AMD’s new processors have been unveiled. We’ll show you the specs in this overview.
At CES 2026, AMD unveiled several new processors aimed at gamers and users of AI applications. The focus is on two new X3D processors, new desktop APUs with dedicated AI hardware, and an update to the notebook CPUs. In this overview, we’ll show you the new products in detail.
Ryzen 7 9850X3D: Slightly improved new edition
The highlight for gamers: Like its predecessor, the new Ryzen 7 9850X3D is designed for maximum gaming performance. The processor combines the latest Zen 5 architecture with a large 3D V-Cache.
Key technical data:
- 8 cores / 16 threads
- Zen 5 architecture
- Boost clock up to 5.6 GHz
- 104 MB total memory (L2 + L3 incl. 3D V-Cache)
- 120 watts TDP
- Socket AM5
- Support for DDR5 (AMD EXPO)
The only new feature compared to the Ryzen 7 9800X3D is the 400 MHz increase in boost clock speed. This results in only a minimal increase in performance in gaming practice.
X3D2: A truly new top model
Above the Ryzen 7 9850X3D is the now officially confirmed Ryzen 9 9950X3D2.
It relies on a particularly large amount of fast 3D V-Cache.
Important to know: AMD models with many cores rely on two chiplets to accommodate all components. However, the 3D V-Cache is only located on one of these chiplets to ensure optimal performance with low latencies.
This is exactly what is different about the 9950X3D2. Here, both chiplets have 3D V-Cache, which results in the particularly high amount. However, it remains to be seen how well AMD can deal with the latency problem in gaming practice.
Ryzen AI 400 G
: Desktop APUs with integrated NPU
In addition to classic CPUs, AMD also has other AI announcements in store. The Ryzen AI 400 series introduces new desktop APUs with integrated graphics units that feature a dedicated NPU (Neural Processing Unit) for the first time.
What do the Ryzen AI 400 chips offer?
- CPU, GPU, and NPU on a single chip
- Hardware acceleration for local AI tasks
- Support for AI features in Windows and applications
- Designed for compact and energy-efficient desktop systems
These chips are designed to perform tasks such as image and speech processing or AI-supported software functions locally and efficiently – without necessarily relying on cloud services.
They may also be of interest to casual gamers thanks to the integrated GPU. However, gaming is usually only possible in Full HD at most, and in demanding titles often only with reduced details if the FPS is to be high enough.
Ryzen AI (Pro) 400: Lackluster new edition for notebooks
There is also new food for notebooks, also under the name Ryzen AI 400.
However, the term “new” is relative here: in most cases, the clock speeds are only slightly higher than those of the Ryzen AI 300, and in some cases, the features are even worse, for example in terms of the available cache.
AMD also offers these AI chips for professional use. The Pro models are aimed at professional users.
They differ mainly in terms of additional security and management features.
Typical features of the Pro models:
– Enhanced security functions
They differ mainly in terms of additional security and management features.
Typical features of the Pro models:
- Advanced security features
- Long-term platform and driver support
- Better IT management in corporate environments
Compared to Intel, AMD has significantly less exciting innovations to offer in the notebook sector!
Conclusion: Most things stay the same
AMD’s new processors are fundamentally strong products, but mostly without any major innovations. There are no real generational leaps; this is more about evolution than revolution, with the now seemingly inevitable focus on AI.
The clock speed increases and performance improvements are often only in the single-digit percentage range and are unlikely to be noticeable to everyday users. Particularly noticeable:
The biggest improvements are noticeable mainly in the top models, with little to no improvement in the smaller variants.
A lot of attention is being paid to AI in the presentations. Users who work with it a lot will certainly be pleased about this, but classic factors such as performance, efficiency, and price-performance ratio are likely to remain decisive when purchasing a processor.
