If you're considering upgrading to AMD, now is the perfect time. Alongside the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, which debuted earlier this year, AMD has introduced two higher-end Ryzen 9 models in the Zen 5 "X3D" lineup: the 9950X3D, priced at $699, and the 9900X3D, available for $599. These processors are at the forefront of gaming performance across both AMD and Intel platforms. Pure gamers should opt for the 9800X3D to save money for other components, while creators with a passion for gaming will appreciate the substantial performance boost offered by the Ryzen 9 processors, thanks to their higher core count and increased cache.
Note: These processors are frequently out of stock, so act quickly if you find them available.
The Creator's Choice: AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D CPU
### AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D AM5 Desktop Processor
0$699.00 at Amazon$699.00 at Best Buy$699.00 at NeweggCreative professionals who also want the best gaming chip on the market should look no further; this is the CPU for you. The 9950X3D features a max boost clock of 5.7GHz with 16 cores, 32 threads, and 144MB of L2-L3 cache. While it offers only a slight edge in gaming performance over the 9800X3D, it significantly outperforms both other Zen 5 X3D chips and Intel's offerings in productivity tasks.
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D Review by Jacqueline Thomas
"The AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D is the most powerful gaming processor available today, yet it's not the top choice for everyone. The Ryzen 7 9800X3D, priced at $479, offers nearly identical gaming performance at a more budget-friendly price. The 9950X3D is ideal for gamers who also use creative applications like Photoshop and Premiere, where it delivers a 15% performance increase over the 9800X3D. For a gaming-focused build, however, you might want to invest the savings in a better graphics card."
The Gamer's Choice: AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D CPU
### AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D AM5 Desktop Processor
13$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 3D V-Cache technology. Although all three CPUs feature 3D V-Cache on a single CCD, their gaming performance is quite similar, with minor variations due to clock speed differences. The Ryzen 7 9800X3D has a max boost clock of 5.2GHz, with 8 cores, 16 threads, and 104MB of L2-L3 cache. While it's capable of multitasking and content creation, its core count limits its effectiveness in these areas. However, it excels in gaming, making it an outstanding choice at its price point.
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D Review by Jacqueline Thomas
"The AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D stands out for its gaming prowess, making it a strong recommendation over competitors like the Intel Core Ultra 9 285K or Ryzen 9 9900X. When paired with a high-end graphics card, the 9800X3D maximizes your gaming performance, delivering exceptional value."
The Middleman: AMD Ryzen 9 9900X3D CPU
### AMD Ryzen 9 9900X3D AM5 Desktop Processor
0$599.00 at Amazon$599.00 at Best Buy$599.00 at NeweggThe AMD Ryzen 9 9900X3D strikes a balance for those involved in creative work and gaming but need to stay within a budget. With a max boost clock of 5.5GHz, 12 cores, 24 threads, and 140MB of L2-L3 cache, it positions itself between the 9950X3D and 9800X3D in terms of productivity and multi-core performance. While its gaming performance is expected to be on par with the other two, it offers a compelling middle ground.
AMD is on a hot streak with its new CPUs and GPUs
If you held off on Nvidia's Blackwell GPUs to evaluate AMD's latest offerings, you've made a wise decision. The AMD Radeon RX 9070 and RX 9070 XT graphics cards are the new mid-range champions, providing excellent performance at a lower price than their Nvidia counterparts. 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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