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X3D CCD Optimizer -- User Manual
Welcome to the X3D CCD Optimizer documentation. This guide covers everything you need to know to install, configure, and use the application.
What is X3D CCD Optimizer?
X3D CCD Optimizer is a free, open-source Windows application for AMD Ryzen dual-CCD processors. It provides real-time CCD monitoring, automatic game detection with library scanning (Steam, Epic Games, GOG Galaxy), and optional CPU affinity optimization. For dual-CCD X3D chips, it ensures your games run on the V-Cache CCD for optimal performance while keeping background apps on the frequency-optimized CCD. For standard dual-CCD chips, it provides CCD isolation and visibility.
Why does this exist?
AMD's Ryzen 7950X3D, 9950X3D, and similar chips have two CCDs (Core Complex Dies) -- one with a large V-Cache for gaming performance, and one optimized for clock speed. Windows 11 has some awareness of this topology through CPPC and AMD's V-Cache driver, but these mechanisms work behind the scenes. Users have no way to see which CCD their game is actually running on, or to explicitly control which processes go where.
AMD and Microsoft have made improvements on Windows -- including CPPC-based scheduler hints and the V-Cache driver registry preference -- but these solutions work implicitly and give users no visibility or direct control. This tool provides explicit, transparent control over CCD affinity.
Who is this for?
- Owners of AMD Ryzen X3D dual-CCD processors (7950X3D, 9950X3D, 7900X3D, 9900X3D)
- Owners of any AMD Ryzen dual-CCD processor who want CCD affinity control and visibility
- Anyone currently using Process Lasso for X3D core management who wants a free, open-source, purpose-built alternative
Supported Processors
| Tier | Examples | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Dual-CCD X3D | 7950X3D, 9950X3D, 7900X3D, 9900X3D | Full optimization -- game pinning + background migration |
| Dual-CCD Standard | 7950X, 7900X, 5950X, 5900X, 9950X, 9900X | CCD isolation -- pin games to one CCD, background to the other |
Processors that are not dual-CCD AMD Ryzen (including single-CCD processors and non-AMD systems) are detected at startup and shown a friendly exit dialog explaining why the tool is not applicable.
Quick Start
- Download the latest release
- Run
X3DCcdOptimizer.exe-- accept the UAC prompt - The app starts in Monitor mode, showing your CCD topology and core activity
- A background library scan (Steam, Epic Games, GOG Galaxy) runs automatically on first launch
- Open Settings --> Process Rules to configure which games and background apps to manage
- Toggle to Optimize mode when you're ready to activate affinity pinning
Documentation
- Installation -- Download, requirements, first launch
- Getting Started -- Understanding Monitor and Optimize modes
- AMD X3D Scheduling Explained -- How AMD's built-in CCD management works, and where this tool fits
- Process Rules -- Configuring games and background apps
- The Overlay -- In-game overlay setup and options
- Settings Explained -- Every setting and what it does
- How It Works -- Technical explanation of CCDs, V-Cache, and scheduling
- FAQ -- Common questions answered
- Troubleshooting -- Solving common issues
- AMD V-Cache Driver Preference -- Alternative optimization strategy