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

If you're considering upgrading to AMD, the timing couldn't be better. Alongside the Ryzen 7 9800X3D that debuted earlier this year, AMD has now released its two higher-end Ryzen 9 models in the Zen 5 "X3D" lineup: the 9950X3D at $699 and the 9900X3D at $599. These processors are leading the pack in gaming performance across both Intel and AMD platforms. For pure gamers, the 9800X3D offers excellent value, allowing you to allocate savings elsewhere. However, creators with a budget for top-tier performance and a love for gaming will see significant benefits from the Ryzen 9 processors, thanks to their increased core count and cache.

Note: Be aware that these processors frequently go in and out of stock, mostly leaning towards being 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 seeking the ultimate gaming chip need look no further. The new 9950X3D boasts a max boost clock of 5.7GHz, with 16 cores, 32 threads, and 144MB of L2-L3 cache. While it edges out the 9800X3D in gaming by just a few percentage points, it shines in productivity tasks, outpacing both 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 the automatic choice for everyone. The Ryzen 7 9800X3D, priced at $479, is more than sufficient for most users. The 9950X3D is ideal for gamers who also use creative applications like Photoshop and Premiere, where it offers a 15% performance boost over the 9800X3D. For a gaming-focused build, consider saving the extra $220 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 3D V-Cache technology. Since all three CPUs feature the 3D V-cache on a single CCD, gaming performance is nearly identical across the lineup, with minor differences due to clock speeds. The Ryzen 7 9800X3D, with a max boost clock of 5.2GHz, 8 cores, 16 threads, and 104MB of L2-L3 cache, is a beast for gaming at its price point, though it's less ideal for heavy multitasking and creative workloads.

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 powerful graphics card, the 9800X3D maximizes GPU performance, making it the best choice for gaming enthusiasts."

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's expected to offer performance between the 9950X3D and 9800X3D for productivity tasks, with gaming performance likely 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 to offer, you've made a wise decision. The AMD Radeon RX 9070 and RX 9070 XT graphics cards are the new mid-range champions, delivering exceptional performance at a lower price 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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