AMD has officially announced the launch date for its next-gen desktop CPU lineup, the Ryzen 9000 series, with the 9950X leading the pack. This CPUnit boasts 16 cores and a maximum boost of up to 5.7 gigahertz, making it a highly anticipated release for AMD fans. Real-world tests of the hardware have shown promising results, with benchmarks indicating superior performance compared to older AMD and Intel processors.
AnandTech forum member igor_kavinski conducted various benchmarks using an engineering sample of the Ryzen 9 9950X. The tests revealed impressive performance gains, especially at higher power draws. When running at 160 watts of PPT, the 9950X outperformed the last-gen 7960X by 24.6% on the Blender Monster benchmark. Even at boosted PPT of 230 watts for both chips, the 9950X maintained an 18.8% lead, showcasing significant improvements with just a single-gen bump.
Comparisons were also made against Intel’s current 24-core flagship Core i9-14900K, with both chips set at 253 watts PPT. The AMD 9950X surpassed the Intel chip by 35.6%, 35.4%, and 39.8% on various benchmarks. It’s important to note that AMD’s 16 identical cores differ from Intel’s 8-performance, 16-efficiency setup, but the results speak for themselves.
While the engineering sample may have some differences from the final retail version set to launch on July 31st, early tests indicate a strong performance for the 9950X. Despite not hitting its maximum gigahertz rating, the chip maintained impressively low temperatures of 60C at 253 watts with an AIO liquid cooling setup. These results align with AMD’s publicly-released benchmarks against Intel processors.
With the launch just two weeks away, more data on the 9950X and its sibling chips will soon be available. Pricing information is still pending, but based on the previous-gen 7950X launch price of $700, the new CPUs are expected to be in high demand upon release.
Michael, a seasoned technology journalist, has covered a wide range of topics from Apple to ZTE over his 10-year career. As a keyboard enthusiast, he enjoys testing new models for reviews and constantly upgrades his desktop setup in his free time. With bylines on PCWorld, Android Police, Wired, and more, Michael brings a wealth of experience to his tech reporting. Based in Pennsylvania, he looks forward to his next kayaking adventure when he’s not immersed in the latest tech news.
