The Ryzen 3000 series is here! Besides the initial launch of Ryzen a couple of years ago this might by one of the most hyped launches when it comes to computer hardware. This is likely because AMD is upping core counts, speeds, and this might be where we see the AMD take over as the overall performance leader compared to Intel. We know AMD has the 16-core Ryzen 9 3950X coming in September, but right now on launch day the current available flagship is the Ryzen 9 3900X. This is a 12-core, 24-thread part that has a base core clock of 3.6 GHz and will boost all the way up to 4.6 GHz. It also has 70MB of AMD GameCache (we will cover that in a bit). All of this for only $499! Is this processor powerful enough to take out Intel’s Core i9-9900K? Let’s get this processor in a new X570 motherboard and see what it can do!
Special thanks to AMD for providing us with the Ryzen 9 3900X processor to review.
Specifications
# of CPU Cores: 12
# of Threads: 24
Base Clock: 3.8GHz
Max Boost Clock: 4.6GHz
Total L2 Cache: 6MB
Total L3 Cache: 64MB
Unlocked: Yes
CMOS: TSMC 7nm FinFET
Package: AM4
PCI Express® Version: PCIe 4.0 x16
Thermal Solution: Wraith Prism with RGB LED
Default TDP: 105W
Packaging
With the Ryzen 3000 series we have some slight changes to the packaging. Also the Ryzen 9 box is different from the rest of the series. It is slightly larger than the Ryzen 7 and Ryzen 5 boxes.
The main design on the front remains the same with the Ryzen logo at the center, but the background has changed from the dark grey to a design. It think it looks quite good! Moving to the sides of the box one highlights the Wraith Prism RGB cooler and the other says “Built to perform. Designed to win.”
On the back of the box is a small paragraph letting you know what all comes inside. On the top of the box you’ll see your chip displayed.
Opening the box up we of course have the Ryzen 9 3900X processor, AMD Wraith Prism CPU cooler, installation instructions, and a small Ryzen 9 sticker.
Before we get this processor in our test bench here are a few quick shots!
