AMD Zen 5 9950X3D, 9900X3D, 9800X3D Gaming CPUs Launched

If you're considering upgrading to AMD's latest offerings, now is an ideal time. Following the debut of the Ryzen 7 9800X3D earlier this year, AMD has released two higher-end Ryzen 9 models in the Zen 5 "X3D" series: the 9950X3D at $699 and the 9900X3D at $599. These processors stand out as the top gaming chips on the market, surpassing even Intel's offerings. For dedicated gamers, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D is the go-to choice, allowing you to allocate savings elsewhere. However, for creators who also game and have a larger budget, the Ryzen 9 processors provide a significant performance boost due to their higher core count and increased cache.

Note: These processors are frequently out of stock, so act quickly when you spot them available.

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 demand the best in gaming performance should look no further than the Ryzen 9 9950X3D. This processor features a max boost clock of 5.7GHz, 16 cores, 32 threads, and a massive 144MB of L2-L3 cache. While it offers only a slight edge over the 9800X3D in gaming, it significantly outperforms in productivity tasks, outshining both its Zen 5 X3D siblings and Intel's offerings.

AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D Review by Jacqueline Thomas

"The AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D is undoubtedly one of the most powerful gaming processors available today. However, it's not the definitive leader in every category. For most users, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, priced at $479, offers excellent value. The 9950X3D is ideal for gamers who also use creative applications like Photoshop and Premiere, where it provides a 15% performance improvement over the 9800X3D. For pure gaming setups, consider saving the $220 difference 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 innovative 3D V-Cache technology. All three CPUs in this series feature the 3D V-Cache on a single CCD, resulting in similar gaming performance across the board. The Ryzen 7 9800X3D, with its max boost clock of 5.2GHz, 8 cores, 16 threads, and 104MB of L2-L3 cache, is a powerhouse for gaming at its price point. While it can handle multitasking and creative tasks, its core count limits its prowess in those areas compared to higher-end models.

AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D Review by Jacqueline Thomas

"The AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D excels in gaming, making it a top recommendation over other recent processors like the Intel Core Ultra 9 285K or Ryzen 9 9900X. When paired with a high-end graphics card, the 9800X3D maximizes your GPU's potential, delivering exceptional performance."

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 the perfect choice for those who balance creative work with 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 offers a middle ground between the 9950X3D and 9800X3D. While we haven't reviewed this model yet, its specs suggest it will perform well in productivity tasks and multi-core workloads, with gaming performance expected to 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 outstanding performance at a lower price point 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. Check out our Radeon RX 9070 GPU review and Radeon RX 9070 XT GPU review for detailed benchmarks.

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