New AMD AM4 CPU with 3D V-Cache Targets Budget Builders and Gamers
Back in late 2023, rumors began to circulate that AMD was working on new Ryzen processors featuring 3D V-Cache technology for the long-standing AM4 platform — a socket that’s now nearly a decade old. While it took some time for confirmation, the company has finally made it official with the launch of the Ryzen 5 5500X3D , an entry-level processor designed to bring stacked cache performance to budget-conscious gamers.
The Ryzen 5 5500X3D is essentially a slightly downclocked version of the Ryzen 5 5600X3D. It features 6 cores and 12 threads , running at a base clock speed of 3.0 GHz and boosting up to 4.0 GHz . For comparison, its more powerful sibling, the 5600X3D, offers a 3.3 GHz base and a 4.4 GHz boost , making the difference relatively small in real-world gaming scenarios.
However, one key feature remains the same between both chips: 96MB of L3 cache , which plays a crucial role in improving game load times and frame rates. This large cache helps reduce bottlenecks by keeping frequently used data closer to the CPU cores. The chip is built using TSMC’s 7nm process and based on the proven Zen 3 architecture , ensuring efficiency and compatibility across existing AM4 motherboards.
Unlike AMD’s newer AM5-based Ryzen CPUs with 3D V-Cache, the Ryzen 5 5500X3D is not an unlocked part , meaning users won’t be able to overclock it beyond stock settings. While this may disappoint enthusiasts, it makes sense for a budget-focused processor aimed at casual and mid-tier gamers.
🔍 Where Can You Buy the Ryzen 5 5500X3D?
Interestingly, AMD has listed the Ryzen 5 5500X3D as exclusive to Latin America (LATAM) , at least for now. This means the chip likely won’t be available for purchase in the U.S., Europe, or other major markets anytime soon.
This limited availability suggests that the chip might be a regional offering tailored for specific supply chain needs or market demand. If you’re looking to upgrade your AM4 system outside of LATAM, you’ll need to consider other options like the Ryzen 5 5600X3D, Ryzen 7 5700X3D, or Ryzen 7 5800X3D.
For comparison, here’s an overview of AMD’s current lineup of AM4 processors featuring 3D V-Cache technology:
- Ryzen 7 5800X3D
- Cores / Threads: 8 / 16
- Base Clock: 3.4 GHz
- Boost Clock: 4.5 GHz
- L3 Cache: 96 MB
- Ryzen 7 5700X3D
- Cores / Threads: 8 / 16
- Base Clock: 3.0 GHz
- Boost Clock: 4.1 GHz
- L3 Cache: 96 MB
- Ryzen 5 5600X3D
- Cores / Threads: 6 / 12
- Base Clock: 3.3 GHz
- Boost Clock: 4.4 GHz
- L3 Cache: 96 MB
- Ryzen 5 5500X3D
- Cores / Threads: 6 / 12
- Base Clock: 3.0 GHz
- Boost Clock: 4.0 GHz
- L3 Cache: 96 MB
All these processors are built on TSMC’s 7nm process and based on the Zen 3 architecture , offering improved gaming performance through large stacked cache while maintaining compatibility with existing AM4 motherboards.
