The Powerful AMD Zen 5 9950X3D, 9900X3D, and 9800X3D Gaming CPUs Are Now Available

If you're considering upgrading to an AMD processor, the timing couldn't be better. AMD has recently expanded its Zen 5 "X3D" lineup with the release of the Ryzen 9 9950X3D at $699 and the Ryzen 9 9900X3D at $599, complementing the earlier launch of the Ryzen 7 9800X3D. These processors are at the forefront of gaming performance, surpassing even Intel's offerings. For pure gamers, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D offers excellent value, allowing you to allocate more funds to other components. Meanwhile, creators and gamers with a larger budget will appreciate the substantial performance gains from the Ryzen 9 processors, thanks to their higher core counts and increased cache.

Note: Be aware that these processors are frequently 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 top-tier gaming performance should look no further than the Ryzen 9 9950X3D. With a max boost clock of 5.7GHz, 16 cores, 32 threads, and a massive 144MB of L2-L3 cache, this processor excels in productivity tasks. While its gaming performance is only marginally better than the 9800X3D, it significantly outperforms both the 9800X3D and Intel's offerings in creative applications.

AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D Review by Jacqueline Thomas

"The AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D stands out as a powerhouse for gamers who also use creative applications. While the Ryzen 7 9800X3D at $479 is more than sufficient for most users, the 9950X3D offers a 15% performance boost in apps like Photoshop and Premiere, making it ideal for those who need both gaming and creative power. For pure gaming setups, however, the extra cost might be better invested in a superior 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. Despite the same V-cache configuration across the lineup, minor performance differences arise from varying clock speeds. The Ryzen 7 9800X3D, with a max boost clock of 5.2GHz, 8 cores, 16 threads, and 104MB of L2-L3 cache, delivers exceptional gaming performance at a competitive price. Although it's capable of multitasking and creative work, its core count makes it less ideal for those specific tasks compared to higher-end models.

AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D Review by Jacqueline Thomas

"The AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D is a top choice for gamers, particularly when paired with a high-end graphics card. Its performance outshines recent competitors like the Intel Core Ultra 9 285K and Ryzen 9 9900X, making it a cost-effective way to maximize your GPU's potential."

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 strikes a balance for users who engage in both creative work and 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's positioned between the 9950X3D and 9800X3D in terms of productivity and multi-core performance. Its gaming performance is expected to be comparable to the other X3D models.

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 new standards in the mid-range segment, delivering outstanding performance at a more affordable price than Nvidia's counterparts. The Radeon RX 9070 starts at $550, while the 9070 XT is priced at $600, though some manufacturers are increasing these prices. For more detailed insights, check out our Radeon RX 9070 GPU review and Radeon RX 9070 XT GPU review.

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