If you're considering upgrading to an AMD processor, the timing couldn't be better. Alongside the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, which was launched earlier this year, AMD has introduced two higher-end Ryzen 9 models in the Zen 5 "X3D" series: the 9950X3D, priced at $699, and the 9900X3D, available for $599. These processors are considered the top gaming chips when compared to both AMD and Intel offerings. For pure gamers, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D is the best choice, allowing you to allocate more funds elsewhere. However, creators with a budget for high-end components and a passion for gaming will benefit significantly from the enhanced performance of the Ryzen 9 processors, thanks to their higher core count and increased cache.
Note: These processors are frequently in and out of stock, often leaning towards 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 who also seek the best gaming performance need look no further than the Ryzen 9 9950X3D. With a max boost clock of 5.7GHz, 16 cores, 32 threads, and 144MB of L2-L3 cache, this CPU is a powerhouse. It offers a slight edge over the 9800X3D in gaming, but where it truly shines is in productivity tasks, outpacing not only the other Zen 5 X3D chips but also Intel's offerings.
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D Review by Jacqueline Thomas:
"The AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D is among the most powerful gaming processors available, yet it's not the best choice for every scenario. The Ryzen 7 9800X3D, priced at $479, is more than sufficient for most users. The 9950X3D, however, is tailored for gamers who also use demanding creative applications like Photoshop and Premiere, where it shows a 15% performance increase over the 9800X3D. For a gaming-focused build, saving the extra $220 for a better graphics card might be more beneficial."
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. Since all three CPUs feature the 3D V-Cache on a single CCD, gaming performance is comparable across the board, with minor variations mainly due to clock speed differences. The Ryzen 7 9800X3D, with a max boost clock of 5.2GHz, 8 cores, 16 threads, and 104MB of L2-L3 cache, is a gaming beast at this price point. While it can handle multitasking and creative tasks, its core count limits its prowess in those areas.
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D Review by Jacqueline Thomas:
"The AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D excels in gaming, making it a top recommendation over other recent processors like the Intel Core Ultra 9 285K or Ryzen 9 9900X. It's the ideal choice for maximizing performance with a high-end graphics card."
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 Ryzen 9 9900X3D is the middle ground for those engaged in creative work and gaming but who need to stick to a budget. 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. Gaming performance should be on par with its siblings.
AMD's Hot Streak with New CPUs and GPUs
If you've held off on purchasing Nvidia's Blackwell GPUs to evaluate AMD's latest offerings, you've made a wise decision. The AMD Radeon RX 9070 and RX 9070 XT are the new mid-range champions, offering excellent performance at a lower price point than Nvidia's competitors. The RX 9070 starts at $550, while the RX 9070 XT is priced at $600, though prices may vary due to manufacturer adjustments. Check out our reviews for detailed benchmarks.
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