If you're in the process of building a new gaming PC and seeking the top gaming processor, look no further. The recently released AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D AM5 desktop processor is now back in stock on Amazon at its retail price of $489 shipped. Widely regarded as the best gaming processor on the market, it outshines even the pricier Intel Core Ultra 9 285K.
The Gamer's Choice: AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D CPU
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D AM5 Desktop Processor
$489.00 at Amazon
AMD's X3D series processors are specifically optimized for gaming, delivering superior performance over even the most expensive standard CPUs thanks to the innovative 3D V-Cache technology. While capable of handling multitasking, rendering, and content creation, their limited core count makes them less ideal for such tasks. Priced at $489, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D is not only $100 cheaper than the Intel Core Ultra 9 285K ($589) but also $160 less than the AMD Ryzen 9 9950X, yet it offers better gaming performance. Unless you're loyal to Intel or still using an AM4 platform, the 9800X3D is the clear choice for your next gaming PC.
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D Review by Jacqueline Thomas
"The AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D delivers exceptional gaming performance, making it more recommendable than recent alternatives like the Intel Core Ultra 9 285K or Ryzen 9 9900X. When paired with a high-end graphics card, the 9800X3D maximizes GPU performance, offering the best gaming experience."
The other two Zen 5 "X3D" chips are currently out of stock
Alongside the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, AMD launched its higher-end Ryzen 9 siblings in the Zen 5 "X3D" lineup: the 9950X3D at $699 and the 9900X3D at $599. These processors represent the pinnacle of gaming performance across both AMD and Intel. Although currently out of stock, dedicated gamers should still opt for the 9800X3D and allocate their budget elsewhere. However, creators with deeper pockets and a gaming interest will appreciate the significant performance boost offered by the Ryzen 9 processors, thanks to their higher core count and increased 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 who also demand top-tier gaming performance should consider the Ryzen 9 9950X3D. Boasting a max boost clock of 5.7GHz, 16 cores, 32 threads, and 144MB of L2-L3 cache, it's just a few percentage points better than the 9800X3D in gaming. However, for productivity tasks, it far surpasses the other Zen 5 X3D chips and Intel's offerings.
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D Review by Jacqueline Thomas
"The AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D is the most powerful gaming processor available, but it's not necessarily the best for every user. For most gamers, the more affordable Ryzen 7 9800X3D at $479 is sufficient. The 9950X3D is ideal 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 pure gaming build, however, saving the extra $220 for a better graphics card might be wiser."
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
For those who engage in creative work and gaming but have a budget constraint, the AMD Ryzen 9 9900X3D is a compelling option. With a max boost clock of 5.5GHz, 12 cores, 24 threads, and 140MB of L2-L3 cache, it falls between the 9950X3D and 9800X3D in terms of productivity and multi-core performance. Although we haven't reviewed it yet, its specs suggest it will be competitive in gaming, likely performing similarly to the other two.
Why Should You Trust IGN's Deals Team?
IGN's deals team boasts over 30 years of collective experience in uncovering the best discounts in gaming, tech, and various other categories. We prioritize transparency and value, never pushing products that aren't worth the price. Our goal is to highlight the best deals from trusted brands with which our editorial team has firsthand experience. For more details on our process, visit our deals standards page, or follow the latest deals on IGN's Deals account on Twitter.