If you're building a new gaming PC and seeking the best gaming processor, the recently released AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D AM5 desktop processor is your top choice. Currently back in stock on Amazon at its retail price of $489 shipped, this processor stands out as the best gaming CPU available on the market, surpassing both AMD and Intel competitors. It's a more cost-effective option for gamers compared to the pricier Intel Core Ultra 9 285K.
The Gamer's Choice: AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D CPU
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D AM5 Desktop Processor
$489.00 at Amazon
AMD's X3D series processors are specifically optimized for gaming, outperforming even the most expensive standard AMD CPUs thanks to AMD's 3D V-Cache technology. While capable of handling multitasking, rendering, and creation, these processors have fewer cores, making them less ideal for those tasks. Priced at $489, the 9800X3D is not only $100 cheaper than the Intel Core Ultra 9 285K ($589) but also $160 less than the AMD Ryzen 9 9950X, yet it delivers superior gaming performance. Unless you're committed to Intel or still using AM4 and reluctant to upgrade, the 9800X3D is the clear choice for your next gaming PC.
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. If you're building a rig with a powerful graphics card, the 9800X3D will maximize your GPU's performance."
The Other Two Zen 5 "X3D" Chips Are Out of Stock
Alongside the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, AMD released two higher-end Ryzen 9 models in the Zen 5 "X3D" lineup: the 9950X3D, priced at $699, and the 9900X3D, priced at $599. These processors are currently out of stock. For dedicated gamers, the 9800X3D remains the best option, allowing you to allocate funds elsewhere. However, creators with deeper pockets and a passion for gaming will appreciate the performance boost offered by the Ryzen 9 processors, thanks to their higher core count and cache.
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 seek the best gaming chip should consider the 9950X3D. With a max boost clock of 5.7GHz, 16 cores, 32 threads, and 144MB of L2-L3 cache, it offers only a slight edge in gaming over the 9800X3D. However, for productivity tasks, it significantly outperforms other Zen 5 X3D chips and Intel's offerings.
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D Review by Jacqueline Thomas
"The AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D is a powerhouse for gaming, but it's not universally superior. Most gamers will find the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, priced at $479, more than sufficient. The 9950X3D is ideal for those who game and use creative applications like Photoshop and Premiere, where it provides a 15% performance increase over the 9800X3D. For a pure gaming build, saving the extra $220 for a better graphics card might be a wiser choice."
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 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's expected to perform between the 9950X3D and 9800X3D in productivity tasks and multi-core workloads. In gaming, its performance should be comparable to the other two.
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