If you're considering joining the AMD community for your next upgrade, now is an excellent time to make the switch. Alongside the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, which was released earlier this year, AMD has just introduced two higher-end Ryzen 9 processors within the Zen 5 "X3D" lineup: the 9950X3D, priced at $699, and the 9900X3D, available for $599. These processors stand out as the premier gaming chips when compared to both Intel and AMD offerings. For dedicated gamers, the 9800X3D is the optimal choice, allowing you to allocate additional funds elsewhere. However, creators with a larger budget who also enjoy gaming will see significant performance benefits from the new Ryzen 9 processors, thanks to their enhanced core count and cache.
Note: Be aware that these processors frequently go 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 demand the best in both gaming and productivity should look no further than the AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D. This powerhouse boasts a max boost clock of 5.7GHz with 16 cores, 32 threads, and a substantial 144MB of L2-L3 cache. While its gaming performance edges out the 9800X3D by only a few percentage points, it significantly outpaces both the other Zen 5 X3D chips and Intel's offerings in productivity tasks.
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D Review by Jacqueline Thomas
"The AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D is undeniably the most potent gaming processor on the market, yet it's not universally superior to all other chips. For most users, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, priced at a more accessible $479, will suffice. The 9950X3D is tailored for gamers who also engage in creative tasks like using Photoshop and Premiere, offering a 15% performance boost over the 9800X3D in these applications. For a gaming-focused build, however, saving the additional $220 for a superior graphics card might be more beneficial."
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 remains comparable across the board, with slight variations attributed to differences in clock speeds. The AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D offers a max boost clock of 5.2GHz, with 8 cores, 16 threads, and 104MB of L2-L3 cache. While it can handle multitasking, rendering, and creative work, its core count limits its effectiveness in these areas. However, at this price point, it's an exceptional gaming processor.
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D Review by Jacqueline Thomas
"The AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D excels in gaming, making it a more compelling choice than other recent processors like the Intel Core Ultra 9 285K or Ryzen 9 9900X. When paired with a powerful graphics card, the 9800X3D ensures you get the most out of your GPU, delivering top-notch performance."
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 ideal choice for those who engage in creative work and enjoy gaming but are mindful of their budget. With a max boost clock of 5.5GHz, 12 cores, 24 threads, and 140MB of L2-L3 cache, it strikes a balance between the 9950X3D and 9800X3D. While we haven't reviewed this processor yet, its specifications suggest it will perform moderately between the other two chips in productivity tasks and multi-core workloads. In gaming, performance is expected to be on par with the other models.
AMD is on a Hot Streak with its New CPUs and GPUs
If you've been holding off on Nvidia's Blackwell GPUs to evaluate AMD's latest offerings, you've made a wise decision. The AMD Radeon RX 9070 and RX 9070 XT graphics cards have emerged as the new mid-range champions of this generation, offering exceptional performance at a lower price point than their Nvidia counterparts. The Radeon RX 9070 starts at $550, while the 9070 XT begins at $600, although some manufacturers have increased prices. For detailed insights, check out our Radeon RX 9070 GPU review and Radeon RX 9070 XT GPU review, where you'll find our comprehensive benchmarks.
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