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

If you're contemplating a switch to AMD for your next hardware upgrade, the timing couldn't be better. AMD has recently unveiled its top-tier Ryzen 9 processors in the Zen 5 "X3D" lineup, complementing the earlier release of the Ryzen 7 9800X3D. The Ryzen 9 9950X3D is priced at $699, while the 9900X3D comes in at $599. These processors are hailed as the pinnacle of gaming performance across both AMD and Intel platforms. For gamers on a budget, the 9800X3D remains a stellar choice, allowing you to allocate savings elsewhere. However, if you're a creator with a passion for gaming and deeper pockets, the new Ryzen 9 processors offer significant performance boosts thanks to their higher core counts and increased cache.

Note: Be aware that these processors frequently go in and out of stock, often leaning more 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 seeking the ultimate gaming CPU need look no further than the Ryzen 9 9950X3D. This powerhouse boasts a max boost clock of 5.7GHz, 16 cores, 32 threads, and an impressive 144MB of L2-L3 cache. While its gaming performance edges out the 9800X3D by only a few percentage points, it significantly outpaces both its Zen 5 X3D siblings and Intel's offerings in productivity tasks.

AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D Review by Jacqueline Thomas

"The AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D stands as a formidable force in gaming, though it doesn't universally outshine all competitors. For most users, the more affordable Ryzen 7 9800X3D at $479 will suffice. However, the 9950X3D is tailored for those who blend gaming with demanding creative applications like Photoshop and Premiere, where it offers a 15% performance edge over the 9800X3D. For a purely gaming-focused build, consider saving the extra $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 utilize the 3D V-Cache on a single CCD, gaming performance remains consistent across the lineup, with minor variations primarily due to clock speed differences. The Ryzen 7 9800X3D, with its max boost clock of 5.2GHz, 8 cores, 16 threads, and 104MB of L2-L3 cache, excels in gaming while being capable in multitasking and creative tasks, though it's not the top choice for heavy workloads due to its core count.

AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D Review by Jacqueline Thomas

"The AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D shines in gaming, making it a compelling option over competitors like the Intel Core Ultra 9 285K or Ryzen 9 9900X. Especially when paired with a high-end graphics card, the 9800X3D maximizes your GPU's potential, delivering exceptional 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 strikes a balance for users engaged in both creative work and gaming but constrained by budget. It features a max boost clock of 5.5GHz, 12 cores, 24 threads, and 140MB of L2-L3 cache. Although we haven't reviewed this model yet, its specifications suggest it will offer performance between the 9950X3D and 9800X3D in productivity tasks, with gaming performance likely to be on par with its siblings.

AMD's Hot Streak with New CPUs and GPUs

Holding off on Nvidia's Blackwell GPUs to see what AMD brings to the table was a wise decision. The AMD Radeon RX 9070 and RX 9070 XT are now the mid-range champions, offering excellent performance at a lower price point than Nvidia's offerings. The Radeon RX 9070 starts at $550, while the 9070 XT is available from $600, though prices may fluctuate due to manufacturer adjustments. For detailed performance metrics, refer to our Radeon RX 9070 GPU review and Radeon RX 9070 XT GPU review.

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