If you're considering an upgrade to AMD, now is an excellent time to join the bandwagon. Alongside the earlier release of the Ryzen 7 9800X3D this year, AMD has just introduced two higher-end Ryzen 9 models in the Zen 5 "X3D" lineup: the 9950X3D priced at $699 and the 9900X3D at $599. These processors stand out as the top gaming chips when compared to both Intel and AMD offerings. If you're a dedicated gamer, the 9800X3D is the best choice, allowing you to allocate your budget elsewhere. For creators with a bit more to spend and a passion for gaming, the new Ryzen 9 processors offer a significant performance boost, thanks to their higher core count and increased cache.
Note: These processors are frequently going in and out of stock, often more out than in.
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 also seek the best gaming chip should look no further; this is the CPU for you. The new 9950X3D boasts a max boost clock of 5.7GHz, with 16 cores, 32 threads, and a massive 144MB of L2-L3 cache. While it's only marginally better for gaming than the 9800X3D, it significantly outperforms in productivity tasks, outshining not only its Zen 5 X3D siblings but also anything Intel currently offers.
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D Review by Jacqueline Thomas
"The AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D is undoubtedly one of the most powerful gaming processors on the market. However, it's not a clear winner in every category. Most gamers will find the Ryzen 7 9800X3D more than sufficient, and it's significantly more affordable at $479. The 9950X3D shines for gamers who also use creative applications like Photoshop and Premiere, where it offers a 15% performance increase over the 9800X3D. For a pure gaming setup, though, you might want to save the extra $220 for 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 AMD's 3D V-Cache technology. Since all three CPUs feature the 3D V-Cache on a single CCD, gaming performance is nearly identical across the lineup, with minor variations mainly due to clock speed differences. 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 capable of multitasking, rendering, and creative work, its limited core count makes it less ideal for those tasks. However, at this price point, it's an absolute powerhouse for gaming.
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D Review by Jacqueline Thomas
"The AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D is incredibly powerful in games, 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 rig with a high-end graphics card, the 9800X3D is the best choice to 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 AMD Ryzen 9 9900X3D is a solid choice, especially if the 9950X3D is out of reach. With a max boost clock of 5.5GHz, 12 cores, 24 threads, and 140MB of L2-L3 cache, its performance should fall between the 9950X3D and 9800X3D for productivity tasks and multi-core workloads. In gaming, we expect it to 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 had in store, you made a wise decision. The AMD Radeon RX 9070 and RX 9070 XT graphics cards are 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 starts at $600 (though prices may vary due to manufacturer adjustments). Check out our Radeon RX 9070 GPU review and Radeon RX 9070 XT GPU review for detailed benchmarks.
Why Should You Trust IGN's Deals Team?
IGN's deals team boasts over 30 years of collective experience in finding the best discounts in gaming, tech, and various other categories. We prioritize honesty and value, ensuring our readers are informed about the best deals from trusted brands. Our editorial team has hands-on experience with these products. Learn more about our process by visiting our deals standards page, or stay updated with the latest deals via IGN's Deals account on Twitter.
