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

If you're considering upgrading to an AMD processor, now is an excellent time to do so. Alongside the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, which was released earlier this year, AMD has introduced two higher-end Ryzen 9 models in the Zen 5 "X3D" lineup: the 9950X3D, available for $699, and the 9900X3D, available for $599. These processors are considered the top gaming chips when compared to both Intel and AMD offerings. For pure gamers, the 9800X3D is the recommended choice, freeing up budget for other components. However, creators who also enjoy gaming and have a higher budget will benefit significantly from the enhanced performance of the new Ryzen 9 processors, which boast a higher core count and larger cache.

Note: Be aware that these processors frequently go in and out of stock, and are mostly 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 best gaming processor should consider the Ryzen 9 9950X3D without hesitation. This processor features a maximum boost clock of 5.7GHz, 16 cores, 32 threads, and an impressive 144MB of L2-L3 cache. While it offers only a slight performance edge over the 9800X3D in gaming, it significantly outperforms both the 9800X3D and Intel's offerings in productivity tasks.

AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D Review by Jacqueline Thomas

"The AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D stands out as one of the most powerful gaming processors available. However, it's not universally superior to all other chips. For most users, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, priced at $479, offers excellent value. The 9950X3D, on the other hand, is ideal for gamers who also engage in creative tasks like using Photoshop and Premiere, where it delivers a 15% performance boost over the 9800X3D. For a gaming-focused build, consider saving the additional $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 thanks to the 3D V-Cache technology. All three CPUs feature this technology on a single CCD, resulting in comparable gaming performance, with minor variations mainly due to clock speed differences. The Ryzen 7 9800X3D achieves a maximum boost clock of 5.2GHz, with 8 cores, 16 threads, and 104MB of L2-L3 cache. While capable of multitasking, rendering, and creative work, its core count limits its efficiency in these areas. Nonetheless, it's an exceptional choice for gaming at its price point.

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 high-end graphics card, the 9800X3D ensures you get the most out of your GPU."

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 ideal choice for those engaged in creative work and gaming but constrained by a budget. With a maximum boost clock of 5.5GHz, 12 cores, 24 threads, and 140MB of L2-L3 cache, it strikes a balance between the 9950X3D and 9800X3D. Although we haven't reviewed it yet, its specifications suggest performance that falls between the two other models in productivity and multi-core workloads, with gaming performance expected to be similar.

AMD's Hot Streak with New CPUs and GPUs

If you've been holding off on Nvidia's Blackwell GPUs to assess 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, delivering exceptional performance at a lower price than Nvidia's competitors. The Radeon RX 9070 starts at $550, while the 9070 XT starts 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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