I think it’s mostly that they had leftover cache.

This video made the argument that AMD released it to not give Intel a look-in: [AMD KILLED Intel's 290K Dreams w/ R9 9950X3D2](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u7SyrDPbKls)

I like this theory more, perhaps it’s both.

Makes sense. RAM pricing surely has lead to a fall of AM5 high-end CPU purchases, might as well try to get some extra cash from those who still buy. Bin the remaining now non-X3D chips as something else.

Bad time to move entirely new platform. Perfect time to sell to upgrade junkies just CPU.