If you're considering upgrading to an AMD processor, now is an opportune time to do so. AMD has recently expanded its Zen 5 "X3D" lineup with the high-end Ryzen 9 processors: the 9950X3D priced at $699 and the 9900X3D at $599. These chips, along with the earlier released Ryzen 7 9800X3D, are leading the pack in gaming performance across both AMD and Intel offerings. For those focused solely on gaming, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D is the best value, allowing you to allocate more of your budget elsewhere. However, if you're a creator with a gaming interest and a larger budget, the Ryzen 9 processors provide significant performance boosts thanks to their higher core counts and larger cache.
Note: These processors are frequently in and out of stock, with more instances of 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 prioritize gaming should look no further than the Ryzen 9 9950X3D. This processor offers a max boost clock of 5.7GHz, 16 cores, 32 threads, and a whopping 144MB of L2-L3 cache. While it provides only a slight edge over the 9800X3D in gaming, it excels in productivity tasks, outshining its siblings and Intel's offerings.
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D Review by Jacqueline Thomas
"The AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D stands out as one of the most powerful gaming processors available, yet it's not the go-to choice for everyone. The Ryzen 7 9800X3D, at a more affordable $479, is sufficient for most users. The 9950X3D is ideal for those who use creative applications like Photoshop and Premiere alongside gaming, offering a 15% performance boost over the 9800X3D. However, for a pure gaming build, consider saving the extra $220 for a better graphics card."
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 with their 3D V-Cache technology. Since all three CPUs feature this technology on a single CCD, gaming performance remains consistent across the lineup, with minor differences due to clock speeds. The Ryzen 7 9800X3D boasts a max boost clock of 5.2GHz, 8 cores, 16 threads, and 104MB of L2-L3 cache. While capable of multitasking and creative work, its core count limits its prowess in these areas. However, for gaming, especially at its price point, it's an exceptional choice.
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D Review by Jacqueline Thomas
"The AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D delivers outstanding gaming performance, 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, offering unbeatable value."
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 gaming but need to stick to a budget. It features a max boost clock of 5.5GHz, 12 cores, 24 threads, and 140MB of L2-L3 cache. Although we haven't reviewed it yet, its specs suggest it will offer performance between the 9950X3D and 9800X3D for productivity, with gaming performance expected to be on par with 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 smart move. The AMD Radeon RX 9070 and RX 9070 XT graphics cards are setting new standards in the mid-range segment, delivering excellent performance at a lower price than their Nvidia counterparts. The Radeon RX 9070 starts at $550, while the 9070 XT is priced at $600, though prices may vary due to manufacturer adjustments. For detailed performance metrics, check out our Radeon RX 9070 GPU review and Radeon RX 9070 XT GPU review.
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