Ryzen 9 9950X Vs Ryzen 9 7950X – We Tested Both

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Uzair Qureshi

At Tech4Gamers, I proudly wear the title of Comparisons Specialist. Focused on CPUs and GPUs, I bring forth a wealth of hands-on experience and a keen eye for detail to provide our audience with the latest insights and analyses.

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Pros And Cons

Comparison Table

Architectural Difference

• Architecture: The Ryzen 9 9950X offers a superior performance boost, powered by the state-of-the-art AMD Zen 5 architecture, while the Ryzen 9 7950X utilizes the AMD Zen 4 architecture.
• Process Node: AMD employs TSMC’s advanced 4nm FinFET technology for Ryzen 9 9950X’s cores, whereas the Ryzen 9 7950X uses the 5nm FinFET process for its processor cores.
• CPU Socket: The Ryzen 9 9950X and Ryzen 9 7950X are identical in terms of socket compatibility. Both require the same AMD AM5 Socket, which has 1718 pins for connection with the motherboard.
• Clock Speed: The Ryzen 9 7950X has a slightly higher base clock speed than the Ryzen 9 9950X, at 0.2 GHz or 4.7%. However, both processors have the same maximum boost clock of 5.7 GHz.
• Integrated Graphics: AMD offers the same Radeon integrated graphics with both of these processors. Their iGPUs have 2 graphics cores and a max graphics frequency of 2200 MHz.

Today, we embark on an exhaustive comparison and analysis of two premium AMD processors, one from the latest generation (R9 9950X) and the other from the previous (R9 7950X). We will rigorously evaluate the performance of Ryzen 9 9950X vs Ryzen 9 7950X, particularly in gaming, and review complex details to help you make an informed decision.

Gaming Benchmarks

After a deep dive into these CPUs’ technical specs and design architecture, it’s time to pit them against each other in a gaming showdown. We’ll see which Ryzen 9 processor reigns supreme at 1080p. To ensure a fair and accurate comparison, we tested these CPUs on a system equipped with the following components:

Test Bench

• OS: Windows 11
• GPU: Gigabyte RTX 4090 Gaming OC 24G
• Motherboard: ASRock B650E PG-ITX WIFI Motherboard
• RAM: Kingston Fury Renegade RGB DDR5 32GB 7200MHz
• SSD: XPG GAMMIX S70 BLADE 2TB NVMe SSD
• PSU: ENERMAX REVOLUTION D.F. X 1050W
• CPU Cooler: MSI MAG CORELIQUID E360 CPU Liquid Cooler

A Plague Tale: Requiem

• We started our benchmarks with A Plague Tale: Requiem, where the Ryzen 9 9950X offers 3.47% better average performance at 144 FPS than the Ryzen 9 7950X at 139 FPS.
• In the lowest 1% performance, the Ryzen 9 9950X achieved 105 FPS, while the Ryzen 9 7950X hit 100 FPS, a 4.76% lead.

Assetto Corsa Competizione

• The Ryzen 9 9950X showcased a commendable performance of 168 FPS in Assetto Corsa Competizione, surpassing the Ryzen 9 7950X by approximately 10.7% on average.
• Looking at the low 1% performance, the Ryzen 9 7950X managed 126 FPS, whereas the Ryzen 9 9950X reached 142 FPS, gaining an 8.4% advantage.

Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered

• During Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered tests, we noted a 7.69% average performance increase with the Ryzen 9 9950X over the Ryzen 9 7950X.
• At the 1% low point, the Ryzen 9 7950X reached 132 FPS, while the Ryzen 9 9950X surpassed it at 143 FPS, holding a 7.7% edge.

Hogwarts Legacy

• Our Hogwarts Legacy benchmarks reveal that the Ryzen 9 9950X outpaces the Ryzen 9 7950X by an average of 5%, delivering an average of 118 FPS compared to 112 FPS.
• At the 1% low, the Ryzen  7950X managed 73 FPS, while the Ryzen 9 9950X achieved 80 FPS, reflecting an 8.8% improvement.

The Last of Us Part I

• Benchmarking The Last of Us Part I reveals that the Ryzen 9 9950X delivers 3.22% or 6 FPS, a better average performance than the Ryzen 9 7950X.
• At the lowest 1% performance, the Ryzen  7950X hit 124 FPS, while the Ryzen 9 9950X led with 136 FPS, an 8.8% edge.

