If you're considering upgrading to AMD's latest offerings, now is the perfect time to make the switch. Alongside the earlier release of the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, AMD has launched its premium Ryzen 9 models in the Zen 5 "X3D" lineup: the 9950X3D priced at $699 and the 9900X3D at $599. These processors are setting new standards for gaming performance across both AMD and Intel platforms. For pure gamers, the 9800X3D offers excellent value, freeing up budget for other components. However, for creators who also game and have a higher budget, the Ryzen 9 processors deliver significant performance gains due to their increased core count and cache.
Note: Be aware that these processors are frequently out of stock.
The Creator's Choice: AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D CPU
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D AM5 Desktop Processor
- Price: $699.00 at Amazon, Best Buy, and Newegg
Creative professionals seeking top-tier gaming performance need look no further than the AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D. This powerhouse boasts a max boost clock of 5.7GHz, 16 cores, 32 threads, and a massive 144MB of L2-L3 cache. While its gaming performance edges out the 9800X3D by just a few percentage points, it significantly outperforms in productivity tasks, surpassing both other Zen 5 X3D chips and Intel's offerings.
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D Review by Jacqueline Thomas
"The AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D is a powerhouse for gamers, but it's not the go-to for everyone. Most users will find the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, priced at $479, more than sufficient. The 9950X3D shines for those who balance gaming with creative applications like Photoshop and Premiere, offering a 15% performance boost over the 9800X3D. For a gaming-focused build, consider saving the extra $220 for a better graphics card."
The Gamer's Choice: AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D CPU
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D AM5 Desktop Processor
- Price: $479.00 at Amazon, Best Buy, and Newegg
AMD's X3D series processors are optimized for gaming, thanks to their 3D V-Cache technology. With all three CPUs featuring this technology on a single CCD, gaming performance is consistent across the lineup, with minor variations due to clock speed differences. 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 and creative work, it truly excels in gaming, making it a fantastic choice at this price point.
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D Review by Jacqueline Thomas
"The AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D delivers exceptional gaming performance, making it a top recommendation over 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."
The Middleman: AMD Ryzen 9 9900X3D CPU
AMD Ryzen 9 9900X3D AM5 Desktop Processor
- Price: $599.00 at Amazon, Best Buy, and Newegg
The AMD Ryzen 9 9900X3D is ideal for those who engage in creative work and gaming but need to stick to a budget. It features a max boost clock of 5.5GHz, 12 cores, 24 threads, and 140MB of L2-L3 cache. Although we haven't reviewed this model yet, its specs suggest it will offer performance between the 9950X3D and 9800X3D in productivity tasks, with gaming performance likely on par with its siblings.
AMD's Hot Streak with New CPUs and GPUs
If you held off on Nvidia's Blackwell GPUs to evaluate AMD's latest, you made a wise decision. The AMD Radeon RX 9070 and RX 9070 XT are now the mid-range champions, offering superior performance at lower prices than their Nvidia counterparts. The RX 9070 starts at $550, and the RX 9070 XT at $600, though be aware of potential price hikes by manufacturers. Check out our Radeon RX 9070 and RX 9070 XT GPU reviews for detailed benchmarks.
Why Should You Trust IGN's Deals Team?
IGN's deals team boasts over 30 years of combined experience in sourcing the best discounts in gaming, tech, and beyond. We prioritize transparency and value, ensuring our readers get the best deals from trusted brands we've personally tested. Learn more about our deals standards here, and stay updated with the latest deals via IGN's Deals account on Twitter.
