If you're considering joining the AMD community for your next upgrade, now is an opportune moment to make the switch. Following the debut of the Ryzen 7 9800X3D earlier this year, AMD has unveiled its premium Ryzen 9 models within the Zen 5 "X3D" lineup: the 9950X3D at $699 and the 9900X3D at $599. These processors are currently leading the pack as the top gaming chips across both AMD and Intel. For gamers focused solely on gaming, the 9800X3D is a wise choice, allowing you to allocate your budget elsewhere. However, if you're a content creator with a gaming passion and a bit more to spend, the Ryzen 9 processors offer significant performance boosts thanks to their enhanced core counts and cache.

Note: These processors are frequently in and out of stock, with more time spent 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 seeking the pinnacle of gaming performance, the AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D is the ultimate choice. With a maximum boost clock of 5.7GHz, 16 cores, 32 threads, and a massive 144MB of L2-L3 cache, this CPU is a powerhouse. While it offers only a marginal improvement in gaming over the 9800X3D, its superiority in productivity tasks is clear, outshining both its Zen 5 X3D siblings and Intel's offerings.

AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D Review by Jacqueline Thomas

"The AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D stands as the most potent gaming processor available, yet it doesn't automatically outperform every other chip. The Ryzen 7 9800X3D, priced at $479, is more than sufficient for most users. The 9950X3D is ideal for gamers who also utilize creative applications like Photoshop and Premiere, where it shows a 15% performance increase over the 9800X3D. For a purely gaming-focused build, consider investing the $220 difference into 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, leveraging the 3D V-Cache technology. Since all three CPUs feature the 3D V-Cache on a single CCD, their gaming performance is nearly identical, with minor variations due to clock speed differences. The Ryzen 7 9800X3D, with a max boost clock of 5.2GHz, 8 cores, 16 threads, and 104MB of L2-L3 cache, is exceptional for gaming at its price point. Although capable of multitasking, rendering, and creation, its fewer cores make it less ideal for those tasks.

AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D Review by Jacqueline Thomas

"The AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D excels in gaming, making it a top recommendation compared to other recent processors like the Intel Core Ultra 9 285K or Ryzen 9 9900X. When paired with a high-performance graphics card, the 9800X3D maximizes your GPU's potential."

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 go-to processor for those involved in creative work and gaming but mindful of budget constraints. With a max boost clock of 5.5GHz, 12 cores, 24 threads, and 140MB of L2-L3 cache, it's a balanced choice. While we haven't reviewed this model yet, its specs suggest performance levels between the 9950X3D and 9800X3D for productivity tasks, with gaming performance likely on par with its siblings.

AMD's Hot Streak Continues with New CPUs and GPUs

If you held off on Nvidia's Blackwell GPUs to evaluate AMD's new releases, you've made a smart move. The AMD Radeon RX 9070 and RX 9070 XT have emerged as the mid-range champions of this generation, delivering exceptional performance at a lower price point than their Nvidia counterparts. The Radeon RX 9070 starts at $550, and the 9070 XT at $600, though some manufacturers are increasing prices. Check out our reviews for the Radeon RX 9070 and Radeon RX 9070 XT to see our detailed benchmarks.

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