AMD Zen 5 Gaming CPUs Restocked: 9950X3D, 9900X3D, 9800X3D

If you're considering joining the AMD community with your next upgrade, the timing couldn't be more perfect. Alongside the earlier release of the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, AMD has now launched its premium Ryzen 9 counterparts within the Zen 5 "X3D" series: the 9950X3D is priced at $699, and the 9900X3D at $599. These processors stand out as top-tier gaming chips when compared to both Intel and AMD's offerings. For pure gamers, the 9800X3D is the go-to choice, freeing up more budget for other components. Meanwhile, content creators with a gaming passion and a larger budget will find the new Ryzen 9 processors immensely beneficial, thanks to their higher core counts and increased cache.

Note: Be aware that these processors may frequently be out of stock.

The Creator's Choice: AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D CPU

AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D AM5 Desktop Processor

• $699.00 at Amazon
• $699.00 at Best Buy
• $699.00 at Newegg

Creative professionals seeking the ultimate gaming chip need look no further; the Ryzen 9 9950X3D is the processor to choose. With a maximum boost clock of 5.7GHz, 16 cores, 32 threads, and a massive 144MB of L2-L3 cache, this CPU excels in gaming, slightly outperforming the 9800X3D. However, its real strength shines in productivity tasks, outpacing not only its Zen 5 X3D siblings but also anything Intel has to offer.

AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D Review by Jacqueline Thomas

"The AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D is currently the most powerful gaming processor available, though it doesn't automatically outshine every other chip in every scenario. The Ryzen 7 9800X3D, which is significantly more affordable at $479, is perfectly suitable for most users. The 9950X3D is ideal for gamers who also use creative software like Photoshop and Premiere, offering a 15% performance boost over the 9800X3D. For a gaming-only PC, however, saving the additional $220 for a better graphics card might be a smarter move."

The Gamer's Choice: AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D CPU

AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D AM5 Desktop Processor

• $479.00 at Amazon
• $479.00 at Best Buy
• $479.00 at Newegg

AMD's X3D series processors are optimized for gaming thanks to the innovative 3D V-Cache technology. All three CPUs in this series feature 3D V-Cache on a single CCD, resulting in comparable gaming performance across the board. The differences are mainly attributed to clock speeds. The Ryzen 7 9800X3D, with its 5.2GHz max boost clock, 8 cores, 16 threads, and 104MB of L2-L3 cache, is a powerhouse for gaming, especially at this price point. While capable of multitasking and content creation, its fewer cores make it less ideal for those tasks.

AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D Review by Jacqueline Thomas

"The AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D delivers exceptional gaming performance, making it a strong contender against recent releases like the Intel Core Ultra 9 285K or Ryzen 9 9900X. It's the perfect choice for building a gaming rig with a high-end graphics card, maximizing the performance of your GPU."

The Middleman: AMD Ryzen 9 9900X3D CPU

AMD Ryzen 9 9900X3D AM5 Desktop Processor

• $599.00 at Amazon
• $599.00 at Best Buy
• $599.00 at Newegg

The AMD Ryzen 9 9900X3D is the ideal choice for those who engage in creative work and enjoy gaming but need to stick to a budget. The 9900X3D boasts a max boost clock of 5.5GHz, 12 cores, 24 threads, and 140MB of L2-L3 cache. Although we haven't reviewed this processor yet, its specifications suggest it will offer performance between the 9950X3D and 9800X3D for productivity tasks and multi-core workloads. For gaming, it should perform similarly to its siblings.

AMD is on a Hot Streak with its New CPUs and GPUs

If you've been waiting to see what AMD has up its sleeve before committing to Nvidia's Blackwell GPUs, you've made a wise decision. The AMD Radeon RX 9070 and RX 9070 XT graphics cards are setting new standards in the mid-range market, delivering outstanding performance at competitive prices. The Radeon RX 9070 starts at $550, and the 9070 XT at $600, though prices may vary due to manufacturer adjustments. For detailed performance metrics, check out our Radeon RX 9070 GPU review and Radeon RX 9070 XT GPU review.

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