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

If you're considering upgrading to an AMD system, now's the perfect time as AMD has rolled out their latest and greatest in the Zen 5 "X3D" lineup. The Ryzen 7 9800X3D was introduced earlier this year, and now it's joined by two higher-end Ryzen 9 models: the 9950X3D priced at $699 and the 9900X3D at $599. These processors are leading the pack in terms of gaming performance when compared to both AMD and Intel options. If you're solely focused on gaming, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D is the best bang for your buck, allowing you to allocate your budget elsewhere. However, if you're a creator who also enjoys gaming and has a bit more to spend, the Ryzen 9 processors offer significant performance gains thanks to their higher core counts and cache.

Note: These processors frequently go in and out of stock, so keep an eye on availability.

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 who demand top-tier performance in both gaming and productivity, the Ryzen 9 9950X3D is the go-to choice. It boasts a max boost clock of 5.7GHz, with 16 cores, 32 threads, and a massive 144MB of L2-L3 cache. While it edges out the 9800X3D by only a few percentage points in gaming, it significantly outperforms in productivity tasks, making it a powerhouse for those who use applications like Photoshop and Premiere, where it offers a 15% performance boost over the 9800X3D. If your focus is purely on gaming, however, you might want to consider saving the extra $220 for a better graphics card.

AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D Review by Jacqueline Thomas:

"The AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D is currently the most powerful gaming processor available, but it doesn't necessarily outshine every other chip in every aspect. For most gamers, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, priced at $479, offers incredible value. The 9950X3D, on the other hand, is tailored for those who need high performance in both gaming and creative applications."

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 is optimized for gaming thanks to their 3D V-Cache technology. Since all three CPUs in the lineup share the same V-Cache on a single CCD, they deliver similar gaming performance, with minor differences due to clock speed variations. The Ryzen 7 9800X3D features a max boost clock of 5.2GHz, 8 cores, 16 threads, and 104MB of L2-L3 cache. While it can handle multitasking, rendering, and creative tasks, its core count makes it less ideal for those purposes. However, at its price point, it's a gaming beast, especially when paired with a powerful GPU.

AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D Review by Jacqueline Thomas:

"The AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D delivers exceptional gaming performance, making it a top recommendation over other recent processors like the Intel Core Ultra 9 285K or Ryzen 9 9900X. If you're building a gaming rig with a high-end graphics card, the 9800X3D will maximize 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

If you're into creative work and gaming but need to stick to a budget, the Ryzen 9 9900X3D is a solid choice. It offers a max boost clock of 5.5GHz, 12 cores, 24 threads, and 140MB of L2-L3 cache. Although we haven't reviewed it yet, its specs suggest it will fall 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 held off on Nvidia's Blackwell GPUs to see what AMD has to offer, you've made a wise decision. The AMD Radeon RX 9070 and RX 9070 XT are the new mid-range champions, offering excellent performance at a more affordable price than their Nvidia counterparts. The RX 9070 starts at $550, while the RX 9070 XT starts at $600, though some manufacturers are increasing the price. Check out our reviews of the Radeon RX 9070 and Radeon RX 9070 XT for detailed benchmarks.

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