If you're considering upgrading to an AMD processor, the timing couldn't be better. In March, AMD unveiled the pinnacle of its Zen 5 "X3D" lineup: the AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D. This top-tier processor was quickly snapped up and has been largely unavailable until now. As of today, Amazon has restocked it without any price increase, though it's uncertain how long this will last. This chip not only leads in gaming performance across both AMD and Intel but also surpasses its predecessor, the 9800X3D, making it an excellent choice for 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
Creative professionals seeking the ultimate gaming chip need look no further. The AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D features a max boost clock of 5.7GHz, 16 cores, 32 threads, and a whopping 144MB of L2-L3 cache. While it offers only a marginal improvement in gaming performance over the 9800X3D, it significantly outpaces 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 stands out as the most powerful gaming processor available today. However, it's not universally superior. For most users, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, priced at a much more affordable $479, is sufficient. The 9950X3D is ideal for gamers who also engage in creative work, such as using Photoshop and Premiere, where it shows 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 are tailored for gaming, thanks to the 3D V-Cache technology. All three CPUs feature the 3D V-Cache on a single CCD, resulting in similar gaming performance across the board, with minor variations due to clock speed differences. The AMD 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 makes it less ideal for these tasks. However, it's an exceptional gaming processor, especially at its price point.
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D Review by Jacqueline Thomas
"The AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D excels in gaming, making it a more compelling choice than recent alternatives 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 the best gaming experience possible."
