The Ryzen 9 9950X3D2 is not a pipe dream, but AMD isn't ready to bring it to market just yet.
A few weeks before the start of CES 2026, all observers agreed that AMD would be announcing a huge number of processors at the Las Vegas show. These included the Ryzen AI 400 series, as well as two new Ryzen 9000X3D models for desktop configurations: the Ryzen 7 9850X3D and the Ryzen 9 9950X3D2. We've already reported on these announcements, and while most of the expected processors were presented by AMD, the Ryzen 9 9950X3D2 was conspicuous by its absence. Now we know a little more.
AMD is preparing the Ryzen 9 9950X3D2, but for later... © VideoCardz
During Q&A sessions, AMD did indeed confirm the existence of this processor, which will feature an absolutely gargantuan combined L2+L3 cache: we're simply talking 192 MB thanks to the doubling of the X3D cache, the Ryzen 9 9950X3D2 being the first AMD processor to integrate X3D cache on each of its CCDs. However, such a solution is both complex to implement and costly. While sales of the Ryzen 9 9950X3D are good, but not staggering, AMD probably doesn't yet feel the need to find a replacement.
At CES 2026, AMD therefore preferred to focus on the Ryzen 7 9850X3D, which will complement the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, which is doing extremely well. The idea is to drive the point home and claim to have " the most powerful processors for video games ". The Ryzen 7 9850X3D is due for release at the end of January, on the 29th to be exact if we are to believe the reseller LDLC, and it's also quite logical not to have AMD launch two processors at the same time: we might as well maximize communication.
