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

If you're contemplating an upgrade to AMD's latest offerings, you're in for a treat. AMD has recently unveiled the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, along with its high-end counterparts, the Ryzen 9 9950X3D and 9900X3D, all part of the Zen 5 "X3D" lineup. Priced at $699 for the 9950X3D and $599 for the 9900X3D, these processors are setting new standards in both gaming and productivity. For gamers on a budget, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, at $479, offers exceptional performance, making it a smart choice for those looking to maximize their gaming experience without breaking the bank. Meanwhile, creators with a passion for gaming will find the Ryzen 9 processors particularly appealing, thanks to their higher core counts and increased cache, which significantly boost performance across a range of tasks.

Note: Be aware that these processors are frequently in and out of stock, with more time spent 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 top-tier performance in both gaming and productivity will find the Ryzen 9 9950X3D to be the ultimate choice. Boasting a max boost clock of 5.7GHz, 16 cores, 32 threads, and a massive 144MB of L2-L3 cache, this processor delivers only marginally better gaming performance than the 9800X3D but excels in productivity tasks, outpacing its siblings and Intel's offerings.

AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D Review by Jacqueline Thomas

"The AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D is undoubtedly a powerhouse for gaming, but it truly shines for users who also engage in creative tasks. While the Ryzen 7 9800X3D at $479 is more than sufficient for most gamers, the 9950X3D offers a significant 15% performance boost in applications like Photoshop and Premiere, making it ideal for those who juggle gaming and content creation. If you're purely focused on gaming, consider saving the $220 difference 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, featuring the 3D V-Cache technology, is optimized for gaming. All three CPUs in the lineup utilize this technology on a single CCD, resulting in similar gaming performance. The Ryzen 7 9800X3D, with its max 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 it can handle multitasking and creative work, its core count limits its prowess in those areas compared to the Ryzen 9 models.

AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D Review by Jacqueline Thomas

"The AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D stands out as a top choice for gamers, particularly when paired with a high-end graphics card. It outperforms recent competitors like the Intel Core Ultra 9 285K and Ryzen 9 9900X, making it an excellent investment for those looking to maximize their gaming setup'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 AMD Ryzen 9 9900X3D is the perfect middle ground for those who engage in creative work and enjoy 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 balanced performance 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 expected to be 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 in store, you've made a wise decision. The AMD Radeon RX 9070 and RX 9070 XT are setting new benchmarks in the mid-range GPU market, offering superior performance at a more competitive price. The RX 9070 starts at $550, while the RX 9070 XT is priced at $600, though some manufacturers are increasing these prices. For detailed insights, check out our Radeon RX 9070 GPU review and Radeon RX 9070 XT GPU review.

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