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

If you're considering upgrading to AMD, now is an excellent time to do so. Earlier this year, AMD introduced the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, and now, they've released two high-end Ryzen 9 models in the Zen 5 "X3D" lineup: the 9950X3D, priced at $699, and the 9900X3D, available for $599. These processors are considered the best gaming chips on the market, surpassing even Intel's offerings. Pure gamers might opt for the more budget-friendly 9800X3D to allocate funds elsewhere, while creators with a gaming interest and deeper pockets will appreciate the performance boost from the Ryzen 9 processors, thanks to their higher core count and cache.

Note: Be aware that these processors often go in and out of stock, and are mostly out of stock at the moment.

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 ultimate gaming chip should look no further than the 9950X3D. This processor 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 excels in productivity tasks, outpacing other Zen 5 X3D chips and Intel's offerings.

AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D Review by Jacqueline Thomas

"The AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D might be the most powerful gaming processor available, but it's not the top choice for every user. The Ryzen 7 9800X3D, priced at $479, offers nearly the same gaming performance and is more cost-effective. The 9950X3D shines for gamers who also use creative applications like Photoshop and Premiere, where it provides a 15% performance boost over the 9800X3D. However, for a purely gaming-focused build, 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 their 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 differences due to clock speed variations. The Ryzen 7 9800X3D offers a max boost clock of 5.2GHz, with 8 cores, 16 threads, and 104MB of L2-L3 cache. While it's capable of multitasking, rendering, and creation, its limited core count makes it less ideal for those tasks. However, for gaming, especially at this price point, it's an exceptional choice.

AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D Review by Jacqueline Thomas

"The AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D excels in gaming, making it a strong recommendation compared to other recent processors like the Intel Core Ultra 9 285K or Ryzen 9 9900X. If you're pairing it with a powerful graphics card, the 9800X3D will maximize your GPU's 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 choice 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 positioned between the 9950X3D and 9800X3D in terms of productivity and multi-core performance. While we haven't reviewed this chip yet, its specs suggest it will perform well in both gaming and productivity tasks.

AMD is on a Hot Streak with Its New CPUs and GPUs

If you've been waiting to see what AMD's new offerings bring to the table before committing to Nvidia's Blackwell GPUs, 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, 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 Radeon RX 9070 GPU review and Radeon RX 9070 XT GPU review for detailed benchmarks.

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