If you're considering joining the AMD bandwagon for your next upgrade, the timing couldn't be better. Alongside the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, which launched earlier this year, AMD has now released two higher-end Ryzen 9 models in the Zen 5 "X3D" lineup: the 9950X3D at $699 and the 9900X3D at $599. These processors are setting the bar high for gaming performance, surpassing even Intel's offerings. For pure gamers, the 9800X3D is the smart choice, freeing up budget for other components. However, content creators with a passion for gaming will find the Ryzen 9 processors irresistible due to their higher core counts and larger cache, which significantly boost performance.
Note: Be aware that these processors are frequently in and out of stock, often leaning more 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 want the best gaming chip on the market should 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. While it offers only a slight edge in gaming performance over the 9800X3D, it excels in productivity tasks, outperforming both its Zen 5 X3D siblings and Intel's offerings.
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D Review by Jacqueline Thomas
"The AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D is currently one of the most powerful gaming processors available, yet it doesn't lead in every category. The Ryzen 7 9800X3D, priced at $479, is more than sufficient for most users. The 9950X3D, however, is ideal for gamers who also use creative applications like Photoshop and Premiere, where it shows a 15% performance improvement over the 9800X3D. For a gaming-focused PC build, consider saving the $220 difference for a better 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 are optimized for gaming, thanks to the 3D V-Cache technology. Since all three CPUs feature the 3D V-cache on a single CCD, gaming performance is similar across the board, with minor variations mainly due to clock speed differences. The Ryzen 7 9800X3D boasts a max boost clock of 5.2GHz, 8 cores, 16 threads, and 104MB of L2-L3 cache. While it can handle multitasking and creative tasks, its core count limits its prowess in those areas. However, it's an exceptional choice for gaming at this price point.
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D Review by Jacqueline Thomas
"The AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D excels in gaming, making it a top recommendation compared to recent competitors like the Intel Core Ultra 9 285K or Ryzen 9 9900X. When paired with a powerful graphics card, the 9800X3D maximizes GPU performance, delivering top-tier gaming experiences."
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 ideal choice for those who engage in creative work and enjoy gaming but need to stick to a budget. It offers a max boost clock of 5.5GHz, 12 cores, 24 threads, and 140MB of L2-L3 cache. Although we haven't reviewed this model yet, its specs suggest it will perform between the 9950X3D and 9800X3D in productivity tasks and multi-core workloads. In gaming, it's expected to be on par with 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 in store, 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 more competitive price point. The Radeon RX 9070 starts at $550, while the 9070 XT starts 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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