a single computing component (die or chip).
16
Total Threads
?
Where applicable, Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology is only available on Performance-cores.
32
Basic Frequency
3.5GHz
Max Turbo Frequency
?
Max Turbo Frequency is the maximum single-core frequency at which the processor is capable of operating using Intel® Turbo Boost Technology and, if present, Intel® Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0 and Intel® Thermal Velocity Boost. Frequency is typically measured in gigahertz (GHz), or billion cycles per second.
Up to 4.7GHz
L1 Cache
1024KB
L2 Cache
8MB
L3 Cache
64MB
Unlocked for Overclocking
?
AMD`s product warranty does not cover damages caused by overclocking, even when overclocking is enabled via AMD hardware and/or software. GD-26.
Yes
CPU Socket
?
The socket is the component that provides the mechanical and electrical connections between the processor and motherboard.
AM4
Technology
?
Lithography refers to the semiconductor technology used to manufacture an integrated circuit, and is reported in nanometer (nm), indicative of the size of features built on the semiconductor.
TSMC 7nm FinFET
TDP
105W
Max. Operating Temperature
?
Junction Temperature is the maximum temperature allowed at the processor die.
95°C
PCI Express Version
?
PCI Express Revision is the supported version of the PCI Express standard. Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (or PCIe) is a high-speed serial computer expansion bus standard for attaching hardware devices to a computer. The different PCI Express versions support different data rates.
PCIe 4.0
Number of PCI Express Lanes
?
A PCI Express (PCIe) lane consists of two differential signaling pairs, one for receiving data, one for transmitting data, and is the basic unit of the PCIe bus. Max # of PCI Express Lanes is the total number of supported lanes.
24 (Total), 20 (Usable)

Memory Specifications

Memory Type
?
Intel® processors come in four different types: Single Channel, Dual Channel, Triple Channel, and Flex Mode. Maximum supported memory speed may be lower when populating multiple DIMMs per channel on products that support multiple memory channels.
DDR4
Memory Channels
?
The number of memory channels refers to the bandwidth operation for real world application.
2

GPU Specifications

Integrated Graphics Model
?
An integrated GPU refers to the graphics core that is integrated into the CPU processor. Leveraging the processor's powerful computational capabilities and intelligent power efficiency management, it delivers outstanding graphics performance and a smooth application experience at a lower power consumption.
Discrete Graphics Card Required

Miscellaneous

OS Support
Windows 11 - 64-Bit Edition, Windows 10 - 64-Bit Edition, RHEL x86 64-Bit, Ubuntu x86 64-Bit *Operating System (OS) support will vary by manufacturer.

Benchmarks

Geekbench 6
Single Core Score
1700
Geekbench 6
Multi Core Score
10655
Geekbench 5
Single Core Score
1236
Geekbench 5
Multi Core Score
9500
Passmark CPU
Single Core Score
2706
Passmark CPU
Multi Core Score
38843

Compared to Other CPU

Geekbench 6 Single Core
1925 +13.2%
1815 +6.8%
1648 -3.1%
1590 -6.5%
Geekbench 6 Multi Core
12320 +15.6%
11445 +7.4%
9851 -7.5%
9284 -12.9%
Geekbench 5 Single Core
1324 +7.1%
1279 +3.5%
1198 -3.1%
1166 -5.7%
Geekbench 5 Multi Core
11000 +15.8%
8937 -5.9%
8392 -11.7%
Passmark CPU Single Core
2808 +3.8%
2675 -1.1%
2635 -2.6%
Passmark CPU Multi Core
46566 +19.9%
42899 +10.4%
35181 -9.4%
33353 -14.1%