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

If you're considering an upgrade to AMD's latest offerings, you're in for a treat. This year, AMD has rolled out its impressive Zen 5 "X3D" processors, starting with the Ryzen 7 9800X3D and now introducing the higher-end Ryzen 9 models: the 9950X3D at $699 and the 9900X3D at $599. These processors are at the forefront of gaming performance, outpacing both Intel and AMD's previous generations. For gamers focused purely on gaming, the 9800X3D is the go-to choice, allowing you to allocate your budget elsewhere. However, if you're a content creator with a passion for gaming and a bit more to spend, the Ryzen 9 processors offer a significant performance boost, thanks to their higher core count and enhanced cache.

Note: Keep in mind that these processors may frequently be 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

For creative professionals who also demand top-tier gaming performance, the AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D is the ultimate choice. This powerhouse features a max boost clock of 5.7GHz, 16 cores, 32 threads, and a massive 144MB of L2-L3 cache. While it edges out the 9800X3D in gaming by just a few percentage points, its true prowess shines in productivity tasks, where it outperforms not only its Zen 5 X3D siblings but also Intel's offerings.

AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D Review by Jacqueline Thomas

"The AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D stands as the most formidable gaming processor available, yet it's not universally superior to every other chip. For most users, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D at a more affordable $479 will suffice. The 9950X3D is tailored for gamers who also engage in creative work with applications like Photoshop and Premiere, where it delivers a 15% performance boost over the 9800X3D. For a gaming-only build, however, saving the $220 difference for a better graphics card might be the wiser 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 is optimized for gaming, leveraging the company's 3D V-Cache technology. Since all three CPUs in this series feature the 3D V-cache on a single CCD, gaming performance remains consistent across the board, with minor variations primarily due to clock speed differences. The Ryzen 7 9800X3D, with its 5.2GHz max boost clock, 8 cores, 16 threads, and 104MB of L2-L3 cache, is a beast for gaming. While capable of multitasking and creative tasks, its limited core count makes it less ideal for intensive productivity workloads.

AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D Review by Jacqueline Thomas

"The AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D excels in gaming, making it a top recommendation over recent alternatives 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 maximum performance 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 your best bet if you're balancing a budget while needing a processor that excels in both creative work and gaming. With a max boost clock of 5.5GHz, 12 cores, 24 threads, and 140MB of L2-L3 cache, it strikes a middle ground. Although we haven't reviewed this chip yet, its specs suggest it will offer performance between the 9950X3D and 9800X3D for productivity, while matching them closely in gaming.

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 in store, your patience has paid off. The AMD Radeon RX 9070 and RX 9070 XT are the new mid-range champions, offering stellar performance at a more competitive price. The RX 9070 starts at $550, while the RX 9070 XT is available from $600, though prices may vary due to manufacturer adjustments. For detailed performance metrics, check out our Radeon RX 9070 GPU review and Radeon RX 9070 XT GPU review.

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