Fresh details have emerged regarding AMD's upcoming refresh of its gaming-focused X3D processors. A leaked shipping manifest has provided concrete specifications for the anticipated Ryzen 7 9850X3D, offering a clearer picture of what to expect from this performance-optimized chip.
Leaked Manifest Reveals Key Specifications
The core details of the Ryzen 7 9850X3D were reportedly confirmed by a shipping manifest from NBD, shared online on December 4, 2025. This document lists the processor's Thermal Design Power (TDP) at 120 watts, identical to its predecessor, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D. The leak aligns with earlier rumors and a brief, since-removed mention on AMD's official website, solidifying the chip's existence. The part number listed is "100-000001973-00," with an internal document date of October 18, 2025, suggesting the product has been in planning for some time.
Reported Ryzen 7 9850X3D Specifications vs. 9800X3D:
| Specification | Ryzen 7 9850X3D (Leaked) | Ryzen 7 9800X3D (Current) |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 8 / 16 | 8 / 16 |
| Architecture | Zen 5 | Zen 5 |
| Base Clock | 4.7 GHz | 4.7 GHz |
| Boost Clock | 5.6 GHz | 5.2 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 96 MB | 96 MB |
| L2 Cache | 8 MB | 8 MB |
| TDP | 120W | 120W |
| iGPU | 2x RDNA 2 CUs | 2x RDNA 2 CUs |
| Memory Support | DDR5-5600 | DDR5-5600 |
Performance Uplift Through Higher Clocks
The primary upgrade for the 9850X3D appears to be a significant increase in boost clock speed. While the base clock is expected to remain at 4.7 GHz, the maximum boost clock is rumored to reach 5.6 GHz. This represents a 400 MHz increase over the 9800X3D's 5.2 GHz boost, promising better performance in both gaming and applications. Crucially, AMD seems to have achieved this performance bump without raising the power envelope, a testament to refinements in the Zen 5 architecture and TSMC's advanced 3D packaging technology, which reduces latency and thermal overhead for the 3D V-Cache.
Unchanged Core Architecture and Cache
Beyond the clock speeds, the Ryzen 7 9850X3D is expected to share its fundamental architecture with the 9800X3D. It will feature 8 cores and 16 threads, built on the Zen 5 core design. The hallmark of the X3D series—the large L3 cache—will remain at 96 MB, complemented by 8 MB of L2 cache. The integrated graphics, based on RDNA 2, and memory support for DDR5-5600 are also anticipated to be carried over without change. This positions the 9850X3D as a straightforward, higher-binned variant of the existing model.
Context on AMD Ryzen 9000 X3D Lineup: The leak suggests AMD is preparing a refresh of its X3D processors. The Ryzen 7 9850X3D and a higher-TDP Ryzen 9 9950X3D2 are expected to join the existing Ryzen 7 9800X3D and Ryzen 9 9950X3D. The key differentiator for the new models is higher boost clock speeds achieved through chip binning and architectural optimizations, rather than fundamental design changes.
Market Positioning and Expected Launch
Pricing and an exact launch date for the Ryzen 7 9850X3D remain unconfirmed. Industry speculation suggests a price point around USD 450, positioning it as a direct successor to the 9800X3D. While no official timeline is available, the accumulation of leaks and the appearance of official documentation hint that a launch could be imminent, with some reports pointing to the first quarter of 2026. This refresh, alongside the rumored Ryzen 9 9950X3D2 with a 200W TDP, indicates AMD's strategy to offer tiered performance options within its X3D lineup for enthusiasts seeking the ultimate gaming performance.