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

If you're considering an upgrade and thinking about joining the AMD community, now is the perfect time to do so. Alongside the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, which was introduced earlier this year, AMD has recently unveiled its higher-end Ryzen 9 counterparts in the Zen 5 "X3D" lineup: the 9950X3D is priced at $699, and the 9900X3D at $599. These processors are currently leading the pack as the best gaming chips available from both AMD and Intel. For those focused solely on gaming, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D is the ideal choice, allowing you to allocate your budget elsewhere. Meanwhile, creators with a passion for gaming and a bit more to spend will appreciate the significant performance boost offered by the new Ryzen 9 processors, thanks to their enhanced core count and cache.

Note: Be aware that these processors are frequently sold out due to high demand.

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 pinnacle of gaming performance need look no further; the AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D is the CPU for you. With a maximum boost clock of 5.7GHz, 16 cores, 32 threads, and 144MB of L2-L3 cache, this processor is a powerhouse. While it offers only a slight edge in gaming performance over the 9800X3D, it significantly outpaces its siblings 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, yet it's not the best choice for every user. Gamers on a budget will find the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, priced at $479, more than sufficient. The 9950X3D, however, is tailored for those who not only game but also engage in creative tasks like Photoshop and Premiere, where it offers a 15% performance boost over the 9800X3D. For a purely gaming-focused build, consider saving the additional $220 for an enhanced 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 innovative 3D V-Cache technology. Since all three CPUs feature this technology on a single CCD, gaming performance remains consistent across the lineup, with minor variations due to clock speed differences. The AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D, with its maximum boost clock of 5.2GHz, 8 cores, 16 threads, and 104MB of L2-L3 cache, is a gaming beast, especially at its price point. While capable of multitasking, rendering, and content creation, its core count limits its prowess in these areas compared to higher-end models.

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. Pairing it with a high-performance graphics card will maximize your gaming experience."

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 choice for those balancing creative work with gaming, yet mindful of budget constraints. With a maximum boost clock of 5.5GHz, 12 cores, 24 threads, and 140MB of L2-L3 cache, this processor offers a middle ground. Although we haven't reviewed it yet, its specifications suggest performance levels 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 wise decision. The AMD Radeon RX 9070 and RX 9070 XT graphics cards are setting the standard for mid-range performance this generation, offering excellent performance at a lower price point than their Nvidia counterparts. The Radeon RX 9070 starts at $550, while the 9070 XT is priced at $600, though some manufacturers may increase these prices. For detailed performance insights, check out our Radeon RX 9070 GPU review and Radeon RX 9070 XT GPU review.

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