AMD Zen 5 9950X3D, 9900X3D, 9800X3D CPUs Restocked: Power Up Your Gaming Now

If you're considering upgrading to AMD, now is an opportune moment. Alongside the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, which debuted earlier this year, AMD has introduced its higher-end Ryzen 9 models in the Zen 5 "X3D" lineup: the 9950X3D, priced at $699, and the 9900X3D, available for $599. These processors are currently the top gaming chips in both AMD and Intel's portfolios. Pure gamers should opt for the 9800X3D to allocate their budget more effectively, while creators with a passion for gaming and deeper pockets will benefit from the superior performance of the new Ryzen 9 processors, thanks to their higher core count and increased cache.

Note: Due to high demand, these processors frequently go in and out of stock, primarily staying 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 who demand the best gaming chip on the market should not hesitate; this is the CPU for you. The 9950X3D offers a max boost clock of 5.7GHz, with 16 cores, 32 threads, and a substantial 144MB of L2-L3 cache. In gaming, it edges out the 9800X3D by just a few percentage points. However, for productivity tasks, it outperforms the other Zen 5 X3D chips and anything Intel has to offer.

AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D Review by Jacqueline Thomas

"The AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D stands out as the most powerful gaming processor available, yet it doesn't automatically outshine every other chip. The Ryzen 7 9800X3D, priced at a much more accessible $479, is sufficient for most users. The 9950X3D is ideal for gamers who also use creative applications like Photoshop and Premiere, which see a 15% performance increase over the 9800X3D. For a purely gaming-focused build, however, saving the $220 difference for a better graphics card is advisable."

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 through the innovative 3D V-Cache technology. All three CPUs share this technology on a single CCD, resulting in comparable gaming performance across the board, with minor differences due to clock speed variations. The Ryzen 7 9800X3D features a max boost clock of 5.2GHz, with 8 cores, 16 threads, and 104MB of L2-L3 cache. While capable of multitasking, rendering, and content creation, its core count makes it less ideal for those specific tasks. However, for gaming, it's an exceptional choice at its price point.

AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D Review by Jacqueline Thomas

"The AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D excels in gaming, making it an easy recommendation over recent processors like the Intel Core Ultra 9 285K or Ryzen 9 9900X. It's particularly suitable for builds paired with powerful graphics cards, ensuring you get the maximum performance from 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 strikes a balance for those engaged in creative work and gaming but mindful of budget constraints. With a max boost clock of 5.5GHz, 12 cores, 24 threads, and 140MB of L2-L3 cache, it's positioned between the 9950X3D and 9800X3D in terms of performance for productivity tasks and multi-core workloads. For gaming, its performance is expected to be on par with the other two models.

AMD is on a Hot Streak with its New CPUs and GPUs

If you held off on Nvidia's Blackwell GPUs to assess AMD's new offerings, you made a wise decision. The AMD Radeon RX 9070 and RX 9070 XT graphics cards are the new mid-range champions, delivering impressive performance at a lower cost than their Nvidia counterparts. The Radeon RX 9070 starts at $550, and the 9070 XT at $600, though prices may vary due to manufacturer adjustments. For detailed benchmarks, check out our Radeon RX 9070 GPU review and Radeon RX 9070 XT GPU review.

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