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

If you're considering joining the AMD family for your next upgrade, the timing couldn't be better. Earlier this year, AMD introduced the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, and now they've unveiled 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 hailed as the top gaming chips on the market, surpassing even Intel's offerings. For dedicated gamers, the 9800X3D is the go-to choice, freeing up funds for other components. Meanwhile, content creators with a passion for gaming will appreciate the performance boost offered by the Ryzen 9 processors, thanks to their enhanced core count and cache.

Note: These processors are in high demand and often 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 who also crave the ultimate gaming chip need look no further; the 9950X3D is the ideal choice. With a max boost clock of 5.7GHz, 16 cores, 32 threads, and a whopping 144MB of L2-L3 cache, it's a powerhouse. While it offers only a slight edge over the 9800X3D in gaming performance, it significantly outpaces it and Intel's offerings in productivity tasks.

AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D Review by Jacqueline Thomas

"The AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D is undoubtedly the most powerful gaming processor available today, though it doesn't necessarily dominate every category. For most users, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, priced at $479, is a more affordable yet highly capable option. The 9950X3D, however, is perfect for gamers who also use creative applications like Photoshop and Premiere, where it delivers a 15% performance improvement over the 9800X3D. For a pure gaming setup, 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. Since all three CPUs feature 3D V-cache on a single CCD, gaming performance is remarkably consistent across the board, with minor variations due to clock speed differences. The Ryzen 7 9800X3D, with its max boost clock of 5.2GHz, 8 cores, 16 threads, and 104MB of L2-L3 cache, is a gaming beast, especially at its price point. While capable of multitasking and content creation, its core count limits its prowess in these areas compared to higher-end models.

AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D Review by Jacqueline Thomas

"The AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D excels in gaming performance, making it a standout choice over competitors like the Intel Core Ultra 9 285K or Ryzen 9 9900X. When paired with a high-end graphics card, the 9800X3D ensures you get the most out of your GPU."

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 middle ground 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 offers a balanced performance between the 9950X3D and 9800X3D. While we haven't reviewed this chip yet, its specs suggest it will excel in productivity tasks and multi-core workloads, with gaming performance likely comparable to its siblings.

AMD's Hot Streak with 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 are the new mid-range champions, offering exceptional performance at a lower price than Nvidia's counterparts. The Radeon RX 9070 starts at $550, while the 9070 XT begins 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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