Considering an AMD upgrade? Now's the perfect time. Following the Ryzen 7 9800X3D's debut, AMD has launched its top-tier Ryzen 9 siblings, the 9950X3D ($699) and 9900X3D ($599), both boasting Zen 5 "X3D" architecture. These processors collectively represent the best gaming CPUs from both AMD and Intel.
Gamers prioritizing pure performance should opt for the 9800X3D and allocate budget elsewhere; however, creators with larger budgets and a gaming passion will benefit immensely from the Ryzen 9 processors' increased core count and cache.
**Note:** Processor stock is highly variable (often 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 seeking the ultimate gaming chip need look no further. The 9950X3D boasts a 5.7GHz max boost clock, 16 cores, 32 threads, and a massive 144MB of L2-L3 cache. While only marginally better than the 9800X3D in gaming, it significantly outperforms all other Zen 5 X3D chips and Intel counterparts in productivity tasks.
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D Review by Jacqueline Thomas:
"The AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D might be the most powerful gaming processor, but it doesn't automatically outperform every chip. The more affordable Ryzen 7 9800X3D ($479) suffices for most users. The 9950X3D shines for gamers using creative apps like Photoshop and Premiere, offering a 15% performance boost over the 9800X3D. For pure gaming, saving the extra $220 for a better graphics card is likely a better investment."
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, featuring 3D V-Cache technology, is gaming-optimized. All three CPUs share similar gaming performance due to the single CCD with 3D V-cache; minor differences stem from clock speed variations. The Ryzen 7 9800X3D offers a 5.2GHz max boost clock, 8 cores, 16 threads, and 104MB of L2-L3 cache. While capable of multitasking and creative work, its core count limits its suitability for intensive tasks. However, it's a gaming powerhouse, especially at its price point.
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D Review by Jacqueline Thomas:
"The AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D excels in gaming, making it easier to recommend than the Intel Core Ultra 9 285K or Ryzen 9 9900X. Paired with a powerful graphics card, the 9800X3D maximizes GPU 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 Ryzen 9 9900X3D bridges the gap for creative professionals who game but need to stay within a budget. It features a 5.5GHz max boost clock, 12 cores, 24 threads, and 140MB of L2-L3 cache. Performance is expected to fall between the 9950X3D and 9800X3D in productivity and multi-core workloads, with comparable gaming performance.
AMD's Hot Streak with CPUs and GPUs
Those who waited on Nvidia's Blackwell GPUs to see AMD's offerings made the right choice. The Radeon RX 9070 and RX 9070 XT are the new mid-range champions, offering exceptional performance at lower prices than Nvidia competitors. The Radeon RX 9070 starts at $550, and the 9070 XT at $600 (though manufacturer price increases may occur). See our Radeon RX 9070 and RX 9070 XT GPU reviews for benchmarks.
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