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

If you're considering joining the AMD community with your next upgrade, the timing couldn't be better. Alongside the earlier release of the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, AMD has now launched its two premium Ryzen 9 counterparts in the Zen 5 "X3D" lineup: the 9950X3D is priced at $699, and the 9900X3D at $599. These processors are currently the top gaming chips available from both AMD and Intel. For dedicated gamers, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D offers excellent value, allowing you to allocate funds elsewhere. Meanwhile, creators with a passion for gaming and a larger budget will find the Ryzen 9 processors highly beneficial, thanks to their enhanced core count and cache, which significantly boost performance.

Note: These processors are frequently sold out, so keep an eye on stock levels.

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 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 a massive 144MB of L2-L3 cache. While it offers only a slight edge over the 9800X3D in gaming, its productivity performance outshines not only the other Zen 5 X3D chips but also anything Intel currently offers.

AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D Review by Jacqueline Thomas

"The AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D stands as one of the most formidable gaming processors available. However, it's not universally superior to all other chips. For most users, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, priced at a more accessible $479, is sufficient. The 9950X3D is best suited for gamers who also use creative applications like Photoshop and Premiere, where it delivers a 15% performance boost over the 9800X3D. For a pure gaming setup, though, consider saving the extra $220 for a superior 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 the 3D V-Cache on a single CCD, gaming performance is largely similar across the board, with minor differences mainly due to clock speed variations. The Ryzen 7 9800X3D achieves a max boost clock of 5.2GHz, with 8 cores, 16 threads, and 104MB of L2-L3 cache. While it handles multitasking, rendering, and creative tasks adequately, its core count limits its prowess in these areas. However, at this price, it's an exceptional gaming processor.

AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D Review by Jacqueline Thomas

"The AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D is a powerhouse in the gaming arena, making it a more compelling choice than other recent processors like the Intel Core Ultra 9 285K or Ryzen 9 9900X. Especially when paired with a high-end graphics card, the 9800X3D maximizes performance, offering the best value for your investment."

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 ideal for those who engage in creative work and enjoy gaming but need to stick to a budget that the 9950X3D exceeds. With a max boost clock of 5.5GHz, 12 cores, 24 threads, and 140MB of L2-L3 cache, this processor is yet to be reviewed by us. However, based on its specifications, we anticipate its productivity performance to fall between that of the 9950X3D and 9800X3D, with gaming performance expected to be comparable to 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 evaluate AMD's latest offerings, you've made a wise decision. The AMD Radeon RX 9070 and RX 9070 XT graphics cards are setting new standards in the mid-range GPU market, delivering outstanding performance at a lower cost than Nvidia's counterparts. The Radeon RX 9070 starts at $550, while the RX 9070 XT is available from $600, though prices may fluctuate due to manufacturer adjustments. Dive into our Radeon RX 9070 GPU review and Radeon RX 9070 XT GPU review for detailed benchmarks.

Why Should You Trust IGN's Deals Team?

IGN's deals team brings over 30 years of collective experience in uncovering the best discounts in gaming, technology, and beyond. We prioritize transparency and integrity, ensuring our readers are guided toward genuine deals on trusted products. Our editorial team has hands-on experience with the brands we feature, and our deal-finding process is detailed in our deals standards. Stay updated with our latest findings by following IGN's Deals account on Twitter.