If you're contemplating upgrading to AMD for your next computer build, the timing couldn't be better. AMD has recently expanded its Zen 5 "X3D" lineup with the launch of two premium Ryzen 9 processors: the 9950X3D priced at $699 and the 9900X3D at $599. These chips, alongside the earlier released Ryzen 7 9800X3D, are considered the pinnacle of gaming processors, outshining even Intel's offerings. For those focused solely on gaming, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D is an excellent choice, allowing you to allocate more of your budget elsewhere. However, if you're a content creator who also enjoys gaming, the Ryzen 9 processors with their higher core counts and enhanced cache will provide a significant performance boost.
Note: Due to high demand, these processors often go in and out of stock, with periods of unavailability being common.
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 best gaming processor on the market, the Ryzen 9 9950X3D is the top choice. With a max boost clock of 5.7GHz, 16 cores, 32 threads, and a massive 144MB of L2-L3 cache, it offers only a slight edge in gaming performance over the 9800X3D but excels in productivity tasks, surpassing both other Zen 5 X3D chips and Intel's offerings.
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D Review by Jacqueline Thomas
"The AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D is currently the most powerful gaming processor available, yet it's not a one-size-fits-all solution. For gamers on a budget, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D at $479 offers substantial savings. The 9950X3D is ideal for those who both game and use creative applications like Photoshop and Premiere, where it shows a 15% performance increase over the 9800X3D. For a gaming-only build, consider investing the savings in a better 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 thanks to their 3D V-Cache technology. While all three CPUs use a single CCD with 3D V-Cache, resulting in similar gaming performance, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D's max boost clock of 5.2GHz, 8 cores, 16 threads, and 104MB of L2-L3 cache make it a formidable choice for gamers. Although it can handle multitasking and creative tasks, its core count limits its prowess in those areas.
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D Review by Jacqueline Thomas
"The AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D excels in gaming, making it a strong recommendation over other recent processors like the Intel Core Ultra 9 285K or Ryzen 9 9900X. It's particularly beneficial when paired with a high-end graphics card, ensuring you get the maximum performance out of your GPU."
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 choice for those who balance creative work with gaming but are mindful of budget constraints. 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, while its gaming performance should be comparable to the other two.
AMD's Hot Streak Continues with New CPUs and GPUs
If you've been holding off on upgrading to Nvidia's Blackwell GPUs, AMD's latest offerings are a compelling alternative. The AMD Radeon RX 9070 and RX 9070 XT graphics cards are setting new standards in the mid-range segment, offering exceptional performance at a lower cost 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 insights, check out our Radeon RX 9070 GPU review and Radeon RX 9070 XT GPU review.
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