AMD introduced several new processors at CES, including the Ryzen 7 9850X3D desktop processor and models within the Ryzen AI Max+ series. The Ryzen 7 9850X3D features an increased boost clock speed and 3D V-Cache technology. The Ryzen AI Max+ series is designed to integrate CPU, GPU, Neural Processing Units (NPUs), and memory onto a single die, targeting various computing segments. Both product lines are scheduled for release in the first quarter of 2026.
Ryzen 7 9850X3D Processor
The Ryzen 7 9850X3D processor was announced as an updated version of the existing Ryzen 7 9800X3D. It features an 8-core, 16-thread CPU configuration. Key specifications include a boost clock speed of 5.6GHz, which is 400MHz higher than the standard 9800X3D. The processor maintains a Thermal Design Power (TDP) of 120 watts.
The processor incorporates 3D V-Cache technology, which involves vertically stacking additional cache memory. This design results in 104MB of combined L2 and L3 cache, in contrast to the standard 9850HX chip, which features 76MB of L2 and L3 cache.
Rahul Tikoo, head of AMD's client CPU business, stated that the 9850X3D is a refined version of its predecessor. AMD reported an approximate 7 percent performance increase between the 9800X3D and the 9850X3D. The company projected a performance uplift exceeding 5 percent in frequency-sensitive titles, such as certain esports games, while indicating that significant performance differences are not expected in AAA game titles compared to its predecessor.
AMD also presented performance comparisons against Intel's Core Ultra 9 285K. The company stated the Ryzen 7 9850X3D achieves an average performance uplift of 27 percent compared to competitors across a selection of over 35 games. Specific comparisons provided by AMD indicated the 9850X3D is 60 percent faster than Intel’s Core Ultra 9 285K in Baldur’s Gate 3 and more than 45 percent faster in Hogwarts Legacy and Counter-Strike 2.
AMD plans to continue selling the Ryzen 7 9800X3D alongside the new 9850X3D. The 16-core, 32-thread Ryzen 9 9950X3D will remain the flagship processor within the Ryzen 9000 series.
Ryzen AI Max+ Series Processors
AMD also introduced its Ryzen AI 400 series chips and Ryzen AI Max+ series processors, targeting computing segments including small form-factor desktops, laptops, and gaming systems.
The Ryzen AI Max+ chip family is designed to integrate CPU cores, GPU cores, Neural Processing Units (NPUs), and integrated memory onto a single silicon die. AMD VP Joe Macri previously commented that consumer focus on the overall system experience influenced such designs.
Two new processors were introduced in the Ryzen AI Max+ series:
- The 12-core Ryzen AI Max+ 392
- The 8-core Ryzen AI Max+ 388
Both chips feature boost speeds of up to 5GHz, NPUs with 50 TOPS (Trillions of Operations Per Second), and GPUs capable of 60 TFLOPs. Previous Ryzen AI Max chips have been integrated into systems such as the Framework Desktop and ROG Flow Z13.
Availability and Pricing
The Ryzen 7 9850X3D and the new Ryzen AI Max+ chips are scheduled for launch in the first quarter of 2026. Official pricing information for the Ryzen 7 9850X3D has not yet been disclosed by AMD, with an announcement expected closer to the product's retail availability. Prior leaked listings have suggested a price point around $200. Information regarding a potential 9950X3D2 chip with 192MB of cache has also been reported in industry discussions.