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

If you're considering upgrading to an AMD processor, the timing couldn't be better. Alongside the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, which was introduced earlier this year, AMD has now unveiled two high-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 available, surpassing even Intel's offerings. For pure gamers, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D is the best choice, allowing you to allocate more funds to other components. However, creators with a budget for high-end hardware and a passion for gaming will greatly benefit from the Ryzen 9 processors, thanks to their enhanced core counts and cache.

Note: Processors are frequently out of stock, so act quickly if you're interested.

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 also crave the best gaming performance should look no further than the Ryzen 9 9950X3D. This powerhouse boasts a max boost clock of 5.7GHz, 16 cores, 32 threads, and a massive 144MB of L2-L3 cache. While its gaming performance is only slightly better than the 9800X3D, it excels in productivity tasks, outpacing 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 is a formidable gaming processor, yet it doesn't dominate every aspect of performance. The Ryzen 7 9800X3D, priced at $479, offers excellent value for most users. However, the 9950X3D is ideal for those who engage in both gaming and creative tasks like Photoshop and Premiere, where it delivers a 15% performance boost over the 9800X3D. For a gaming-focused build, consider saving the additional $220 for 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 are optimized for gaming with their 3D V-Cache technology. Since all three CPUs feature the 3D V-Cache on a single CCD, gaming performance is comparable across the lineup, with minor variations due to clock speed differences. The Ryzen 7 9800X3D offers a max boost clock of 5.2GHz, 8 cores, 16 threads, and 104MB of L2-L3 cache. While capable of multitasking, rendering, and creation, its limited core count makes it less ideal for intensive productivity tasks. However, it's an exceptional gaming processor, especially at its price point.

AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D Review by Jacqueline Thomas

"The AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D delivers outstanding gaming performance, making it a top recommendation over other recent processors like the Intel Core Ultra 9 285K or Ryzen 9 9900X. If you're pairing it with a high-end graphics card, the 9800X3D will maximize 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 solid choice for those who balance creative work and gaming but need to stay within a budget. With a max boost clock of 5.5GHz, 12 cores, 24 threads, and 140MB of L2-L3 cache, it's a versatile option. While we haven't reviewed it yet, its specs suggest it will perform between the 9950X3D and 9800X3D in productivity tasks and multi-core workloads. Gaming performance is expected to be similar to its siblings.

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

If you've been waiting to see what AMD's new offerings bring to the table, you'll be pleased. The AMD Radeon RX 9070 and RX 9070 XT graphics cards are the new mid-range champions, offering impressive performance at a lower price than Nvidia's competition. The Radeon RX 9070 starts at $550, and the RX 9070 XT at $600, though some manufacturers may increase these prices. Check out our Radeon RX 9070 GPU review and Radeon RX 9070 XT GPU review for detailed benchmarks.

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