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

If you're contemplating joining the AMD community for your next hardware upgrade, the timing couldn't be more perfect. AMD has expanded its Zen 5 "X3D" lineup with the introduction of the higher-end Ryzen 9 siblings alongside the previously released Ryzen 7 9800X3D. The Ryzen 9 9950X3D and 9900X3D are now available at $699 and $599, respectively. These processors stand out as the top gaming chips available from both AMD and Intel. Dedicated gamers might opt for the more budget-friendly Ryzen 7 9800X3D, freeing up funds for other components, while creators with a passion for gaming and a bit more to spend will find the enhanced core count and cache of the Ryzen 9 processors highly beneficial.

Note: Be aware that these processors often fluctuate in stock availability, with frequent sell-outs.

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 demand the pinnacle of gaming performance, the AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D is the ultimate choice. This powerhouse boasts a max boost clock of 5.7GHz, 16 cores, 32 threads, and an impressive 144MB of L2-L3 cache. While it offers only a marginal improvement in gaming performance over the 9800X3D, it significantly outpaces both other Zen 5 X3D chips and Intel's offerings in productivity tasks.

AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D Review by Jacqueline Thomas

"The AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D is undoubtedly one of the most formidable gaming processors currently available, yet it doesn't universally outperform every competitor. For many, the more affordable Ryzen 7 9800X3D at $479 will suffice. The 9950X3D, however, is tailored for those who engage in both gaming and creative applications like Photoshop and Premiere, where it shows a 15% performance boost over the 9800X3D. For a gaming-centric build, the savings from choosing the 9800X3D could 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, optimized for gaming with the innovative 3D V-Cache technology, deliver consistent gaming performance across all three models due to the cache being concentrated on a single CCD. The primary differentiator is clock speed. The AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D, with a max boost clock of 5.2GHz, 8 cores, 16 threads, and 104MB of L2-L3 cache, is an exceptional gaming processor, particularly at its price point, though it may not be ideal for intensive multitasking or creative work due to its core count.

AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D Review by Jacqueline Thomas

"The AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D excels in gaming scenarios, making it a more compelling choice than recent offerings like the Intel Core Ultra 9 285K or the Ryzen 9 9900X. When paired with a robust graphics card, the 9800X3D maximizes performance, making it an excellent foundation for a gaming rig."

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 strikes a balance 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 promises to deliver performance between the 9950X3D and 9800X3D for productivity tasks, while offering comparable gaming performance to 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 evaluate AMD's latest releases, your patience has paid off. The AMD Radeon RX 9070 and RX 9070 XT have emerged as the new mid-range champions, offering excellent performance at a more competitive price than their Nvidia counterparts. The Radeon RX 9070 starts at $550, and the RX 9070 XT at $600, though be cautious of price hikes by manufacturers. For detailed performance insights, refer to our Radeon RX 9070 GPU review and Radeon RX 9070 XT GPU review.

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