Key Takeaways
- The initial Ryzen 9000 Series CPUs had some performance issues & were recalled due to testing problems.
- A hidden Windows admin account lowered benchmark results, creating issues between AMD’s testing and independent testers.
- But the upcoming Ryzen 9000X3D chips with more cache and potential for full overclocking support will be well worth waiting for.
AMD’s highly anticipated Zen 5-powered Ryzen 9000-Series launch was far from smooth. Stock recalls, performance discrepancies, and issues with testing procedures have all created problems for AMD’s new CPUs.
So, while AMD’s 9000-Series CPU specs look fantastic on paper, there are a few reasons I’m going to wait for its more powerful Ryzen 9000X3D chips—and you should, too.
1 Too Many Flaws With Vanilla Ryzen 9000
First up, there are too many general performance issues with AMD’s new CPUs.
AMD’s initial batch of Ryzen 9000 processors was delayed due to last-minute quality issues uncovered during its package testing process. These issues were severe enough that AMD decided to recall all units already shipped to retailers and OEMs. Although prudent, this move highlights significant concerns about the reliability of the early production units.
Additionally, AMD’s performance numbers didn’t align with independent reviewers’ findings. AMD’s initial internal testing revealed a 9% average performance boost for 1080p gaming over the previous generation’s Ryzen 7000 Series CPUs. However, many independent reviewers claim a 2-5% performance uplift.
Further testing revealed that AMD used a hidden Windows administrator account during internal testing. Windows system account privileges limit both Zen4 and Zen5 CPU performance, lowering benchmark results. Independent reviewers confirmed this after gaining an extra 2-4% performance uplift when using the Windows administrator account.
So, logging in as an administrator should solve the problem, right? Yes, but the administrator account isn’t the same as logging in as a Windows Administrator. It’s a hidden admin account that requires the Command Prompt (CMD) to activate. Although everyone can access this account, it still has two major drawbacks.
Firstly, it’s a new account, so you’ll have to reinstall all the software and set up all your files and settings, which is a huge hassle. Second, logging into this admin account significantly increases the system’s vulnerability to security threats, as it grants elevated privileges that malicious software could exploit.
A 2-4% performance increase simply isn’t worth all the trouble installing apps, setting up the account, and risking your security.
2 Ryzen 9000X3D Has More Cache
Aside from the issues, the upcoming X3D versions will offer a more compelling reason to consider upgrading: AMD’s 3D V-Cache technology. AMD’s X3D tech provided a substantial 10-15% performance boost for its Ryzen 7000 and 5000 CPUs.
CPU caches are vital components in processors that help applications run smoothly. With the upcoming Ryzen 9000X3D CPUs getting an extra 64MB L3 cache, we expect lower latencies and improved performance in cache-sensitive applications like gaming.
Furthermore, with AMD claiming a 16% IPC (instructions per clock cycle) boost on its new Zen5 architecture, Ryzen 9000X3D chips will offer an even greater gaming performance boost over the last generation’s Ryzen 7000X3D.
3 Potential For Full Overclocking Support
One of the most exciting prospects for the Ryzen 9000 Series X3D variants is the potential for full overclocking support. Previous X3D models were limited in this regard due to the complexities of managing thermals with the added 3D V-Cache.
Anandtech reports that the regular 9000 Series CPUs use a mixture of TSMC’s 4nm and 3nm manufacturing processes. As for the 3D V-Cache chiplets, Guru3D reports that third-generation 3D V-Cache may use a 5nm fabrication process, which should bring significant improvements over the second-gen 3D V-Cache using a 7nm process node (as per Tom’s Hardware).
The compact manufacturing process on the 3D V-Cache will help overclocking due to lower thermals and the other benefits of using a smaller process node. And, based on the past two generations of 3D V-Cache, smaller process nodes seem to allow for better overclocking support.
The first generation of AMD’s 3D V-Cache on Zen3 allowed memory overclocking. Then Zen4 came, and Precision Boost Overdrive (PBO) was enabled. With lower thermals, the third generation is primed for overclocking support.
This could make the Ryzen 9000X3D a great option if you want to squeeze every ounce of performance out of your system, and it would be worth the wait if true. However, it’s important to note that the potential for full overclocking support is based on trends and speculation that the upcoming 3D V-Cache will utilize a 5nm process node.
In my opinion, a 5nm 3D V-Cache resulting in higher CPU clock speeds is very likely to happen. So, a Ryzen 9000X3D CPU will not only get more cache but will potentially have higher clock speeds over the base Ryzen 9000 CPUs currently available. As for full overclocking support, AMD would probably need to do more than just fabricating the 3D V-Cache with a 5nm process. Nevertheless, a PC Gamer interview with Donny Woligroski (AMD’s senior technical marketing manager) emphasized that AMD are doing more than just adding V-Cache to the chip.
So, although vague, full overclocking support is definitely possible.
4 Zen 5 X3D Is Just Around The Corner
Lastly, the imminent release of the Zen 5 X3D processors is another reason to hold off on purchasing the current Ryzen 9000 series. Rumors suggest that these CPUs could be released as soon as the end of the year or possibly early next year, and they are expected to bring not just enhanced performance but also improved efficiency and better pricing compared to the initial Zen 5 releases.