95C is Now Normal: AMD Ryzen 9 7950X CPU Review & Benchmarks

Support our in-depth testing! Grab a 3D Component Coaster Pack on the GN store, or consider a Wireframe Blue & Black Mouse Mat (we also have Modmats for PC building, toolkits, shirts, and more) In this review & benchmark series, we're testing the AMD Zen 4 Ryzen 9 7950X CPU (R9 7950X) versus the Intel i9-12900K, AMD R9 5950X, AMD R9 3900X, and even the AMD R7 1700. We have plenty of tests coming up on the R9 7900X, R7 7700X, and R5 7600X, but those will be in videos immediately following this one. For now, our focus is on testing the 7950X and explaining the new behavior where the CPU clocks to the highest frequency it can achieve at 95 degrees Celsius -- and that's normal, not considered “overheating“ or “thermal throttling“ with these new CPUs. The R9 7950X release date is 9/27/22, tomorrow, but reviews can go up today. Th