What is AMD CPU 3D V-Cache? Game Performance Improved by About 20%

3D V-Cache technology is AMD’s cache memory technology that greatly improves performance, especially in gaming and applications that handle large amounts of data.

With this technology, cache memory is stacked in 3D, allowing more cache to be placed within the same area.

As a result, data access speed increases, which improves the overall system performance.

This article explains in detail the features, advantages, and disadvantages of 3D V-Cache.

This article also explains basic knowledge such as how to read CPU manufacturers and model numbers, performance indicators, and how to choose from the perspective of performance and compatibility.

≫ Related article: How to Choose a CPU for a Custom PC [Performance / Features / Compatibility]

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What is 3D V-Cache?

This section explains the basic knowledge and technology of 3D V-Cache, as well as how to identify CPUs equipped with 3D V-Cache.

AMD’s technology for stacking cache memory in 3D

3D V-Cache is a technology developed by AMD that increases the capacity of L3 cache by “stacking it vertically” on the CPU.

The official name is “3D Vertical Cache,” and it is also called “3D stacked cache technology.”

In conventional CPUs, the L3 cache was arranged flat inside the CPU die, but with 3D V-Cache, a dedicated cache chip (cache die) is stacked on top of the CPU.

This makes it possible to significantly increase cache capacity while minimizing increases in latency and power consumption.

Also, data access speed improves, especially in 3D games and data-intensive applications, leading to better performance.

About cache memory

Cache memory is ultra-fast memory that temporarily stores data frequently used by the CPU.

It is a mechanism used to speed up data access by temporarily storing data that is accessed frequently.

It is an intermediate storage area placed between the CPU and main memory to increase processing speed.

The capacity of the cache itself is small, usually a few MB to 100 MB, but it is faster for the CPU to get the necessary data from the cache than from main memory.

As a result, the CPU spends less time waiting for data, enabling more efficient processing and improving performance.

Applications that benefit most from this are those that use cache frequently. For example, in 3D games, map data, physics calculations, and enemy movements often access the same data repeatedly.

If these can be kept in the cache, there is no need to access main memory every time, improving frame rates and responsiveness.

On the other hand, in data-intensive applications, processes that read and write large amounts of data continuously are directly affected by the cache hit rate.

Especially in database processing, scientific computing, and machine learning, computational efficiency improves.

Cache hit rate is the percentage of times the CPU can get the needed data directly from the cache.

If the required data is in the cache, processing is fast, but if not, the CPU must access the slower main memory.

Therefore, the higher the hit rate, the faster the processing speed and the better the overall system performance.

By increasing cache capacity with technologies like 3D V-Cache, more data can be stored.

As a result, the hit rate improves, and the frequency of accessing main memory decreases, leading to better processing performance.

CPUs with “3D” at the end support 3D V-Cache

AMD adds “3D” to the end of the model number for CPUs that use 3D V-Cache technology.

So, if looking for an AMD CPU with 3D V-Cache for a custom PC, check if the model name ends with 3D.

Also, keep in mind that you can determine CPU performance and features by the letters at the end of the model number.

≫ Related article: [Custom PC] What do CPU suffixes mean? Performance / Integrated GPU / CPU Cooler

Increase in L3 cache capacity

CPUs have three types of cache: L1, L2, and L3, each with different speeds and capacities.

Among them, 3D V-Cache technology increases the capacity of the L3 cache.

Let’s compare the specifications to see how much it has increased.

The CPUs are compared between 3D V-Cache models and regular models.

Compared to models without 3D cache, the L3 cache capacity is 2 to 3 times larger in models with 3D cache.

The Technical Mechanism of 3D V-Cache

This section explains two important technologies that make 3D V-Cache possible.

Chiplet Technology

Chiplet technology is a method where the functions that make up the CPU (cores, cache, I/O, etc.) are not combined into one large chip, but are divided into small modules (chiplets) and combined in one package.

Previously, all functions were manufactured on a single large silicon die, but this had the following issues:

• Larger dies increase manufacturing costs
• Higher defect rates and lower yields
• Difficult to introduce new technology partially

With chiplet technology, each chiplet can be designed and manufactured separately and then integrated into one package, balancing cost, performance, and flexibility.

AMD’s Ryzen and EPYC series use a chiplet structure that separates CPU cores (CCD) and I/O dies.

This makes it possible to vertically stack a cache-only chip (3D V-Cache) on top of the CPU core, allowing L3 cache to be expanded later without changing the standard chip design.

TSV (Through-Silicon Via)

Another important technology for 3D V-Cache is TSV (Through-Silicon Via).

TSV is a technology that creates fine vertical wiring through the silicon chip, enabling efficient communication between stacked chips.

