AMD Zen 5 9950X3D, 9900X3D, 9800X3D Gaming CPUs Launched
If you're considering upgrading to AMD, now is an excellent time to do so. With the launch of the Ryzen 7 9800X3D earlier this year, AMD has now introduced two higher-end Ryzen 9 models in the Zen 5 "X3D" lineup: the 9950X3D at $699 and the 9900X3D at $599. These processors are considered the top gaming chips available from both AMD and Intel. For pure gamers, the 9800X3D offers great value, allowing you to allocate funds elsewhere. However, creators who also enjoy gaming and have a larger budget will benefit from the enhanced performance of the new Ryzen 9 processors, thanks to their higher core count and increased cache.
Note: Be aware that these processors frequently go in and out of stock, and unfortunately, they are mostly 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 on the market need look no further; the 9950X3D is the CPU to get. With a max boost clock of 5.7GHz, 16 cores, 32 threads, and 144MB of L2-L3 cache, this processor is a powerhouse. While it offers only a slight edge over the 9800X3D in gaming, it significantly outperforms both the other Zen 5 X3D chips and Intel's offerings in productivity tasks.
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D Review by Jacqueline Thomas
"The AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D is the most powerful gaming processor currently available, yet it doesn't automatically outshine every other chip. For most users, the more affordable Ryzen 7 9800X3D at $479 is sufficient. The 9950X3D is ideal for gamers who also use creative applications like Photoshop and Premiere, where it shows a 15% performance boost over the 9800X3D. For a gaming-focused build, however, saving $220 for a better graphics card might be the 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 AMD's 3D V-Cache technology. Although all three CPUs feature the 3D V-cache on a single CCD, their gaming performance remains nearly identical, with minor differences due to clock speed variations. The Ryzen 7 9800X3D offers a max boost clock of 5.2GHz, 8 cores, 16 threads, and 104MB of L2-L3 cache. While capable of handling multitasking and creative work, its limited cores make it less ideal for those tasks. At its price point, however, it's an exceptional choice for gaming.
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. When paired with a powerful graphics card, the 9800X3D maximizes performance, making it the best choice for gaming enthusiasts."
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 perfect for those who engage in creative work and enjoy gaming but 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 offers a middle ground between the 9950X3D and 9800X3D. While we haven't reviewed this model yet, its specs suggest it should perform well in productivity tasks and multi-core workloads, with gaming performance likely to be similar to the other two.
AMD is on a Hot Streak with its 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 of this generation. Both cards deliver outstanding performance at a lower price point than their Nvidia counterparts. The Radeon RX 9070 starts at $550, and the 9070 XT at $600, though some manufacturers are increasing these prices. Check out our Radeon RX 9070 GPU review and Radeon RX 9070 XT GPU review for detailed benchmarks.
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