AMD Zen 5 Gaming CPUs 9950X3D, 9900X3D, 9800X3D Now Available

If you're considering upgrading to an AMD processor, now's an excellent time to make the leap. With the recent launch of the Ryzen 7 9800X3D earlier this year, AMD has now introduced its higher-end Ryzen 9 siblings in the Zen 5 "X3D" lineup: the 9950X3D, priced at $699, and the 9900X3D, available for $599. These processors are currently the top gaming chips on the market, outshining even Intel's offerings. For pure gamers, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D is the best choice, allowing you to allocate your budget elsewhere. However, if you're a creator with a passion for gaming and a bit more to spend, the Ryzen 9 processors offer significant performance boosts thanks to their higher core counts and increased cache.

Note: These processors are frequently in and out of stock, often leaning towards being 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 demand the best gaming performance should look no further than the Ryzen 9 9950X3D. This powerhouse boasts a max boost clock of 5.7GHz, 16 cores, 32 threads, and a massive 144MB of L2-L3 cache. While it offers only a slight edge over the 9800X3D in gaming, 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 undoubtedly one of the most powerful gaming processors available, but it's not the best choice for everyone. The Ryzen 7 9800X3D, priced at $479, is more than sufficient for most users. The 9950X3D is ideal for gamers who also use creative applications like Photoshop and Premiere, where it offers a 15% performance boost over the 9800X3D. For a gaming-focused build, however, saving the extra $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 the innovative 3D V-Cache technology. Since all three CPUs feature the 3D V-Cache on a single CCD, gaming performance is nearly identical across the board, with minor variations due to clock speed differences. The Ryzen 7 9800X3D offers a max boost clock of 5.2GHz, 8 cores, 16 threads, and 104MB of L2-L3 cache. While it's capable of handling multitasking and creative tasks, its core count limits its prowess in these areas. However, for gaming, it's an unbeatable choice 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 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 your GPU's potential, delivering exceptional 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 the perfect middle ground 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's expected to offer performance between the 9950X3D and 9800X3D in productivity tasks and multi-core workloads. In gaming, it should perform similarly to its siblings.

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, delivering outstanding performance at a lower price than their Nvidia counterparts. The Radeon RX 9070 starts at $550, while the 9070 XT begins 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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