AMD Zen 5 X3D CPUs Launch for Gamers

If you've been considering switching to AMD for your next PC upgrade, the timing couldn't be better. Following the launch of the Ryzen 7 9800X3D earlier this year, AMD has now introduced its flagship Ryzen 9 models in the Zen 5 "X3D" lineup: the 9950X3D ($699) and 9900X3D ($599). Together, these processors currently dominate the gaming CPU market, outperforming anything Intel has to offer. Casual gamers will find the 9800X3D plenty powerful while saving money for other components, while content creators who game will appreciate the significant performance jump the Ryzen 9 chips deliver through their additional cores and cache.

Note: Inventory fluctuates rapidly (and remains frustratingly limited in most cases).

The Creator's Choice: AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D CPU

AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D AM5 Desktop Processor

0$699.00 at Amazon$699.00 at Best Buy$699.00 at Newegg

For creative professionals who demand top-tier gaming performance alongside their work applications, the 9950X3D stands alone. This powerhouse delivers a 5.7GHz boost clock with 16 cores, 32 threads, and a massive 144MB combined cache. While gaming performance only slightly edges out the 9800X3D, its productivity capabilities leave both AMD's other X3D chips and Intel's entire lineup in the dust.

AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D Review by Jacqueline Thomas**

"While the Ryzen 9 9950X3D currently reigns as the most potent gaming processor available, that doesn't automatically make it the right choice for everyone. Most gamers will find the Ryzen 7 9800X3D - priced at $479 - more than sufficient. The 9950X3D truly shines for hybrid users who balance gaming with creative applications like Photoshop and Premiere, where it delivers about 15% better performance than its little brother. For dedicated gaming rigs, you're better off putting that extra $220 toward your graphics card budget."

The Gamer's Choice: AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D CPU

AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D AM5 Desktop Processor

13$479.00 at Amazon$479.00 at Best Buy$479.00 at Newegg

AMD's 3D V-Cache technology makes the X3D series gaming powerhouses, and since all models feature this cache on a single CCD, gaming performance remains remarkably consistent across the lineup. Clock speed variations account for the minor differences. The 9800X3D hits 5.2GHz with 8 cores, 16 threads and 104MB cache. While competent at multitasking and content creation, its core count makes it less ideal for serious productivity work. When it comes to pure gaming performance per dollar, however, it's virtually unmatched.

AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D Review by Jacqueline Thomas**

"The gaming prowess of the 9800X3D makes it easier to recommend than competitors like Intel's Core Ultra 9 285K or even AMD's own Ryzen 9 9900X. Particularly when paired with a high-end GPU, this processor ensures you're extracting every last frame from your graphics card."

The Middleman: AMD Ryzen 9 9900X3D CPU

AMD Ryzen 9 9900X3D AM5 Desktop Processor

0$599.00 at Amazon$599.00 at Best Buy$599.00 at Newegg

The 9900X3D strikes a balance for creators who game but need to mind their budget. With a 5.5GHz boost clock, 12 cores, 24 threads and 140MB cache, it represents the sweet spot in AMD's lineup. While we haven't tested it yet, we anticipate productivity performance landing between its siblings and gaming performance being essentially identical.

AMD is on a hot streak with its new CPU and GPUs

Those who waited to see AMD's response to Nvidia's Blackwell GPUs made a smart move. The Radeon RX 9070 and 9070 XT have redefined mid-range value, delivering exceptional performance at prices that undercut Nvidia's offerings. The RX 9070 starts at $550 while the XT variant begins at $600 (despite some retailers pushing prices higher). See our full RX 9070 and 9070 XT reviews for detailed benchmarks.

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