If you're considering upgrading to an AMD processor, now is an excellent time to make the leap. In March, AMD unveiled its flagship model from the Zen 5 "X3D" series: the AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D. Although it has been challenging to find in stock since its launch, Amazon has recently restocked it at the original price of $699.00, though it's unclear how long this will last. This processor is not only the top choice for gaming but also surpasses its predecessor, the 9800X3D, in performance for content creators.
The Creator's Choice: AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D CPU
Mostly out of stock since launch back in March
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D AM5 Desktop Processor
$699.00 at Amazon
For creative professionals seeking the best gaming chip on the market, the AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D is the ultimate choice. This powerhouse features a max boost clock of 5.7GHz, 16 cores, 32 threads, and an impressive 144MB of L2-L3 cache. While it only marginally outperforms the 9800X3D in gaming, it significantly excels in productivity tasks, outshining other Zen 5 X3D chips and Intel's offerings.
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D Review by Jacqueline Thomas
"The AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D stands out as the most powerful gaming processor currently available. However, it's not universally superior to all other chips. For most users, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, priced at a more affordable $479, offers excellent performance. The 9950X3D is specifically tailored for gamers who also engage in creative applications like Photoshop and Premiere, where it delivers a 15% performance boost over the 9800X3D."
The Gamer's Choice: AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D CPU
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D AM5 Desktop Processor
$489.00 at Walmart | $489.00 at Amazon
AMD's X3D series processors, enhanced with 3D V-Cache technology, are optimized for gaming. Despite all three CPUs in the series featuring the 3D V-Cache on a single CCD, their gaming performance remains nearly identical, with minor variations attributed to clock speed differences. The AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D, with its max boost clock of 5.2GHz, 8 cores, 16 threads, and 104MB of L2-L3 cache, is a formidable choice for gaming. While it can handle multitasking, rendering, and creation, its core count limits its suitability for intensive creative tasks. Nonetheless, it's a top-tier option for gamers, especially at its competitive price point.
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D Review by Jacqueline Thomas
"The AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D excels in gaming performance, making it a more compelling choice than recent processors like the Intel Core Ultra 9 285K or Ryzen 9 9900X. When paired with a high-end graphics card, the 9800X3D maximizes GPU performance, offering unparalleled gaming experiences."