Starfield

• While playing Starfield, we noted that the Ryzen 9 9950X averaged 121 FPS, providing a 7.2% gain over the Ryzen 9 7950X’s 113 FPS.
• The Ryzen 9 7950X’s 1% low framerate was 85 FPS, whereas the Ryzen 9 9950X surpassed it with 89 FPS, a 5.6% increase.

Watch Dogs Legion

• Assessing CPU performance in Watch Dogs Legion: Wild Hunt, the Ryzen 9 9950X reaches 156 FPS, offering only 1 FPS or 0.64% advantage over the Ryzen 9 7950X’s 155 FPS.
• For 1% low performance, the Ryzen 9 7950X achieved 114 FPS, while the Ryzen 9 9950X pushed ahead with 117 FPS, showing a 2.56% improvement.

Cyberpunk 2077

• Our Cyberpunk 2077 benchmark findings show a 2.64% average performance boost for the Ryzen 9 9950X compared to the Ryzen 9 7950X.
• During this gameplay, the Ryzen 9 9950X hit 114 FPS at the 1% low, while the Ryzen 9 7950X led with 115 FPS, a 0.86% improvement.

Overall Gaming Performance

According to our performance analysis of the Ryzen 9 9950X Vs Ryzen 9 7950X, the Ryzen 9 7950X achieved a respectable average of 146.2 FPS. However, the Ryzen 9 9950X outperforms it, with a 5.06% higher average of 154.0 FPS. Additionally, the Ryzen 9 9950X showed a 6.2% improvement in the 1% low, providing smoother gameplay and lower stumbling by managing an average of 115.8 FPS.

Editor`s Note

In pursuit of a cost-effective yet high-performance solution, I find the Ryzen 9 7950X to be the superior choice, particularly due to its recent price reduction. Its compatibility with AM4 cooling solutions further enhances its value by reducing overall system expenses. See how it stacks up against the Intel Core i9-13900K, which costs about the same.

– Uzair Qureshi

Power Efficiency

When we performed a power efficiency analysis, the Ryzen 9 9950X provided a significant 9.19% improvement in power efficiency, running at 190.6 watts versus the Ryzen 9 7950X’s 209.9 watts during 1080p gaming. In our gaming sessions, the Ryzen 9 9950X achieved an average of 0.86 FPS per watt, a 19.76% better efficiency than the Ryzen 9 7950X’s 0.69 FPS per watt.

Thermal Efficiency

If we see the gaming temperature value from our benchmarks for the Ryzen 9 9950X vs Ryzen 9 7950X, the Ryzen 9 9950X averaged 70.2°C during 1080p gaming, while the Ryzen 9 7950X reached 62.4°C. Thus, the Ryzen 9 7950X offers better thermal efficiency, outperforming the Ryzen 9 9950X by 11.11%.

Price And Value

The price of the Ryzen 9 7950X has seen a notable decline of approximately 28.6% from its initial MSRP. In contrast, while the Ryzen 9 9950X has also experienced a price reduction, it remains closer to its original launch price. Regarding value, the Ryzen 9 7950X offers about 15.3% better performance per dollar.

What We Recommend?

Ryzen 9 9950X: The Ryzen 9 9950X’s innovative architecture provides a 5.06% performance advantage and about 9.2% reduction in power consumption, enhancing the gaming experience.

Ryzen 9 7950X: The Ryzen 9 7950X is a good processor for 1080p and 1440p gaming resolutions. Considering its cost, this processor provides relatively higher performance per dollar than the Ryzen 9 9950X. It is also 11.1% more thermally efficient. 

We support the Ryzen 9 9950X for an unparalleled gaming experience across all resolutions, delivering exceptional performance. For those mindful of budget constraints, the Ryzen 9 7950X presents a compelling alternative, offering enhanced thermal efficiency without compromising quality.

More From Ryzen 9 7950X:

• Ryzen 9 7950X Vs Ryzen 9 7900X
• Ryzen 9 7950X Vs Ryzen 9 5950X
• Core i9-14900k Vs Ryzen 9 7950X

Uzair Qureshi

[Comparisons Specialist]

I’m a passionate computer hardware expert specializing in CPUs and GPUs. With a lifelong curiosity for hardware and extensive hands-on experience, I provide valuable insights, practical advice, and in-depth analysis on these components. Engaging with the hardware community, I exchange knowledge and stay at the forefront of technological advancements.

Get In Touch: uzair@tech4gamers.com