After a long wait, the Ryzen 9 9950X3D has finally been officially launched, serving as a strategic product in AMD's flagship X3D CPU series. "Team Red" confidently advertises this as the most comprehensive processor for both gaming and work. This statement is not without basis because in some early third-party tests, the Ryzen 9 9950X3D has achieved a score of 9/10 thanks to its impressive overall performance.
AMD also discussed new features added to its latest chipset driver, including a utility that eliminates the need to reinstall Windows after changing CPUs. The driver also fixes a VBS-related issue on Windows 10.
Speaking of VBS, this setting is one of the main highlights in CPU benchmarking guides in general. AMD recommends third-party units test the Ryzen 9 9950X3D with VBS enabled, as this is also Microsoft's recommendation:
“To comply with Microsoft guidelines, AMD recommends enabling VBS (which is enabled by default). The benchmarks published in this guide were performed with VBS enabled, so please enable VBS if you want to use this data for testing. While not recommended, if you choose to disable VBS, it is best to disable it in the BIOS, not in software.”
It's worth noting that AMD's test OS required Windows 11 version 23H2 or 24H2, and VBS is not enabled by default nor is it recommended to be enabled on Windows 10. However, the feature is known to cause performance degradation, and in a new test, both the Ryzen 9 9950X3D and the previously released Ryzen 7 9800X3D performed worse on Windows 11.
What is VBS?
VBS (Virtualization-based Security), also known as Core Isolation, is a Windows security feature that uses the Windows hypervisor and hardware-based virtualization to create an isolated environment, protecting against malicious code that could potentially harm the system kernel. Security is also the reason why Microsoft recommends users upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 via a clean install.
Performance testing
The test was conducted by YouTube channel Tech YES City, and the results show that the settings recommended by Microsoft are not the most optimal for gaming. For example, in Fortnite, performance on Windows 10 is 18% better than on Windows 11 (with VBS enabled).
What's even more interesting is that Windows 10 still has the advantage even with VBS disabled on Windows 11. Although the gap has narrowed, Windows 10 still leads by about 9.25%.
A similar trend is observed in Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 and other titles, although not at the same demanding level as in Fortnite.
AMD and Intel - “Team Red” and “Team Blue”, the world's two leading semiconductor chip manufacturers, who have been sworn enemies, always competing with each other on all fronts in the “x86 arms race” for many years, have suddenly recently turned from enemies to friends.
Last month, AMD released a new version of Ryzen Master, an application that helps tweak and overclock Ryzen and Threadripper-branded processors.
In its new UEFI support document, AMD states that Radeon GPUs from the 9000 series onwards will only officially support UEFI mode.
It seems like AMD is trying to raise market expectations for the upcoming MI325X processor.
Intel has reportedly lost the race to supply processors for Sony's next-generation gaming console, the PlayStation 6.
At this year's CES 2025 event, AMD refrained from revealing long-awaited details about its new flagship Radeon RX 9070 XT GPU, which is built on the RDNA 4 architecture.
AMD Strix Point laptop users will now get a new feature called Variable Graphics Memory.
There have been a lot of rumors lately that AMD seems to be planning to withdraw from the GPU market.
AMD has finally announced the release date and pricing of its highly anticipated Ryzen 9000X3D processors.
MD has officially confirmed for the first time that it is working on the next generation version of its Z-series handheld gaming CPU, called the Z2 Extreme.
With the unimpressive performance of recent CPU generations, Intel seems to be losing popularity in the Chinese market, where rival AMD is increasingly gaining popularity.
Back in December 2023, AMD introduced the Ryz 8040 (Hawk Point) series mobile APUs, while also revealing a few brief details about the next-generation Strix Point series.
After a long wait, AMD has finally announced the official launch date of its first new desktop CPU line developed on the Zen 5 architecture: Ryzen 9000.
Unlike its desktop CPU division, AMD's GPU business can't seem to agree on how to name its commercial discrete cards.
Discover how to use Windows 11 Quick Assist for seamless remote support. Learn step-by-step setup, troubleshooting, and tips to help friends or family with tech issues instantly.
Struggling with dual monitor lag on Windows 11? Discover proven troubleshooting fixes to eliminate stuttering, delays, and performance issues for seamless multi-monitor setups. Step-by-step guide inside.
Struggling with the frustrating Windows 11 "Startup Settings" blank error? Discover proven, step-by-step fixes to restore your boot options quickly and get your PC running smoothly again. No tech expertise needed!
Discover how to activate Windows 11 Enterprise using KMS effortlessly. This comprehensive guide covers everything from requirements to troubleshooting, ensuring seamless activation for your business needs.
Struggling with the dreaded KMODE EXCEPTION NOT HANDLED error on Windows 11? Discover proven, step-by-step fixes to resolve this blue screen nightmare quickly and get your PC running smoothly again. No tech expertise needed!
Struggling with Windows 11 "Motherboard" Driver Error? Discover proven troubleshooting steps to fix it fast and get your PC running smoothly again. Easy, step-by-step guide for beginners.
Struggling with ping spikes on Windows 11 over Wi-Fi? Discover proven fixes to stabilize your connection, reduce lag, and enjoy smooth gaming or streaming. Step-by-step solutions for instant results.
Accidentally deleted precious photos? Discover proven methods to recover deleted photos in Windows 11 effortlessly. Step-by-step guides, tools, and tips to restore your images safely.
Discover how to use Windows 11 Terminal instead of CMD for a modern, efficient command-line interface. Learn installation, setup, and tips to boost your productivity with tabs, themes, and more.
Discover safe, legitimate ways to activate Windows 11 Pro without a product key. Learn step-by-step methods using built-in tools and official Microsoft options to get your OS up and running smoothly. No risks, no hassle – just pure productivity.
Struggling with battery drain during hibernate in Windows 11? Discover expert fixes to preserve your laptop
Struggling with input lag in Windows 11 while playing Valorant or CS2? Discover proven, step-by-step fixes to restore smooth gameplay and boost your performance. Say goodbye to delays and hello to precision shots.
Struggling with the frustrating "Out of Memory" error in Microsoft Edge? Discover proven, step-by-step fixes to reclaim your browsing speed and stability. Updated with the latest tips for optimal performance.
Struggling with Google Drive not launching on Windows 11? Discover proven fixes to resolve the issue fast, from restarts to advanced troubleshooting. Get your cloud storage working seamlessly today!
Discover how to disable Game Bar Presence Writer on Windows to optimize gaming performance. Step-by-step guide to reduce lag, boost FPS, and enhance your setup for smoother gameplay. Essential tips for gamers in 2026.
