If you're considering upgrading to AMD, now is the perfect time to make the switch. Alongside the earlier release of the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, AMD has launched its higher-end Ryzen 9 siblings in the Zen 5 "X3D" lineup: the 9950X3D priced at $699 and the 9900X3D at $599. These processors stand out as the top gaming chips available from both AMD and Intel. For pure gamers, the 9800X3D offers excellent value, allowing you to allocate funds elsewhere. However, creators with a gaming interest and deeper pockets will appreciate the performance boost offered by the Ryzen 9 processors, thanks to their increased core count and cache.
Note: These processors are frequently in and out of stock, with limited availability.
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 should look no further than the 9950X3D. This powerhouse boasts a max boost clock of 5.7GHz, with 16 cores, 32 threads, and 144MB of L2-L3 cache. While its gaming performance is only marginally better than the 9800X3D, it significantly outshines in productivity tasks, surpassing 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 the most powerful gaming processor available, yet it doesn't lead in every scenario. For most users, the more affordable Ryzen 7 9800X3D at $479 will suffice. The 9950X3D is best suited for gamers who also use creative applications like Photoshop and Premiere, where it offers a 15% performance increase over the 9800X3D. For a gaming-focused build, saving the extra $220 for a better graphics card is advisable."
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 nearly identical across them, with minor variations due to clock speed differences. The Ryzen 7 9800X3D offers a max boost clock of 5.2GHz, with 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. However, it's an exceptional gaming processor at its price point.
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D Review by Jacqueline Thomas:
"The AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D excels in gaming, making it highly recommendable compared to 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 the ideal choice for those who balance creative work and gaming but need to stay within a budget. This processor offers a max boost clock of 5.5GHz, with 12 cores, 24 threads, and 140MB of L2-L3 cache. Although we haven't reviewed this chip yet, its specs suggest it will fall between the 9950X3D and 9800X3D in productivity tasks and multi-core workloads. Gaming performance is expected to be comparable to its siblings.
AMD is on a Hot Streak with Its New CPUs and GPUs
If you've been waiting to see if AMD's new offerings could compete with Nvidia's Blackwell GPUs, you'll be pleased with the results. The AMD Radeon RX 9070 and RX 9070 XT graphics cards are the new mid-range champions, offering excellent performance at a lower price point than Nvidia's competitors. The Radeon RX 9070 starts at $550, and the 9070 XT at $600, though prices may vary due to manufacturer adjustments. Check out our reviews of the Radeon RX 9070 GPU and Radeon RX 9070 XT GPU for detailed benchmarks.
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