AMD Launches Ryzen 9000 “Fire Range” Laptop Processors: Ryzen 9 9955HX3D Featuring 3D V-Cache, Plus 9955HX 16-Core & 9850HX 12-Core Models Expected in Early 2025

AMD has announced its innovative “Fire Range”series, featuring the next-generation Ryzen 9000 mobile processors tailored for high-performance laptops. Among these, the standout is the Ryzen 9 9955HX3D, which is enhanced by advanced 3D V-Cache technology.

Introducing the AMD Ryzen 9 9955HX3D: The Pinnacle of Zen 5 Mobile CPUs

In conjunction with the release of its high-end Ryzen 9 9000X3D CPUs, AMD is revealing its next-generation mobile CPU lineup, codenamed “Fire Range”. This new series acts as the successor to the Dragon Range Ryzen 7000HX CPUs, which utilized the robust Zen 4 core architecture. The “Fire Range”processors are built on the latest Zen 5 core architecture, integrating cutting-edge 2nd Generation 3D V-Cache technology.

Impact of 2nd Generation 3D V-Cache Technology

Leading the way in this lineup is the AMD Ryzen 9 9955HX3D, a flagship CPU equipped with an impressive 16 cores and 32 threads. This configuration promises unparalleled performance in both applications and gaming scenarios. The chip boasts a peak boost clock of 5.4 GHz, maintaining a substantial 144 MB cache and operates with a thermal design power (TDP) of 54W.

This performance benchmark matches that of the previous flagship, the 7945HX3D, while benefitting from the upgrades provided by the 3D V-Cache and the new Zen 5 architecture. This processor is specifically engineered for high-end gaming laptops, poised to work seamlessly with the latest discrete GPUs from renowned manufacturers like NVIDIA (RTX 50 series) and AMD (RX 9000 series).

Standard 12 and 16 Core Options in the Fire Range Series

In addition to the 3D V-Cache feature, AMD is also releasing standard high-performance options, namely the Ryzen 9 9955HX and Ryzen 9 9850HX. Starting with the Ryzen 9 9955HX, it mirrors the core configuration of the 9955HX3D, excluding the 3D V-cache. This CPU also maintains a 5.4 GHz boost clock within a comparable 54W TDP package, but with a reduced cache size of 80 MB.

On the other hand, the Ryzen 9 9850HX presents a 12-core structure with 24 threads, reaching clock speeds of up to 5.2 GHz, accompanied by a 76 MB cache and a TDP of 54W. Similar to the Ryzen 7000HX CPUs from the Dragon Range, the Fire Range Ryzen 9000HX CPUs utilize a chip design akin to desktop variants, comprising two chiplet dies (CCDs) and a singular input/output die (IOD).

While there may be discussions of introducing 6 and 8-core versions targeting the mainstream market, those details remain undisclosed at this time. AMD aims to launch its Fire Range series in the first half of 2025, with initial designs expected to be showcased at CES 2025.