If you're contemplating upgrading to AMD, now's the perfect moment. Alongside the Ryzen 7 9800X3D launched earlier this year, AMD has now introduced its higher-end Ryzen 9 counterparts in the Zen 5 "X3D" lineup: the 9950X3D at $699 and the 9900X3D at $599. These processors stand out as the top gaming chips available, surpassing even Intel's offerings. For dedicated gamers, the 9800X3D is the go-to choice, allowing you to allocate your budget elsewhere. However, creators with a passion for gaming and a bit more to spend will find the new Ryzen 9 processors exceptionally beneficial due to their enhanced core count and cache.

Note: These processors frequently fluctuate in stock availability, often 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 also crave the ultimate gaming experience should opt for this CPU without hesitation. The 9950X3D features a max boost clock of 5.7GHz, 16 cores, 32 threads, and a staggering 144MB of L2-L3 cache. While it only slightly edges out the 9800X3D in gaming performance, it significantly outperforms it in productivity tasks, as well as any competitor from Intel.

AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D Review by Jacqueline Thomas

"The AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D is currently the most powerful gaming processor available, yet it doesn't dominate every market segment. The Ryzen 7 9800X3D, priced at $479, is more than sufficient for most users. The 9950X3D, however, is tailored for gamers who also utilize creative applications like Photoshop and Premiere, where it shows a 15% performance boost over the 9800X3D. For a purely gaming-focused build, saving that extra $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 consistent across the lineup, with minor variations due to clock speeds. The Ryzen 7 9800X3D offers a max boost clock of 5.2GHz, 8 cores, 16 threads, and 104MB of L2-L3 cache. While capable of multitasking, rendering, and creative work, its core count limits its efficiency in those areas. Nevertheless, at this price point, it's an unparalleled choice for gamers.

AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D Review by Jacqueline Thomas

"The AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D excels in gaming, making it a more compelling choice compared to other recent processors like the Intel Core Ultra 9 285K or Ryzen 9 9900X. When paired with a powerful graphics card, the 9800X3D maximizes performance, making it an ideal choice for gaming enthusiasts."

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 ideal for those who engage in creative work and enjoy gaming but need to stay within a budget. With a max boost clock of 5.5GHz, 12 cores, 24 threads, and 140MB of L2-L3 cache, it strikes a balance between performance and cost. Although we haven't reviewed this model yet, its specs suggest it will offer performance between the 9950X3D and 9800X3D for productivity tasks, with gaming performance expected to be similar to its siblings.

AMD's Hot Streak with New CPUs and GPUs

If you've been holding off on Nvidia's Blackwell GPUs to assess AMD's new products, you've made a wise decision. The AMD Radeon RX 9070 and RX 9070 XT graphics cards are the new mid-range champions, offering exceptional performance at a lower price point than their Nvidia counterparts. The Radeon RX 9070 starts at $550, and the 9070 XT at $600, although market prices may vary due to manufacturer adjustments. For detailed performance metrics, check out our Radeon RX 9070 GPU review and Radeon RX 9070 XT GPU review.

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