AMD Zen 5 Gaming CPUs Restocked: 9950X3D, 9900X3D, 9800X3D Available Now

If you're considering joining the AMD bandwagon for your next upgrade, the timing couldn't be better. Earlier this year, AMD introduced the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, and now they've launched two higher-end Ryzen 9 models in the Zen 5 "X3D" lineup: the 9950X3D at $699 and the 9900X3D at $599. These processors stand out as the top gaming chips when compared to both Intel and AMD offerings. Pure gamers might prefer the 9800X3D to allocate their budget elsewhere, while creators with a deeper wallet and a gaming passion will appreciate the performance boost from the Ryzen 9 processors, thanks to their higher core count and cache.

Note: Processors are frequently going in and out of stock (unfortunately, mostly 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

Creative professionals seeking the ultimate gaming chip should look no further than the 9950X3D. With a max boost clock of 5.7GHz, 16 cores, 32 threads, and 144MB of L2-L3 cache, this CPU offers exceptional performance. While it's only slightly better for gaming than the 9800X3D, it significantly outpaces the other Zen 5 X3D chips and Intel's offerings in productivity tasks.

AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D Review by Jacqueline Thomas

"The AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D is a powerhouse for gaming, yet it doesn't lead in every scenario. The Ryzen 7 9800X3D, priced at $479, is more than sufficient for most users. The 9950X3D excels for those who both game and use creative applications like Photoshop and Premiere, boasting a 15% performance increase over the 9800X3D. For a pure gaming build, saving the extra $220 for a better graphics card might be the wiser choice."

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 the 3D V-Cache technology. All three CPUs have the 3D V-cache on a single CCD, resulting in similar gaming performance across the lineup. The minor differences stem from clock speeds. The Ryzen 7 9800X3D offers a max boost clock of 5.2GHz, with 8 cores, 16 threads, and 104MB of L2-L3 cache. While it can handle multitasking and creative tasks, its limited cores make it less ideal for those activities. However, it's a gaming beast, especially at its price point.

AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D Review by Jacqueline Thomas

"The AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D delivers exceptional gaming performance, making it a top recommendation over recent processors like the Intel Core Ultra 9 285K or Ryzen 9 9900X. When paired with a powerful graphics card, the 9800X3D maximizes GPU performance, ensuring you get the most out of your setup."

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 choice for those who engage in creative work and gaming but need to stick to a budget. With a max boost clock of 5.5GHz, 12 cores, 24 threads, and 140MB of L2-L3 cache, it's a solid performer. Although we haven't reviewed it yet, its specs suggest it falls between the 9950X3D and 9800X3D in productivity tasks and multi-core workloads. For gaming, it should perform similarly to the other two.

AMD is on a Hot Streak with Its New CPUs and GPUs

If you held off on Nvidia's Blackwell GPUs to see what AMD had in store, you've made a smart move. The AMD Radeon RX 9070 and RX 9070 XT graphics cards are the new mid-range champions, offering stellar performance at a lower price than Nvidia's competition. The Radeon RX 9070 starts at $550, while the 9070 XT begins at $600 (though prices may vary due to manufacturer adjustments). Check out our Radeon RX 9070 GPU review and Radeon RX 9070 XT GPU review for detailed benchmarks.

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