As the tech world anticipates announcements from CES 2026, a new contender has emerged from the shadows. Alleged benchmark results for AMD's rumored flagship gaming processor, the Ryzen 9 9950X3D2, have appeared online, painting the first performance picture of a CPU that could redefine cache capacity for mainstream desktop users. This leak provides an early, if unverified, look at what might be AMD's most ambitious 3D V-Cache design yet.
The Leak and Its Source
The first alleged performance figures for the AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D2 surfaced on December 26, 2025, appearing in both the PassMark PerformanceTest database and on Geekbench. These entries, which should be treated with caution as they can be fabricated, list a processor with a staggering 192 MB of L3 cache. The chip was reportedly tested on a GALAX B850 motherboard paired with 96 GB of DDR5-4800 memory. The timing of these leaks, just weeks before CES 2026, suggests motherboard vendors or reviewers may be conducting early validation tests, aligning with previous rumors that AMD plans to refresh its Ryzen 9000X3D lineup at the event.
Leaked Benchmark Scores (December 26, 2025)
- PassMark PerformanceTest:
- Single-Thread Rating: 4,716
- Multi-Thread Rating: 71,585
- Geekbench 6:
- Single-Core Score: 3,456
- Multi-Core Score: 21,062
- Test System: GALAX B850 motherboard, 96 GB DDR5-4800 RAM.
- Note: Scores are similar to the Ryzen 9 9950X3D, with the significant performance delta expected primarily in cache-sensitive games and applications.
Unpacking the 9950X3D2's Specifications
The core of the Ryzen 9 9950X3D2's intrigue lies in its unprecedented cache configuration. Based on the leaked data, it is a 16-core, 32-thread chip built on the Zen 5 architecture. It reportedly features a base clock of 4.30 GHz and a boost clock of up to 5.6 GHz. The defining characteristic is its 192 MB of L3 cache, which is achieved by applying 3D V-Cache to both Core Complex Dies (CCDs) within the processor. This marks a significant departure from existing X3D models like the 9950X3D, which only feature the extra cache on one CCD for a total of 128 MB. The listed Thermal Design Power (TDP) is 200W, though one source in the leak mentions 170W, indicating potential confusion or changes in early engineering samples.
Leaked Specifications: AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D2 vs. 9950X3D
| Feature | Ryzen 9 9950X3D2 (Leaked) | Ryzen 9 9950X3D (Current) |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Zen 5 | Zen 5 |
| Cores / Threads | 16 / 32 | 16 / 32 |
| Base / Boost Clock | 4.3 / 5.6 GHz | 4.3 / 5.7 GHz |
| Total L3 Cache | 192 MB | 128 MB |
| 3D V-Cache Config | On both CCDs (Dual) | On one CCD (Single) |
| TDP | 200W (170W also reported) | 170W |
| Memory Support | DDR5-5600 | DDR5-5600 |
| Expected MSRP | Unknown (Above USD 699) | USD 699 |
Performance Analysis from the Benchmarks
The leaked benchmark scores show the 9950X3D2 performing in a very similar ballpark to its siblings, the Ryzen 9 9950X and 9950X3D, in synthetic tests. In PassMark, it achieved a single-thread rating of 4,716 and a multi-thread rating of 71,585. On Geekbench 6, it scored 3,456 in single-core and 21,062 in multi-core tests. These results are to be expected, as the chip's boost clock is 100 MHz lower than the 9950X3D's, and synthetic benchmarks like these are generally less sensitive to massive cache increases. The real-world implication is that for most productivity and content creation applications, the 9950X3D2 will likely offer comparable performance to the existing 16-core Zen 5 parts.
The Gaming and Niche Application Promise
Where the Ryzen 9 9950X3D2 is expected to carve out its niche is in gaming and specific cache-sensitive professional workloads. Doubling the available 3D V-Cache to 192 MB could provide tangible benefits in games that are heavily dependent on fast data access, potentially reducing stutters and improving frame time consistency. This design represents the full realization of AMD's dual-CCD X3D vision, first made possible by the Zen 5 architecture's redesigned cache placement. For software that can leverage the enormous cache pool—such as certain simulation, scientific computing, or data analysis tasks—the 9950X3D2 could offer a unique advantage not found in other mainstream CPUs.
Market Context and Expected Launch
The appearance of these benchmarks solidifies rumors that have circulated since October 2025 about a "dual-cache" flagship. Positioned as a halo product for extreme gamers and enthusiasts, the 9950X3D2 would sit above the USD 699 Ryzen 9 9950X3D in AMD's stack. While its official price remains unknown, its specifications suggest a premium. All signs point toward a formal unveiling at CES 2026 in early January, where AMD is anticipated to refresh its entire Ryzen 9000X3D lineup, including the also-leaked Ryzen 7 9850X3D. If the leaks hold true, the Ryzen 9 9950X3D2 will stand as the highest-cache consumer desktop CPU ever released, pushing the boundaries of what's possible for gaming-centric processor design.