AMD’s Ryzen 7 9850X3D has officially joined the ranks of delidded processors available through Thermal Grizzly, marking the latest addition to the company’s lineup of unlocked, high-performance CPU kits. Priced at $876—a $350 premium over the standard $479 MSRP—the delidded variant removes the stock heat spreader, exposing the dies for custom cooling solutions and aggressive overclocking. While the 9850X3D shares most of its specs with the outgoing 9800X3D, its higher boost clock solidifies its place as the fastest gaming CPU in AMD’s current lineup.
The delidding process strips away the integrated heat spreader (IHS), which voids the original manufacturer’s warranty. However, Thermal Grizzly is offering a two-year warranty on its own delidded CPUs, providing peace of mind for enthusiasts willing to invest in custom cooling setups. The company has explicitly warned against reapplying the stock heat spreader, as doing so would nullify the warranty.
This isn’t the first time Thermal Grizzly has offered delidded Ryzen 9000X3D processors. The Ryzen 7 9800X3D, for instance, was available in delidded form for $712—$233 above its $479 launch price—while the high-end Ryzen 9 9950X3D commands a $1,168 price tag, up from its $699 MSRP. The premium pricing reflects the niche appeal of these kits, catering to overclockers and extreme cooling enthusiasts rather than mainstream users.
For those considering the delidded 9850X3D, the tradeoff is clear: access to custom cooling solutions and potential overclocking gains comes at a significant cost. The exposed dies allow for liquid nitrogen cooling or other advanced setups, but such modifications are typically beyond the needs of most gamers. The delidded variant is also bulkier and requires careful handling to avoid damage.
Key specs and pricing
- Model: Ryzen 7 9850X3D (delidded)
- Price: $876 (vs. $479 MSRP)
- Warranty: Two years from Thermal Grizzly
- Previous delidded models:
- Ryzen 7 9800X3D: $712 (vs. $479 MSRP)
- Ryzen 9 9950X3D: $1,168 (vs. $699 MSRP)
- Target audience: Extreme overclockers, custom cooling enthusiasts
- Warning: Stock heat spreader voids warranty
The delidded 9850X3D isn’t a product for casual buyers, but for those pushing the boundaries of performance, it offers unparalleled flexibility. Whether this justifies the price remains a matter of personal priorities—custom cooling and extreme overclocking versus raw gaming performance at a fraction of the cost.
