If you're considering upgrading to an AMD processor, now is an excellent time to do so. Alongside the earlier release of the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, AMD has recently launched its higher-end Ryzen 9 siblings in the Zen 5 "X3D" lineup: the 9950X3D priced at $699 and the 9900X3D at $599. These processors are currently the top gaming chips available, surpassing even Intel's offerings. Pure gamers would be wise to opt for the 9800X3D and allocate their budget elsewhere, while creators with deeper pockets and a gaming interest will appreciate the significant performance boost offered by the Ryzen 9 processors, thanks to their higher core count and cache.
Note: Be aware that these processors frequently go in and out of stock, and are mostly out of stock at the moment.
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 best gaming chip on the market should look no further than the Ryzen 9 9950X3D. With a max boost clock of 5.7GHz, 16 cores, 32 threads, and 144MB of L2-L3 cache, this CPU is a powerhouse. While it offers only a marginal improvement in gaming performance over the 9800X3D, it significantly outperforms both the 9800X3D 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 today, yet it doesn't dominate in every category. For most users, the more affordable Ryzen 7 9800X3D at $479 will suffice. The 9950X3D is ideal for gamers who also engage in creative work with applications like Photoshop and Premiere, where it provides a 15% performance increase over the 9800X3D. However, for a gaming-focused build, consider saving the extra $220 for a better 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 3D V-Cache technology. All three CPUs feature this technology on a single CCD, resulting in similar gaming performance across the lineup. The Ryzen 7 9800X3D, with its max boost clock of 5.2GHz, 8 cores, 16 threads, and 104MB of L2-L3 cache, is a formidable choice for gamers. While it can handle multitasking and creative work, its core count limits its effectiveness in these areas compared to higher-end models.
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D Review by Jacqueline Thomas
"The AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D excels in gaming performance, making it a top recommendation over other recent processors like the Intel Core Ultra 9 285K or Ryzen 9 9900X. Especially when paired with a powerful graphics card, the 9800X3D maximizes 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 AMD Ryzen 9 9900X3D is a balanced choice for those who engage in creative work and gaming but have budget constraints that rule out the 9950X3D. With a max boost clock of 5.5GHz, 12 cores, 24 threads, and 140MB of L2-L3 cache, this processor is expected to perform between the 9950X3D and 9800X3D in productivity tasks. In gaming, it should 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 in store, you've made a wise decision. The AMD Radeon RX 9070 and RX 9070 XT graphics cards are the new mid-range champions, offering exceptional performance at a lower price point than their Nvidia counterparts. The Radeon RX 9070 starts at $550, while the RX 9070 XT is priced at $600, although prices may vary due to manufacturer adjustments. Check out our Radeon RX 9070 GPU review and Radeon RX 9070 XT GPU review for detailed benchmarks.
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