Tuesday, December 23rd 2025
AMD "Zen 6" SKUs with 3D V-Cache Could Pack Up to 288 MB of Cache
AMD's upcoming "Zen 6" client processors are expected to continue the trend of offering optional SKUs with 3D V-Cache, similar to their predecessors. However, these new processors might feature significantly larger cache capacities compared to the current "Zen 5" SKUs in the "Granite Ridge" family. According to HXL on X, the single-CCD version will include 144 MB of 3D V-Cache, while the dual-CCD configuration will have 288 MB of cache. This suggests that AMD will maintain its familiar CPU design with a client I/O die and two separate CCDs, each benefiting from increased cache capacity.
This approach is quite similar to Intel's upcoming "Nova Lake" processors, which are also set to receive a substantial boost in cache capacity through the big Last Level Cache (bLLC). Rumors suggest that these will offer 144 MB for SKUs with a single compute die and 288 MB for those with two compute dies. Intel already employs bLLC in its "Clearwater Forest" server processors as a passive interposer, integrating local cache beneath active tiles. Including this technology in standard gaming chips could significantly enhance performance, positioning them as strong competitors against the upcoming "Zen 6" processor family.
For "Zen 6," AMD plans to place the CPU CCD on TSMC's N2P 2 nm node variant and build the cIOD on the N3P 3 nm node. Additionally, the increased cache capacity will be complemented by advanced x86-64 instruction extensions like AVX512_BMM, AVX512_FP16, AVX_NE_CONVERT, AVX_IFMA, and AVX_VNNI_INT8, among others. This is particularly noteworthy because 16-bit AVX-512 calculations will now be possible on consumer-oriented desktop CPUs, providing an extra performance boost with a fast memory pool nearby.
Source:
HXL on X
This approach is quite similar to Intel's upcoming "Nova Lake" processors, which are also set to receive a substantial boost in cache capacity through the big Last Level Cache (bLLC). Rumors suggest that these will offer 144 MB for SKUs with a single compute die and 288 MB for those with two compute dies. Intel already employs bLLC in its "Clearwater Forest" server processors as a passive interposer, integrating local cache beneath active tiles. Including this technology in standard gaming chips could significantly enhance performance, positioning them as strong competitors against the upcoming "Zen 6" processor family.
77 Comments on AMD "Zen 6" SKUs with 3D V-Cache Could Pack Up to 288 MB of Cache
That 10-15% value is only valid with a 5090 at 1080p minimum. Any higher detail, or lower class graphics card than that, and you quickly arrive to diminishing returns territory.
But some Simulation game and strategy game can really benefits faster CPU even at 4K since you end up CPU limited mid/end game. But at the same time, in many of those games, they are just good to help you hit the performance target you aim for
They are indeed a luxury item in PC gaming and not required at all to get good performance in most situation. But they will probably last longer if that something people consider. In this era of shortages, it might not be the dumbest idea.
But the best thing to game on a dime is probably to limit the monitor resolution you game on. If you can stay on a 1080p screen, your gaming rig will be much cheaper than if you want to get good framerate on a 4K screen.