According to industry sources, AMD plans to extend its 3D V-Cache technology beyond mainstream desktop CPUs, bringing it to upcoming Ryzen APUs and Threadripper processors. This move aims to enhance both gaming and productivity performance across a wider range of platforms, from desktops and workstations to high-end laptops.
From Gaming Breakthroughs to Broader Applications #
AMD first introduced 3D V-Cache on desktop CPUs, where it delivered significant performance gains in gaming workloads. While early X3D chips were less impactful in productivity applications, the later Ryzen 7000X3D series demonstrated improved balance between gaming and multi-threaded performance.
Now, reports suggest AMD is preparing to expand this technology across its entire product stack, including workstation-class Threadripper CPUs and select APUs.
Supply Chain and BIOS Hints #
A source on Chiphell revealed that supply chain leaks confirm AMD’s development of 3D V-Cache for Threadripper processors. Supporting evidence also surfaced in the BIOS manual for ASUS Pro WS sTR5 motherboards, which includes options to enable or disable V-Cache functionality.
This strongly suggests that next-generation Threadripper CPUs will integrate large amounts of L3 cache across multiple CCDs, unlike desktop CPUs that currently stack 3D V-Cache on a single CCD. Such a design could dramatically improve performance in professional workloads, though it may also increase chip manufacturing costs.
Potential for Mobile APUs #
Interestingly, the same supply chain sources claim that AMD is also preparing to integrate 3D V-Cache into APUs, particularly in high-end mobile platforms. While the upcoming Strix Halo APUs may not adopt this technology immediately, it could appear in future halo-class laptop chips, where cache could accelerate both CPU and integrated GPU performance.
At this stage, there are no verified leaks about mobile X3D processors, suggesting that such designs are still a generation away.
Threadripper and EPYC as a Reference Point #
AMD’s EPYC server processors already leverage 3D V-Cache across multiple CCDs, setting a precedent for Threadripper to adopt a similar approach. Expanding cache across several CCDs could unlock major performance boosts in content creation, simulation, and data-heavy workloads.
Additionally, AMD’s cache design improvements — placing cache below the CCD — may allow better thermal management and higher achievable clock speeds.
Why It Matters #
Expanding 3D V-Cache beyond desktops could transform AMD’s lineup:
- Threadripper with 3D V-Cache → Higher productivity and workstation-class compute performance.
- APUs with 3D V-Cache → Better gaming stability and AI workload efficiency on laptops and compact systems.
- Broader adoption → More users benefit from AMD’s signature cache technology without moving to flagship desktop chips.
For both consumers and professionals, this represents an exciting step forward in AMD’s CPU strategy. With official confirmation still pending, enthusiasts and workstation users alike will be watching closely for AMD’s next major announcements.