AMD · Ryzen

Ryzen 9 3900X

Released July 2019

A twelve-core Zen 2 AM4 desktop processor with PCIe 4.0 support and 64 MB of L3 cache.

Cores: 12/24
Boost: 4.6 GHz
L3: 64 MB
Power: 105 W
Socket: AM4

Unlocked

What reviewers say

Reviews praise its rendering, encoding and multitasking performance at a much lower launch price than twelve-core high-end desktop alternatives. Intel retains an advantage in some lightly threaded work and games. PCGamesN finds cheaper Ryzen models better value for gaming alone; TechRadar recommends stronger cooling for sustained heavy loads.

From techradar.com and pcgamesn.com

Specifications

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Cores and clocks

Cores: 12
Threads: 24
Base clock: 3.8 GHz
Boost clock: 4.6 GHz
L3 cache: 64 MB
Cores: Zen 2; Matisse; twelve cores with simultaneous multithreading. Two CPU chiplets with six active cores each and a separate I/O die (PCGamesN).
Clocks: Unlocked for overclocking; Precision Boost Overdrive with Automatic Overclocking supported, as described in AMD's launch notice.
Cache: 768 KB L1; 6 MB L2; 64 MB L3.

Graphics and AI

Built-in graphics: No
Graphics: No integrated graphics; a separate graphics card is required.

Platform

Socket: AM4
Base power: 105 W
Unlocked: Yes
Cooler in the box: Yes
Memory support: DDR4; two channels; up to 3200 MT/s.
PCIe: PCIe 4.0 x16; AMD introduced PCIe 4.0 support with the X570 platform at launch.
Chipsets: X570 at launch; check the motherboard's CPU support list and BIOS for other AM4 boards.
Process: TSMC 7nm FinFET CPU cores; 14nm I/O die (PCGamesN).
Cooler: Retail boxed processor includes an RGB cooler (PCGamesN; inclusion also confirmed by TechRadar); AMD's current support specification does not name a cooler. Maximum operating temperature 95°C.

Pros and cons

Pros

Twelve cores with simultaneous multithreading
PCIe 4.0 support
Cooler included in the retail box

Cons

Requires a separate graphics card
105 W default TDP
DDR4 rather than DDR5

Closest rivals

Model	Cores	Boost	L3	Power	Socket	Released
IntelCore i9-10920X	12/24	4.8 GHz	19.25 MB	165 W	LGA2066	2019
AMDRyzen 9 3900XT	12/24	4.7 GHz	64 MB	105 W	AM4	Jul 2020
AMDRyzen 9 5900X	12/24	4.8 GHz	64 MB	105 W	AM4	Nov 2020

Newer model: Ryzen 9 5900X.

Sources

Photo: AMD official Ryzen 9 third-generation retail package render, published on the exact ryzen 9 3900x archived maker product page. Archived maker original; shared family packaging without an individually marked SKU. Native alpha and original printed physical package faces preserved.

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