AMD Zen 5 9950X3D, 9900X3D, 9800X3D Gaming CPUs Launched

If you're considering an upgrade to the AMD platform, now is an excellent time to make the switch. Earlier this year, AMD introduced the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, and they've now expanded their Zen 5 "X3D" lineup with two higher-end Ryzen 9 models: the 9950X3D, priced at $699, and the 9900X3D, available for $599. These processors are currently the top performers in the gaming market, outshining even Intel's offerings. For dedicated gamers, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D is the best value, allowing you to allocate more funds to other components. However, if you're a content creator with a budget for premium hardware and a love for gaming, the Ryzen 9 processors offer significant performance boosts due to their higher core counts and larger cache.

Note: These processors are frequently in and out of stock, often leaning towards 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 demand the best gaming performance should look no further than the Ryzen 9 9950X3D. This powerhouse boasts a max boost clock of 5.7GHz, 16 cores, 32 threads, and a massive 144MB of L2-L3 cache. While it offers only a slight edge over the 9800X3D in gaming, it significantly outperforms in productivity tasks, surpassing both its Zen 5 X3D siblings and Intel's offerings.

AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D Review by Jacqueline Thomas

"The AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D is a formidable gaming processor, but it's not the automatic choice for everyone. The Ryzen 7 9800X3D, priced at $479, is more than sufficient for most users. The 9950X3D shines for those who both game and use creative applications like Photoshop and Premiere, where it offers a 15% performance boost over the 9800X3D. For a pure gaming build, however, 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 the innovative 3D V-Cache technology. Although all three CPUs feature this technology on a single CCD, resulting in similar gaming performance, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D stands out with its max boost clock of 5.2GHz, 8 cores, 16 threads, and 104MB of L2-L3 cache. While it can handle multitasking and creative tasks, its core count limits its prowess in these areas. However, for gaming, especially at this price point, it's an unbeatable choice.

AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D Review by Jacqueline Thomas

"The AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D excels in gaming, 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 GPU performance, delivering exceptional gaming experiences."

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 who balance creative work with 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 offers a middle ground between the 9950X3D and 9800X3D. While we haven't reviewed this model yet, its specs suggest it will perform well in productivity tasks and multi-core workloads, with gaming performance likely on par with its siblings.

AMD's Hot Streak with 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 wise decision. The AMD Radeon RX 9070 and RX 9070 XT graphics cards are the new mid-range champions, delivering outstanding performance at a lower price than their Nvidia counterparts. The Radeon RX 9070 starts at $550, while the 9070 XT begins 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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