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

If you're contemplating joining the AMD bandwagon for your next hardware upgrade, the timing couldn't be better. Earlier this year, AMD launched the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, and now, they've unveiled their higher-end Ryzen 9 siblings in the Zen 5 "X3D" lineup: the 9950X3D at $699 and the 9900X3D at $599. These processors are currently the top gaming chips available, outshining even Intel's offerings. For pure gamers, the 9800X3D is the go-to choice, allowing you to allocate your budget elsewhere. However, creators with a passion for gaming and deeper pockets will find the new Ryzen 9 processors incredibly beneficial due to their enhanced core count and cache.

Note: Be aware that these processors are frequently in and out of stock, often leaning towards being 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 who also crave the best gaming performance should look no further than the Ryzen 9 9950X3D. This powerhouse boasts a max boost clock of 5.7GHz, 16 cores, 32 threads, and a whopping 144MB of L2-L3 cache. While it edges out the 9800X3D in gaming by just a few percentage points, it significantly outperforms both the 9800X3D and Intel's offerings in productivity tasks.

AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D Review by Jacqueline Thomas

"The AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D is undoubtedly one of the most powerful gaming processors available, but it's not the automatic choice for everyone. The Ryzen 7 9800X3D, priced at a more affordable $479, is sufficient for most users. The 9950X3D is ideal for gamers who also engage in creative work with applications like Photoshop and Premiere, where it offers a 15% performance boost over the 9800X3D. For a gaming-focused build, however, saving the extra $220 for a better graphics card might be the smarter move."

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 innovative 3D V-Cache technology. Since all three CPUs feature the 3D V-Cache on a single CCD, gaming performance is nearly identical across the board, with minor variations due to clock speed differences. The Ryzen 7 9800X3D offers a max boost clock of 5.2GHz, 8 cores, 16 threads, and 104MB of L2-L3 cache. While it's capable of multitasking, rendering, and creative work, its core count limits its prowess in these areas. However, for gaming, especially at this price point, it's an unbeatable choice.

AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D Review by Jacqueline Thomas

"The AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D excels in gaming, making it a more compelling choice than recent processors like the Intel Core Ultra 9 285K or Ryzen 9 9900X. When paired with a high-end graphics card, the 9800X3D maximizes GPU performance, delivering exceptional gaming experiences."

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 perfect middle ground for those who balance creative work with 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 expected to offer performance between the 9950X3D and 9800X3D in productivity tasks and multi-core workloads. In gaming, it should perform similarly to its siblings.

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

If you've been holding off on Nvidia's Blackwell GPUs to see what AMD has in store, you've made a wise decision. The AMD Radeon RX 9070 and RX 9070 XT graphics cards are the new mid-range champions, offering outstanding 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. Check out our Radeon RX 9070 GPU review and Radeon RX 9070 XT GPU review for detailed benchmarks.

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