AMD · Ryzen

Ryzen 9 9900X

Released August 2024

A 12-core Zen 5 processor for AM5, between the eight-core 9700X and the 16-core 9950X.

Cores: 12/24
Boost: 5.6 GHz
L3: 64 MB
Power: 120 W
Socket: AM5

Unlocked

What reviewers say

Reviewers agree it has excellent multi-threaded performance for content creation, with low power draw for a 12-core chip and easy cooling, but little gaming gain over the Ryzen 9 7900X. Value divides them: PC Gamer and Club386 found it overpriced next to the older 7900X, while KitGuru named it the pick of AMD's Ryzen 9000 launch.

From pcgamer.com, club386.com and kitguru.net

Specifications

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Cores and clocks

Cores: 12
Threads: 24
Base clock: 4.4 GHz
Boost clock: 5.6 GHz
L3 cache: 64 MB
Cores: 12 Zen 5 cores with simultaneous multithreading; codename Granite Ridge AM5; 3 dies in the package
Clocks: Precision Boost 2; Precision Boost Overdrive and Curve Optimizer supported
Cache: L1 960 KB, L2 12 MB, L3 64 MB

Graphics and AI

Built-in graphics: Yes
Graphics: AMD Radeon Graphics, 2 graphics cores at 2200 MHz; USB-C DisplayPort Alt Mode

Platform

Socket: AM5
Base power: 120 W
Unlocked: Yes
Cooler in the box: No
Memory support: DDR5, 2 channels, up to 256 GB (UDIMM); DDR5-5600 with 2 modules, DDR5-3600 with 4; ECC with motherboard support
PCIe: PCIe 5.0; 28 lanes (24 usable); native USB: 4 × USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps), 1 × USB 2.0
Chipsets: A620, X670E, X670, B650E, B650, X870E, X870, B840, B850
Process: TSMC 4nm FinFET (CPU cores), TSMC 6nm FinFET (I/O die)
Cooler: Not included; Liquid cooler recommended for optimal performance; Tjmax 95°C

Pros and cons

Pros

12 cores and 24 threads
120 W default TDP, lower than the 7900X's 170 W
Up to 5.6 GHz boost

Cons

No cooler in the box; AMD recommends a liquid cooler

Closest rivals

Model	Cores	Boost	L3	Power	Socket	Released
IntelCore Ultra 5 245K	14/14	5.2 GHz	24 MB	125 W	LGA1851	Oct 2024
AMDRyzen 9 7900X3D	12/24	5.6 GHz	128 MB	120 W	AM5	Feb 2023
IntelCore i5-14600K	14/20	5.3 GHz	24 MB	125 W	LGA1700	Oct 2023

Sources

Photo: cdn11.bigcommerce.com

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