If you're considering upgrading to AMD for your next build, the timing couldn't be better. Alongside the earlier release of the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, AMD has now unveiled two higher-end Ryzen 9 models in the Zen 5 "X3D" lineup: the 9950X3D priced at $699 and the 9900X3D at $599. These processors stand out as the top gaming CPUs available, outshining both AMD and Intel's offerings. For pure gamers, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D offers excellent value, allowing you to allocate funds elsewhere. Meanwhile, creators with a gaming interest and a larger budget will appreciate the significant performance boost provided by the Ryzen 9 processors, thanks to their higher core counts and increased cache.
Note: Be aware that these processors frequently go in and out of stock, predominantly staying 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 best gaming chip need look no further; the Ryzen 9 9950X3D is the top choice. With a max boost clock of 5.7GHz, 16 cores, 32 threads, and an impressive 144MB of L2-L3 cache, this CPU is a powerhouse. While its gaming performance is just slightly better than the 9800X3D, it significantly outperforms both the 9800X3D and Intel's offerings in productivity tasks.
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D Review by Jacqueline Thomas
"The AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D is the pinnacle of gaming processors, though not necessarily a leader in every category. Most users will find the Ryzen 7 9800X3D more than sufficient at its more affordable price of $479. The 9950X3D, however, is perfect for gamers who also engage in creative work with apps like Photoshop and Premiere, offering a 15% performance boost over the 9800X3D. For pure gaming builds, however, the extra $220 might be better spent on a higher-end graphics card."
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, featuring 3D V-Cache technology, are optimized for gaming. Although all three CPUs in this lineup have 3D V-cache on a single CCD, their gaming performance is quite similar, with minor differences mainly due to clock speeds. The Ryzen 7 9800X3D, with a max boost clock of 5.2GHz, 8 cores, 16 threads, and 104MB of L2-L3 cache, is a formidable gaming CPU. While it can handle multitasking, rendering, and creative work, its limited cores make it less ideal for intensive productivity tasks.
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D Review by Jacqueline Thomas
"The AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D excels in gaming, making it highly recommendable over competitors like the Intel Core Ultra 9 285K or Ryzen 9 9900X. Pairing it with a powerful graphics card ensures you maximize your GPU's performance."
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 ideal for those involved in creative work and gaming but on a budget that doesn't stretch to the 9950X3D. With a max boost clock of 5.5GHz, 12 cores, 24 threads, and 140MB of L2-L3 cache, it's expected to offer performance between the 9950X3D and 9800X3D for productivity tasks. In gaming, it should perform comparably to the other two models.
AMD's Hot Streak with New CPUs and GPUs
If you've been holding off on Nvidia's Blackwell GPUs to see what AMD has to offer, you've made a wise decision. The AMD Radeon RX 9070 and RX 9070 XT graphics cards are the new mid-range champions, delivering exceptional performance at a lower price than Nvidia's counterparts. The Radeon RX 9070 starts at $550, and the 9070 XT at $600, though prices may vary due to manufacturer adjustments. Check out our Radeon RX 9070 GPU review and Radeon RX 9070 XT GPU review for detailed benchmarks.
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