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

If you're considering upgrading to AMD's latest offerings, now is an excellent time to make the switch. With the recent launch of the Ryzen 7 9800X3D earlier this year, AMD has now introduced two 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 performers for gaming across both AMD and Intel platforms. For pure gamers, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D is the ideal choice, allowing you to allocate savings elsewhere. However, creators who also enjoy gaming and have a higher budget will find significant performance benefits in the Ryzen 9 processors, thanks to their enhanced core count and cache.

Note: These processors are frequently in and out of stock, often more out than in.

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 pinnacle of gaming performance need look no further than the Ryzen 9 9950X3D. This powerhouse boasts a max boost clock of 5.7GHz, 16 cores, 32 threads, and an impressive 144MB of L2-L3 cache. While its gaming performance edges out the 9800X3D by only a few percentage points, it excels in productivity tasks, outpacing not only its Zen 5 X3D siblings but also any current Intel offerings.

AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D Review by Jacqueline Thomas:

"The AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D stands out as one of the most powerful gaming processors available. However, it's not the go-to choice for everyone. For most gamers, the more affordable Ryzen 7 9800X3D at $479 offers ample performance. The 9950X3D is best suited for those who both play games and use creative applications like Photoshop and Premiere, where it delivers 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 innovative 3D V-Cache technology. Although all three CPUs feature the 3D V-Cache on a single CCD, their gaming performance remains largely similar, with minor variations due to differences in clock speeds. 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 handling multitasking and creative tasks, its limited core count makes it less ideal for those purposes. However, for gaming, especially at this price point, it's an exceptional choice.

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. When paired with a powerful graphics card, the 9800X3D maximizes your GPU's potential, offering unparalleled 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

For those engaged in creative work and gaming but constrained by budget, the Ryzen 9 9900X3D strikes a balance. With a max boost clock of 5.5GHz, 12 cores, 24 threads, and 140MB of L2-L3 cache, it offers a middle ground. While we haven't yet reviewed this model, its specs suggest it will perform between the 9950X3D and 9800X3D in productivity tasks and multi-core workloads. In gaming, it's expected to perform similarly to its siblings.

AMD's Hot Streak with New CPUs and GPUs

If you've been holding off on Nvidia's Blackwell GPUs to evaluate AMD's new releases, you've made a wise decision. The AMD Radeon RX 9070 and RX 9070 XT graphics cards are the new mid-range champions, offering excellent performance at a lower price than their Nvidia counterparts. The Radeon RX 9070 starts at $550, while the 9070 XT is priced at $600, though some manufacturers are increasing prices. Check out our Radeon RX 9070 GPU review and Radeon RX 9070 XT GPU review for detailed benchmarks.

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