In the past, chips were connected horizontally.

However, to create a 3D structure by stacking chips vertically, a technology is needed to connect the upper and lower chips quickly and densely.

TSV enables direct transmission of signals and power between vertically stacked chips.

TSV also has the following advantages:

• Ultra-short distance communication
  Connecting chips vertically shortens wiring distance, reducing data delay (latency).
• High-speed transmission
  Short distance and direct connection allow for fast and stable signal transmission with wide bandwidth.
• Power saving
  Shorter circuit distances reduce power consumption, contributing to energy efficiency.
• Miniaturization
  Stacking multiple chips vertically saves horizontal space, making the overall package smaller.

With 3D V-Cache, TSV allows cache memory to be stacked directly on top of the processor, greatly increasing cache capacity while reducing latency.

3D Cache Realized by Chiplet Technology and TSV

Conventional CPUs mainly arranged cache flat inside the chip, but AMD realized “3D stacking” of L3 cache by combining chiplet technology and TSV.

This structure allows cache capacity to be efficiently expanded without major changes to the CPU’s main design.

In fact, Ryzen series CPUs with 3D V-Cache have 2 to 3 times more L3 cache than regular models of the same generation, improving performance in cache-dependent games and data processing.

Advantages of 3D V-Cache

This section explains the advantages of 3D V-Cache.

High Gaming Performance

3D V-Cache is especially effective in processes that rely heavily on cache, such as games (especially 3D games).

In games, the CPU repeatedly accesses the same data, such as player position, enemy AI, map data, physics calculations, and textures.

In these access patterns, how quickly the CPU can retrieve necessary data directly affects performance.

If this data can be kept in the cache, there is no need to access main memory every time, improving frame rates and responsiveness.

For example, 3D V-Cache models like Ryzen 7 5800X3D and Ryzen 9 7950X3D have shown up to 20–30% higher frame rates compared to regular models of the same generation.

This effect is especially noticeable in CPU-intensive games where frame rates are unstable, such as MMORPGs, simulations, and RTS games.

3D V-Cache is a powerful mechanism that “allows the CPU to retrieve needed information more quickly and efficiently” during gameplay.

As a result, gaming comfort and stability are greatly improved, making it a major advantage for high-end gamers.

Improved Multitasking

3D V-Cache improves performance in multitasking, where multiple applications run at the same time, because data access becomes more efficient.

The larger the cache, the less frequently the CPU needs to access main memory, reducing waiting time (latency) and increasing overall processing speed.

For example, when editing videos while playing games, or recording/streaming in the background while working, smooth operation and responsiveness are easier to maintain.

The benefits of 3D V-Cache are especially noticeable when running multiple data-intensive applications at the same time.

Improved Performance in Data-Intensive Applications

3D V-Cache is also highly effective in “data-intensive applications” that handle large amounts of data.

Examples include:

• Database processing (SQL queries, index scans, etc.)
• Scientific computing (simulations, numerical analysis)
• Machine learning/AI preprocessing and training
• Big data analysis

In these applications, repeated access to the same dataset and continuous calculations are common, and cache hit rate directly affects performance.

Being able to keep data in the cache while reducing memory bandwidth usage greatly contributes to stable and fast performance.

Especially in tasks that repeatedly feed similar data to the CPU, the expanded L3 cache with 3D V-Cache works effectively, shortening processing time and increasing throughput.

Reduced Latency

By increasing the L3 cache capacity, 3D V-Cache allows the CPU to keep more needed data in the cache, reducing the frequency of accessing main memory.

As a result, the time required for data read/write (latency) is shortened, improving overall system responsiveness.

This effect is especially noticeable in applications where even slight delays affect performance, such as games, real-time processing, and database queries (which handle large amounts of data and frequent access/search/update operations).

In conventional cache structures, if the needed data does not fit in the cache, the CPU must get it from main memory, causing delays.

However, with 3D V-Cache, the cache hit rate increases, reducing data transfer wait times and improving performance.

Improved Power Efficiency

3D V-Cache improves CPU power efficiency.

This is partly due to shorter circuits with TSV, but also because increased L3 cache capacity reduces the number of times the CPU needs to access main memory.

Accessing main memory consumes more power and takes more time than accessing the CPU’s internal cache.

With 3D V-Cache, more data can be kept in the cache, allowing the CPU to process data more efficiently in less time.

As a result, processing performance per unit of power (power efficiency) improves, and this effect is especially noticeable in cache-dependent applications such as gaming, video editing, and 3D rendering.

However, since other PC parts also consume power, the overall system improvement is small, and total power consumption does not decrease dramatically.

Disadvantages of 3D V-Cache

This section explains the disadvantages of 3D V-Cache.

