If you're in the process of building a new gaming PC and searching for the top gaming processor, look no further. The recently released AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D AM5 desktop processor is currently back in stock on Amazon at its retail price of $489 shipped. Recognized as the best gaming processor on the market, it surpasses both AMD and Intel competitors, making it a superior choice for gamers compared to the pricier Intel Core Ultra 9 285K.
The Gamer's Choice: AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D CPU
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D AM5 Desktop Processor
AMD's X3D series processors are specifically optimized for gaming, thanks to AMD's 3D V-Cache technology, which enables them to outperform even the most expensive CPUs in AMD's standard lineup. While they are capable of handling multitasking, rendering, and content creation, their limited number of cores makes them less ideal for these tasks. Priced at $489, the 9800X3D is $100 less than the Intel Core Ultra 9 285K ($589) and $160 less than the AMD Ryzen 9 9950X, yet it delivers better gaming performance. Unless you're a dedicated Intel enthusiast or still using an AM4 platform and unwilling to upgrade, the 9800X3D is the clear choice for your next gaming PC.
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D Review by Jacqueline Thomas
"The AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D excels in gaming performance, making it more recommendable than other recent processors like the Intel Core Ultra 9 285K or Ryzen 9 9900X. It's especially beneficial when paired with a powerful graphics card, ensuring you maximize your GPU's potential."
The other two Zen 5 "X3D" chips are out of stock
Alongside the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, AMD also released two higher-end Ryzen 9 variants within the Zen 5 "X3D" series: the 9950X3D, priced at $699, and the 9900X3D, priced at $599. These processors are considered the best gaming chips available from both AMD and Intel. Currently, the 9950X3D and 9900X3D are out of stock. However, for dedicated gamers, the 9800X3D remains the best option, allowing you to allocate funds elsewhere. Creators with deeper pockets and a love for gaming will appreciate the significant performance boost from the Ryzen 9 processors, thanks to their increased core count and cache.
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 best gaming processor should opt for the 9950X3D without hesitation. With a max boost clock of 5.7GHz, 16 cores, 32 threads, and 144MB of L2-L3 cache, it offers slightly better gaming performance than the 9800X3D. However, its real strength lies in productivity tasks, where it significantly outperforms the other Zen 5 X3D chips and any Intel offerings.
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D Review by Jacqueline Thomas
"While the AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D is the most powerful gaming processor available, it's not necessarily the best choice for everyone. For most gamers, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, at the much more affordable price of $479, will suffice. The 9950X3D is designed for those who game and use creative applications like Photoshop and Premiere, offering a 15% performance improvement over the 9800X3D in these apps. For a pure gaming PC, consider saving the extra $220 for a better graphics card."
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 strikes a balance for those involved in creative work and gaming but on a budget that can't accommodate the 9950X3D. With a max boost clock of 5.5GHz, 12 cores, 24 threads, and 140MB of L2-L3 cache, its performance is expected to fall between the 9950X3D and 9800X3D for productivity tasks and multi-core workloads. In gaming, it should perform similarly to the other two chips.
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