If you're considering upgrading to AMD, now is an excellent time to do so. Alongside the earlier release of the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, AMD has introduced two higher-end Ryzen 9 processors in the Zen 5 "X3D" lineup: the 9950X3D at $699 and the 9900X3D at $599. These chips are considered the best in gaming performance, outpacing both Intel and AMD's other offerings. For pure gamers, the 9800X3D is the most cost-effective choice, allowing you to allocate funds elsewhere. However, creators and gamers with a higher budget will appreciate the enhanced performance of the Ryzen 9 processors, thanks to their higher core counts and increased cache.
Note: These processors are frequently in and out of stock, often more out than in.
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 demand the best gaming performance should look no further than the Ryzen 9 9950X3D. This CPU features a max boost clock of 5.7GHz, 16 cores, 32 threads, and an impressive 144MB of L2-L3 cache. While its gaming performance is only slightly better than the 9800X3D, it significantly outperforms in productivity tasks, surpassing both other Zen 5 X3D chips and Intel's offerings.
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D Review by Jacqueline Thomas
"The AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D is currently the most powerful gaming processor available, yet it doesn't lead in every category. For most users, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, priced at $479, offers more than enough performance. However, the 9950X3D is ideal for gamers who also use creative applications like Photoshop and Premiere, where it provides a 15% performance boost over the 9800X3D. For a gaming-only 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 through AMD's 3D V-Cache technology. Since all three CPUs utilize the 3D V-Cache on a single CCD, gaming performance is similar across the lineup, with minor differences attributed to clock speeds. The Ryzen 7 9800X3D boasts a max boost clock of 5.2GHz, 8 cores, 16 threads, and 104MB of L2-L3 cache. While capable of multitasking and creative work, its core count limits its suitability for those tasks. However, it's an outstanding choice for gaming, especially at its price point.
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D Review by Jacqueline Thomas
"The AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D delivers exceptional gaming performance, 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 GPU performance, making it an ideal choice for gaming rigs."
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 go-to choice for those who engage in creative work and gaming but have a budget to consider. With a max boost clock of 5.5GHz, 12 cores, 24 threads, and 140MB of L2-L3 cache, it offers a balance between the 9950X3D and 9800X3D. Although we haven't reviewed this chip yet, its specs suggest it will perform well in productivity and multi-core workloads, while its gaming performance should be comparable to its siblings.
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 now the mid-range champions of this generation. They provide excellent performance at a lower price point than their Nvidia counterparts, with the RX 9070 starting at $550 and the RX 9070 XT at $600 (though prices may vary due to manufacturer adjustments). For detailed performance insights, check out our Radeon RX 9070 GPU review and Radeon RX 9070 XT GPU review.
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