AMD Ryzen 9 9950X Overclocked to 5.5 GHz on All Cores, Tested with 253W and Unlimited PPT Settings
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X CPU Achieves 5.5 GHz Forum member Igor_kavinski from Anandtech conducted thorough testing on the AMD Ryzen 9 9950X CPU, focusing on its performance using the Blender benchmark across various power profiles. The tests encompass settings at 60W, 90W, 120W, 160W, and 230W PPT, with notable attention given to overclocked scenarios at 253W and unlimited PPT.
Using an engineering sample, Igor_kavinski’s tests reveal impressive performance metrics. The Ryzen 9 9950X demonstrates competitive results, approaching Intel’s Core i9-12900K at lower power levels and surpassing the Ryzen 9 5950X at higher frequencies. Notably, the CPU achieves speeds exceeding 5.5 GHz across all cores under both the 253W static overclock and the unrestricted 320W PPT mode.
These findings underscore the CPU’s capability to effectively compete with current-generation processors from both Intel and AMD. They highlight its overclocking potential and robust performance across a spectrum of power configurations.
Here’s the information summarized in a markdown table format:
| Power Profile | Performance Highlights |
|---|---|
| 60W | Competitive performance with low power consumption |
| 90W | Maintains efficiency with increased performance |
| 120W | Consistent performance gains |
| 160W | Enhanced speed and processing capabilities |
| 230W PPT | Optimal balance of performance and power consumption |
| 253W Overclock | Exceeds 5.5 GHz all-core frequency, robust performance |
| Unlimited PPT (320W) | Maximum overclocking potential, high performance |
These tests illustrate the Ryzen 9 9950X’s versatility and strength across a range of benchmarks and power settings, making it a compelling choice for enthusiasts and professionals seeking high-performance computing solutions.
| CPU Model | Power Profile | Peak Clock Speed | Temperature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ryzen 9 9950X | Unlimited PPT | 5621 MHz | 80°C |
| Ryzen 9 9950X | 253W PPT / 5.5 GHz OC | 5500 MHz | 61°C |
| Ryzen 9 9950X | 230W PPT | 5620 MHz | 62°C |
| Ryzen 9 9900X | 160W PPT | 5555 MHz | 58°C |
| Ryzen 9 9950X | 120W PPT | 5220 MHz | 55°C |
| Ryzen 9 9950X | 90W PPT | 5050 MHz | 49°C |
| Ryzen 9 9950X | 60W PPT | 4084 MHz | 41°C |
Here are the revised details:
This table summarizes the peak clock speeds and temperatures observed across various power profiles for the Ryzen 9 9950X CPU, alongside comparisons with other tested models.
The tests were conducted using a water-cooling setup, which AMD recommends for its Ryzen 9 9000 series CPUs, including the 9950X and 9900X. Previous discussions indicated that Ryzen 9000 chips generally run cooler compared to the Ryzen 7000 “Zen 4” CPUs. The custom water-cooling solution utilized proved highly effective, maintaining temperatures below 90°C even under a demanding 320W TDP. This achievement underscores the crucial role of robust cooling solutions in optimizing performance and ensuring stability under extreme operating conditions.
The AMD Ryzen 9 9950X CPU underwent testing with a fixed 5.5 GHz overclock using a 253W PPT, akin to Intel’s Core i9 CPUs’ PL2 limit, as detailed by Igor_kavinski on Anandtech Forums.
Under unlimited PPT settings, the CPU peaked at 80°C, achieving a clock speed of 5621 MHz and averaging 5378 MHz across all cores. With the static 253W PPT overclock, peak temperatures remained at 61°C, maintaining an average 5.5 GHz across all cores.
As anticipated, the Ryzen 9 9950X exhibited comparable performance between the 253W PPT and 5.5 GHz overclock settings, both ensuring stable operation at higher frequencies with sufficient thermal headroom. Conversely, the unlimited PPT setup consumed more power and ran notably hotter.
Overall, the CPU showcased up to a 40% improvement over the Core i9-14900K and a 38% improvement over the Ryzen 9 7950X at their stock configurations. Beyond a 230W PPT, the incremental performance gains per additional watt of power are minimal. Therefore, opting for the 230W PPT setting provides optimal performance. However, for those seeking a slight performance boost, the 5.5 GHz overclock across all cores remains a viable choice compared to the unlimited PPT option.
AMD remains at the forefront of the efficiency race with its powerful Zen architecture, a trend that is set to persist with its upcoming next-generation lineup. The imminent release of the AMD Ryzen 9000 “Zen 5” desktop CPUs is scheduled to hit retail shelves later this month. Expect a surge of tests and reviews in the coming weeks as these new CPUs enter the market.