The Ryzen 7 9850X3D is no longer just rumor mill fodder. A fresh shipping manifest leak confirms that AMD’s next Zen 5 X3D chip will carry a 120W TDP, just like the Ryzen 7 9800X3D. But despite the shared wattage, performance may take a big step forward.

Ryzen 7 9850X3D sticks to 120W, pushes performance ceiling

At first glance, the naming suggests a mild refresh. But don’t let that fool you. The 9850X3D is expected to pack eight Zen 5 cores familiar territory, but this time, it may come with a new chiplet (CCD) that enables higher boost frequencies than its predecessor.

Leaker Moore’s Law is Dead previously hinted that the 9850X3D could hit around 5.5 GHz, matching the top-tier Ryzen 9 9900X3D. With refined silicon and strong cooling, overclockers might even push it to 6 GHz, a milestone no Ryzen 7 X3D chip has reached yet.

What this means for overclockers

The leaked TDP confirms AMD isn’t raising the thermal envelope. This points to improved efficiency in the Zen 5 architecture. It also gives enthusiasts more performance per watt and added headroom to push cooling setups or test their luck with silicon quality.

If this CPU does indeed allow for 6 GHz in ideal conditions, it could become one of the most sought-after chips in AMD’s enthusiast lineup.

Likely CES 2025 reveal alongside Ryzen 9 and new laptop chips

There’s no official launch date yet, but with leaks stacking up, CES 2025 looks like a safe bet. AMD is expected to debut the Ryzen 7 9850X3D alongside:

• Ryzen 9 9950X3D2, the rumored dual-CCD flagship
• Gorgon Point Zen 5 laptop chips
• Possible glimpses of RDNA 4 GPUs, although no solid leaks have backed that yet

The X3D sweet spot just got sharper

With its 120W TDP and rumors of a new CCD design, the Ryzen 7 9850X3D could deliver elite gaming performance without breaking past its thermal limits. That balance has made the X3D lineup a fan favorite and this chip may be its sharpest edge yet.

When clock speed meets cache, the heat is on.