If you're considering joining the AMD community for your next upgrade, the timing couldn't be better. Alongside the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, which was introduced earlier this year, AMD has now unveiled its two higher-end Ryzen 9 counterparts in the Zen 5 "X3D" lineup: the 9950X3D, priced at $699, and the 9900X3D, available for $599. These processors are currently the top performers in gaming, outshining both Intel and AMD's previous offerings. Pure gamers should opt for the 9800X3D to allocate their budget effectively, while creators with a passion for gaming and a bit more to spend will see significant benefits from the enhanced core counts and cache of the new Ryzen 9 models.
Note: These processors are frequently going in and out of stock, often remaining out of stock.
The Creator's Choice: AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D CPU
### AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D AM5 Desktop Processor
2$699.00 at Amazon$699.00 at Best Buy$699.00 at NeweggCreative professionals who also crave top-tier gaming performance should look no further; the AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D is the ideal choice. With a max boost clock of 5.7GHz, 16 cores, 32 threads, and an impressive 144MB of L2-L3 cache, this CPU delivers exceptional gaming performance, just slightly surpassing the 9800X3D. However, its true strength lies in productivity tasks, where it outshines not only the other Zen 5 X3D chips but also Intel's offerings.
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D Review by Jacqueline Thomas
"The AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D is a powerhouse in the gaming world, but it doesn't automatically trump every other processor out there. Most users will find the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, priced at a more budget-friendly $479, perfectly adequate. The 9950X3D, however, is tailored for gamers who also engage in creative work with applications like Photoshop and Premiere, boasting a 15% performance increase over the 9800X3D. For a gaming-focused build, it's wiser to invest the extra $220 in a superior graphics card."
The Gamer's Choice: AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D CPU
### AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D AM5 Desktop Processor
15$479.00 at Amazon$479.00 at Best Buy$479.00 at NeweggAMD's X3D series processors are optimized for gaming thanks to AMD's innovative 3D V-Cache technology. Since all three CPUs feature the 3D V-cache on a single CCD, gaming performance is virtually identical across the board, with minor variations due to clock speed differences. The AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D, with its max boost clock of 5.2GHz, 8 cores, 16 threads, and 104MB of L2-L3 cache, is a gaming beast at this price point. While it can handle multitasking, rendering, and creative work, its core count limits its prowess in those areas.
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D Review by Jacqueline Thomas
"The AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D excels in gaming, making it a more compelling choice than 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, offering the best value for money."
The Middleman: AMD Ryzen 9 9900X3D CPU
### AMD Ryzen 9 9900X3D AM5 Desktop Processor
1$599.00 at Amazon$599.00 at Best Buy$599.00 at NeweggThe AMD Ryzen 9 9900X3D is perfect for those who balance creative work with gaming but need to stick to a budget that the 9950X3D exceeds. Boasting a max boost clock of 5.5GHz, 12 cores, 24 threads, and 140MB of L2-L3 cache, its performance in productivity tasks and multi-core workloads should fall between the 9950X3D and 9800X3D. In gaming, expect it to perform comparably 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 evaluate AMD's new offerings, 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, delivering exceptional performance at a more affordable price than their Nvidia counterparts. The Radeon RX 9070 starts at $550, while the 9070 XT is priced from $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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