AMD Ryzen Processors with 3D Vertical Cache Technology Gain Popularity

According to a recent TechPowerUp Frontpage Poll, AMD Ryzen processors with 3D Vertical Cache technology, identified by the "X3D" brand extension on processor model numbers, have gained unexpected popularity. Approximately 25% of respondents stated that they use one of these processors. The poll, conducted in August, asked readers if they were using an AMD Ryzen X3D CPU with 3D V-Cache. This coincided with the release of the Ryzen 7000X3D processor series, which reestablished AMD's gaming performance dominance against Intel's 13th Gen Core "Raptor Lake" processors.

Since the poll was conducted, there have been 31,862 responses. Out of these, 46% (14,732) reported using a classic Ryzen processor without 3D V-cache. 31% (9,780) stated that they use an Intel processor. Additionally, 14% (4,316) reported using a Socket AM4 Ryzen 5000X3D series processor (5800X3D or 5600X3D), while 10% (3,034) reported using the latest 7000X3D series "Zen 4" processors. The X3D series as a whole received 7,350 votes, accounting for 23% of the total.

The 3D Vertical Cache technology involves expanding the last-level L3 cache of the processor by stacking the processor's 7 nm "Zen 3" or 5 nm "Zen 4" CPU core die (CCD) with a 64 MB L3 cache die (L3D) built on the 6 nm process. This additional die operates at the same performance level as the on-die 32 MB L3 cache, resulting in a combined 96 MB continuously addressable cache block that is visible to software. This larger and faster cache allows for storing a greater amount of game data, resulting in noticeable gaming performance improvements compared to the DDR4/DDR5 main memory. The extent of these improvements varies depending on the game, ranging from -2% to 23%.

The Ryzen 7 5800X3D processor has proven to be particularly popular, as it enables users on the older Socket AM4 platform to achieve gaming performance comparable to that of a newer desktop powered by a Core i9-12900K "Alder Lake" processor. The Ryzen 7 5800X3D offers approximately 15% to 20% higher gaming performance than a regular 5800X. While AMD's initial Ryzen 7000 processors matched the gaming performance of the 5800X3D without 3D V-cache, thanks to improved IPC of the "Zen 4" cores and faster DDR5 memory, they were quickly surpassed by Intel's 13th Gen Core "Raptor Lake." In response, AMD introduced the 7000X3D processors, which reclaimed the gaming performance lead over the 13th Gen. Among these, the 7800X3D stands out as the fastest gaming processor that is widely available.