Higher Price

Ryzen CPUs with 3D V-Cache tend to be more expensive, despite their high processing performance.

The main reasons are:

• Increased physical cache memory capacity
  L3 cache is an expensive component, and expanding it 2–3 times increases the unit cost.
• Special manufacturing process (3D stacking technology) required
  Stacking cache chips on the CPU requires advanced bonding and heat management, raising overall manufacturing costs.

Due to these factors, 3D V-Cache models are generally priced 1–2 ranks higher than regular models.

Let’s compare 3D models and regular models, including performance.

As shown, performance does improve, but the price increases even more.

Therefore, users who prioritize cost performance should carefully consider whether 3D V-Cache is necessary for their needs before choosing.

Higher Temperatures

Ryzen CPUs with 3D V-Cache tend to run hotter than regular models.

This is because stacking L3 cache increases heat density inside the chip.

The first generation of 3D V-Cache (e.g., Ryzen 7 5800X3D) used a structure where the cache chip was stacked directly on top of the CPU die.

In this structure, the area above the core is blocked, making it easier for heat to build up and harder to cool.

From the second generation (e.g., Ryzen 7000X3D series) onward, the structure was changed to place 3D V-Cache under one of the CCDs (CPU core dies), taking advantage of the chiplet structure.

This allows heat to be distributed between the side with stacked cache and the side without, slightly improving cooling flexibility compared to the first generation.

However, the increase in heat density due to stacking cannot be ignored, and especially when running high-load processes for long periods, it is recommended to use a high-performance cooler and a well-ventilated case.

When running high-load tasks such as gaming or video encoding for long periods, temperatures can rise quickly, so it is better to use a high-performance CPU cooler and a case with good airflow.

If cooling is insufficient, the CPU may reach its temperature limit and automatically lower its clock speed (thermal throttling), preventing expected performance.

Therefore, when using a 3D V-Cache model, it is important to design the system with enhanced cooling in mind.

Specification and Benchmark Comparison: “Ryzen 9 9950X3D” VS “Ryzen 9 9950X”

This section compares the specifications, benchmarks, cost performance, and gaming performance of the 3D V-Cache model “AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D” and the regular model “AMD Ryzen 9 9950X”.

Specification Comparison

First, let’s check the specifications of the two CPUs.

As you can see, all specifications are the same except for the L3 cache capacity.

Since other specs are the same, you can see how the difference in L3 cache capacity affects price and performance.

CPU Benchmark Score and Cost Performance Comparison

Here is a summary of benchmark scores, prices, and cost performance calculated from them.

Simply comparing CPU performance, the 3D V-Cache model is about 6% better.

However, the price jumps by about 40%, making it hard to justify paying that much for only about 6% more performance.

Cost performance, calculated from benchmark scores and prices, is about 24% lower due to the higher price.

Therefore, if you only care about CPU performance, it is difficult to recommend unless you have a large budget and want the highest performance possible.

Gaming Performance Comparison

For gaming performance, since it was not possible to prepare both models and test machines, this section partially quotes PCWatch’s article “Benchmarking the Desktop CPU King: Ryzen 9 9950X3D” for explanation.

Please refer to the article for more details.

The main specs of the test machine are 32GB memory and an RTX 5090 GPU.

Also, since this is a CPU test, other parts are high-performance to avoid bottlenecks.

FPS increased by up to about 86% in the highest case, and on average, FPS improved by about 20%.

While there was not much difference in simple CPU performance, gaming performance is significantly improved.

Depending on the game, the L3 cache capacity has a large effect in some cases and less in others.

However, since FPS improves in many games, users who mainly play games should consider 3D V-Cache models as an option.

Summary: 3D V-Cache Models Are Recommended for 3D Game Users!

This article explained AMD’s 3D V-Cache technology installed in Ryzen CPUs.

Here is a summary of the key points.

3D V-Cache is AMD’s innovative cache memory technology that achieves large capacity by stacking L3 cache vertically.

This increases data access speed and greatly improves performance in 3D games and data-intensive applications.

In particular, it offers major benefits for gaming, such as higher FPS (frame rates) and improved responsiveness, making it a very attractive option for high-end gamers and users who perform heavy processing.

However, since there are also disadvantages such as price and heat generation, choose carefully according to your needs.

This article also explains basic knowledge such as how to read CPU manufacturers and model numbers, performance indicators, and how to choose from the perspective of performance and compatibility.

≫ Related article: How to Choose a CPU for a Custom PC [Performance / Features / Compatibility]

あわせて読みたい

PC Parts Estimation & Compatibility Check Tool

Automatically checks each component you need when selecting parts for a custom-built PC—perfect for beginners.