If you're contemplating joining the AMD bandwagon for your next upgrade, the timing couldn't be better. This year, AMD unveiled the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, followed by the launch of its two higher-end Ryzen 9 siblings in the Zen 5 "X3D" lineup: the 9950X3D, priced at $699, and the 9900X3D, available for $599. These processors stand out as the top gaming chips when compared to offerings from both Intel and AMD. For pure gamers, the 9800X3D is the optimal choice, allowing you to allocate funds elsewhere. However, if you're a creator with a bigger budget and enjoy gaming, the new Ryzen 9 processors will significantly enhance your performance due to their superior core count and cache.
Note: Keep in mind, these processors are frequently 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
For creative professionals who also demand the best gaming performance, the Ryzen 9 9950X3D is the ultimate choice. This powerhouse features a max boost clock of 5.7GHz, 16 cores, 32 threads, and an impressive 144MB of L2-L3 cache. While it offers only a slight edge over the 9800X3D in gaming, its prowess in productivity tasks far surpasses that of its Zen 5 X3D siblings and Intel's offerings.
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D Review by Jacqueline Thomas
"The AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D may be the most powerful gaming processor available, yet it doesn't dominate in every scenario. For most users, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, priced at $479, provides sufficient performance. The 9950X3D is best suited for those who both game and use creative applications like Photoshop and Premiere, where it offers a 15% performance boost over the 9800X3D. For a gaming-focused build, saving the extra $220 for a better graphics card might be more beneficial."
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 their 3D V-Cache technology. Since all three CPUs feature the 3D V-cache on a single CCD, gaming performance is virtually identical across the lineup, with minor variations due to clock speed differences. The Ryzen 7 9800X3D boasts a max boost clock of 5.2GHz, 8 cores, 16 threads, and 104MB of L2-L3 cache. Though capable of multitasking, rendering, and creative work, its core count limits its effectiveness in these areas. However, at its price point, it's an exceptional choice for gaming.
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D Review by Jacqueline Thomas
"The AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D excels in gaming, making it an easy 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 performance, making it the ideal choice for gaming enthusiasts."
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 Ryzen 9 9900X3D is the middle ground for those who engage in creative work and gaming but need to stay within a budget. It offers a max boost clock of 5.5GHz, 12 cores, 24 threads, and 140MB of L2-L3 cache. Although we haven't reviewed this chip yet, its specs suggest it will perform between the 9950X3D and 9800X3D in productivity tasks and multi-core workloads, while offering comparable gaming performance.
AMD is on a Hot Streak with its New CPUs and GPUs
If you've been holding off on Nvidia's Blackwell GPUs to assess AMD's new releases, your patience has paid off. The AMD Radeon RX 9070 and RX 9070 XT graphics cards are the new mid-range champions, offering exceptional performance at a lower price than their Nvidia counterparts. The Radeon RX 9070 starts at $550, and the 9070 XT at $600, though prices may vary due to manufacturer adjustments. For detailed performance insights, check out our Radeon RX 9070 GPU review and Radeon RX 9070 XT GPU review.
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