Considering an AMD upgrade? Now's the perfect time. Following the Ryzen 7 9800X3D's debut, AMD has launched its top-tier Ryzen 9 siblings: the 9950X3D ($699) and 9900X3D ($599), both boasting Zen 5 "X3D" architecture. These processors collectively represent the pinnacle of gaming performance across both AMD and Intel. Pure gamers should prioritize the 9800X3D and allocate budget elsewhere; however, creators with larger budgets and a gaming passion will appreciate the significant performance boost of the Ryzen 9 processors, thanks to their higher core counts and extensive cache.
Note: Processor availability fluctuates; expect stock limitations.
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 best gaming chip need look no further. The 9950X3D boasts a 5.7GHz max boost clock, 16 cores, 32 threads, and a massive 144MB of L2-L3 cache. While only marginally outperforming the 9800X3D in gaming, its productivity capabilities significantly surpass both the 9800X3D and 9900X3D, and indeed, anything Intel offers.
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D Review by Jacqueline Thomas:
"The AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D may be the most powerful gaming processor, but it's not universally superior. The more affordable Ryzen 7 9800X3D ($479) suffices for most users. The 9950X3D targets gamers who also use creative apps like Photoshop and Premiere Pro, offering a 15% performance improvement over the 9800X3D in those applications. For pure gaming, saving the extra $220 for a better graphics card is often a wiser investment."
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 leverages 3D V-Cache technology for gaming optimization. All three CPUs utilize 3D V-cache on a single CCD, resulting in similar gaming performance; minor differences stem from clock speed variations. The Ryzen 7 9800X3D features a 5.2GHz max boost clock, 8 cores, 16 threads, and 104MB of L2-L3 cache. While capable of multitasking, rendering, and creation, its core count limits its suitability for intensive tasks. However, it excels in gaming, particularly at its price point.
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D Review by Jacqueline Thomas:
"The AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D delivers exceptional gaming performance, making it a more compelling choice than processors like the Intel Core Ultra 9 285K or Ryzen 9 9900X. When paired with a powerful graphics card, the 9800X3D maximizes GPU performance."
The Middle Ground: 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 Ryzen 9 9900X3D bridges the gap for users who engage in creative work and gaming but have a tighter budget than the 9950X3D allows. It boasts a 5.5GHz max boost clock, 12 cores, 24 threads, and 140MB of L2-L3 cache. While not yet reviewed, its performance is anticipated to fall between the 9950X3D and 9800X3D for productivity, and to be comparable to both in gaming.
AMD's Winning Streak with CPUs and GPUs
Those who waited on Nvidia's Blackwell GPUs to see AMD's response made a smart move. The Radeon RX 9070 and RX 9070 XT are the new mid-range champions, offering exceptional performance at lower prices than their Nvidia counterparts. The Radeon RX 9070 starts at $550, and the 9070 XT starts at $600 (though price increases from manufacturers are emerging). Check out our Radeon RX 9070 and RX 9070 XT GPU reviews for benchmark data.
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