If you're contemplating an upgrade and considering AMD, now is an opportune moment to make the leap. Alongside the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, which made its debut earlier this year, AMD has introduced two high-end Ryzen 9 processors in the Zen 5 "X3D" lineup: the 9950X3D priced at $699 and the 9900X3D at $599. These processors stand out as the premier gaming chips when compared to both Intel and AMD offerings. For pure gamers, the 9800X3D offers a cost-effective solution, allowing you to allocate funds elsewhere. Meanwhile, creators with a deeper budget and a love for gaming will see significant performance enhancements with the new Ryzen 9 processors, thanks to their higher core count and increased cache.
Note: Be aware that these processors are frequently in and out of stock, with more time spent out of stock unfortunately.
The Creator's Choice: AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D CPU
### AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D AM5 Desktop Processor
0$699.00 at Amazon$699.00 at Best Buy$699.00 at NeweggCreative professionals seeking the pinnacle of both gaming and productivity should look no further than the Ryzen 9 9950X3D. This powerhouse CPU 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, outperforming not only its Zen 5 X3D siblings but also any Intel competition.
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D Review by Jacqueline Thomas
"The AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D is a formidable gaming processor, yet it doesn't automatically outshine every other chip on the market. For many, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D at $479 will suffice, offering significant savings. However, the 9950X3D is ideal for gamers who also use creative applications like Photoshop and Premiere, where it delivers a 15% performance boost over the 9800X3D. For those building a pure gaming PC, consider saving the additional $220 for a superior graphics card."
The Gamer's Choice: AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D CPU
### AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D AM5 Desktop Processor
13$479.00 at Amazon$479.00 at Best Buy$479.00 at NeweggAMD's X3D series processors are engineered for optimal gaming performance, thanks to AMD's 3D V-Cache technology. Although all three CPUs feature the 3D V-cache on a single CCD, their gaming performance remains consistent, with minor variations attributed to clock speed differences. The Ryzen 7 9800X3D achieves a max boost clock of 5.2GHz, with 8 cores, 16 threads, and 104MB of L2-L3 cache. While capable of multitasking, rendering, and content creation, its limited core count makes it less ideal for those tasks. However, at this price point, it's an exceptional choice for gaming.
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D Review by Jacqueline Thomas
"The AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D delivers stellar gaming performance, making it a more compelling choice than recent alternatives 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 an excellent investment for gamers."
The Middleman: AMD Ryzen 9 9900X3D CPU
### AMD Ryzen 9 9900X3D AM5 Desktop Processor
0$599.00 at Amazon$599.00 at Best Buy$599.00 at NeweggFor those engaged in creative work and gaming but constrained by budget, the AMD Ryzen 9 9900X3D offers a balanced solution. With a max boost clock of 5.5GHz, 12 cores, 24 threads, and 140MB of L2-L3 cache, this processor is expected to deliver performance between the 9950X3D and 9800X3D in productivity tasks and multi-core workloads. In gaming, it should perform similarly to its siblings.
AMD is on a hot streak with its new CPUs and GPUs
If you've held off on purchasing Nvidia's Blackwell GPUs to assess AMD's latest offerings, your patience has been rewarded. The AMD Radeon RX 9070 and RX 9070 XT graphics cards have emerged as the mid-range champions of this generation, offering exceptional performance at a lower price point than Nvidia's counterparts. The Radeon RX 9070 starts at $550, and the 9070 XT at $600, though be aware that manufacturers are increasing prices. For more detailed insights, check out our Radeon RX 9070 GPU review and Radeon RX 9070 XT GPU review.
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