AMD Unveils Next-Generation Zen 4-Based X3D Processors with 3D V-Cache Technology

AMD recently made waves in the desktop processor market at Computex 22 with the showcase of its updated CPU roadmap that extends through 2024. One of the products that stood out was the new 3D V-Cache SKU that is based on Zen 4 cores. The previous Ryzen 7 5800X3D with its 96 MB of 3D stacked V-Cache was a big hit with gamers, so the announcement of new Zen 4-based X3D SKUs was highly anticipated.

At CES 2023, AMD took the opportunity to unveil its latest 3D V Cache-based processors, which are part of the Ryzen 7000 series. There are three new Zen 4 X3D SKUs in total: the Ryzen 9 7950X3D, the Ryzen 9 7900X3D, and the Ryzen 7 7800X3D. All three models boast 64 MB of additional L3 cache through AMD’s 3D V-Cache stacking technology, which is a 3D chiplet stacking technology in collaboration with TSMC. They also have a 120 W TDP and higher boost core frequencies compared to previous X3D chips. The Ryzen 9 7950X3D, in particular, has a boost frequency of up to 5.7 GHz, which is impressive.

Since the release of the first desktop processor featuring 3D V-Cache packaging technology (the Ryzen 7 5800X3D), gamers have experienced the benefits that large pools of L3 cache can bring to framerates in CPU-limited scenarios. AMD and TSMC added 64 MB SRAM chiplet on top of the existing 32 MB chiplet through a direct copper-to-copper bonding TSV to maintain circuit integrity. The process involves die thinning, making sure that the 3D stacked chiplet fits within the same overall platform frame as the rest of the silicon and the integrated heat spreader (IHS). The Ryzen 7 5800X3D with its 96 MB stacked L3 V-Cache showed significant performance improvements in some games, but not all.

The main issue with the Ryzen 7 5800X3D was its compute performance, which was slower than the Ryzen 7 5800X due to its slower overall core clock speeds. However, it seems like AMD took this into consideration and improved upon it in its latest Zen 4 X3D SKUs. With the Ryzen 7000 X3D SKUs, there will likely be fewer discrepancies in performance compared to the Ryzen 7 5800X3D and 5800X. This is because they allow for similar peak turbo clock speeds without compromising the integrity of the stacked silicon in the 3D V-Cache stack.

The flagship SKU, the Ryzen 9 7950X3D, has 16 cores, 32 threads, and a turbo frequency of up to 5.7 GHz. It offers 128 MB of L3 cache, with 64 MB of existing pooled L3 cache in the CCDs and another 64 MB sliced on top with TSVs. The enhanced chip has addressed many of the performance discrepancies seen with the previous Ryzen 7 5800X3D by allowing for higher peak turbo clock speeds without interfering with the integrity of the stacked silicon.

We reached out to AMD for clarification on how they managed to secure the integrity with a higher boost clock speed and for information on whether the Ryzen 7000 X3D processors are unlocked or if overclocking via the frequency multiplier is disabled. We will update this article with their response once we receive it.