AMD Ryzen 9 9900X
Expert rating8.5 / 10
- iGPU:
- AMD Radeon Graphics
- Boost/Base Clock:
- 5.6 GHz / 4.4 GHz
- Core/Thread Count:
- 12 Core / 24 Thread
- Cache:
- 64MB L3 + 12MB L2 + 960KB L1
- TDP:
- 120 W
- CPU Process Node:
- 4 Nanometers (TSMC)
- CPU Socket:
- AM5
- CPU Series:
- Zen 5, Ryzen 9000 Series
- Memory Support:
- DDR5-5600
- Form Factor:
- Desktop
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Manufacturer: AMD Last updated: 2026-10-10
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AMD Ryzen 9 9900X Review
The AMD Ryzen 9 9900X is a 12-core, 24-thread Zen 5 desktop processor, running a 4.4 GHz base clock that boosts to 5.6 GHz within a 120 Watt TDP on the AM5 socket, launched August 2024.
Sitting below the flagship 9950X, this chip offers genuine 12-core throughput with Zen 5's architectural gains at a meaningfully lower price and power draw, a strong middle-tier option for buyers not needing the very highest core count.
AMD Radeon Graphics
A basic 2-core integrated GPU intended for display output; enthusiast desktop builds around this chip typically pair it with a discrete GPU.
How Is the Ryzen 9 9900X in Terms of Performance
The 12-core, 24-thread layout with Zen 5's genuine IPC gains gives this chip excellent gaming performance and strong multi-threaded throughput for content creation, positioned as AMD's accessible route into true 12-core desktop computing.
Performance
The two scores below rate this processor against a reference part, the Ryzen 5 9600X, which sits at 100. Everyday Performance weights the things you feel while browsing, loading and switching between apps, so it leans on single-core speed. Heavy Workload Performance weights rendering, encoding and compiling, so it rewards core count. A difference under about 5 points is not something you would notice in use. A difference of 20 points or more is a different class of chip.
Everyday Performance
116
Heavy Workload Performance
149
Measured results
Cinebench scores
| Cinebench 2024, Multi-Core Median of 2 independently published results. | 1,804 1,789 to 1,818 |
| Cinebench 2024, Single-Core Median of 2 independently published results. | 138 137 to 138 |
| Cinebench R23, Multi-Core Median of 2 independently published results. | 32,566 32,172 to 32,960 |
| Cinebench R23, Single-Core Median of 2 independently published results. | 2,242 2,231 to 2,253 |
Measured results
Geekbench scores
| Geekbench 6, Multi-Core Median of 2 independently published results. | 19,650 19,543 to 19,756 |
| Geekbench 6, Single-Core Median of 2 independently published results. | 3,344 3,340 to 3,347 |
Benchmarks
This chip's Zen 5 architecture and 5.6 GHz boost ceiling deliver genuinely strong single-threaded gaming responsiveness alongside solid 12-core multi-threaded throughput for rendering and encoding workloads, sitting meaningfully ahead of the 8-core 9700X in heavily parallel tasks.
Our verdict
Reviewed by Burooj Alam. Rated by us, not by users.
Expert rating8.5 / 10
The AMD Ryzen 9 9900X gives 12 fast Zen 5 cores for rendering and code builds at a lower price than the 16-core flagship.
Best for
- Gaming and content-creation desktop builds wanting genuine 12-core Zen 5 throughput without the flagship 9950X's price
Not for
- Buyers needing the absolute highest core count, the 16-core 9950X offers meaningfully more for heavy rendering workloads
Specifications
What these specs meanIdentity
| Brand | AMD |
|---|---|
| Product Line | Ryzen 9 |
| Model Number | 9900X |
| Codename | Granite Ridge |
| Release Year | 2024 |
Segment and platform
| Market Segment | Desktop |
|---|---|
| Microarchitecture | Zen 5, Ryzen 9000 Series |
| Socket | AM5 |
| Socket Status | Current |
| Process Node | 4 nm |
Core configuration
| Total Cores | 12 |
|---|---|
| Performance Cores | 12 |
| Efficiency Cores | 0 |
| Total Threads | 24 |
| SMT Enabled | Yes |
Clock speeds
| P-Core Base Clock | 4.4 GHz |
|---|---|
| P-Core Boost Clock | 5.6 GHz |
| Unlocked Multiplier | Yes |
Cache
| L2 Cache | 12 MB |
|---|---|
| L3 Cache | 64 MB |
| 3D Stacked Cache | No |
Power and thermal
| Base Power | 120 W |
|---|---|
| Max Turbo Power | 162 W |
| Max Operating Temp | 95 C |
| Bundled Cooler | None |
Memory
| Memory Type | DDR5-5600 |
|---|---|
| Max Memory Speed | 5600 MT/s |
| Memory Channels | 2 |
| Max Memory Capacity | 256 GB |
| ECC Support | Yes |
Graphics and AI
| Integrated Graphics | Yes |
|---|---|
| iGPU Model | AMD Radeon Graphics |
| iGPU Compute Units | 2 |
| Copilot Plus Certified | No |
Expansion
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0 |
|---|---|
| PCIe Lanes | 24 |
Commercial
| Launch MSRP | 499 USD |
|---|---|
| Retail Availability | Boxed Retail |
| Form Factor | Desktop |
|---|---|
| TDP | 120 W |
| iGPU | AMD Radeon Graphics |
FAQs
What are the key specifications of the AMD Ryzen 9 9900X?
The AMD Ryzen 9 9900X has 12 cores and 24 threads, a 4.4 GHz base and 5.6 GHz boost clock, 64 MB of L3 cache and a 120 W TDP. Integrated graphics: AMD Radeon Graphics. Socket: AM5.
Will the AMD Ryzen 9 9900X work with my current setup?
The AMD Ryzen 9 9900X lists CPU Socket is AM5. Check that against the hardware you already own before buying, since this is the field that most often decides whether a part fits.
Who is the AMD Ryzen 9 9900X best suited to?
Best suited to: Gaming and content-creation desktop builds wanting genuine 12-core Zen 5 throughput without the flagship 9950X's price.
What are the drawbacks of the AMD Ryzen 9 9900X?
Not the best fit for: Buyers needing the absolute highest core count, the 16-core 9950X offers meaningfully more for heavy rendering workloads.