If you're considering upgrading to an AMD processor, now is an excellent time, especially with the recent release of the AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D, the top model in AMD's latest Zen 5 "X3D" lineup. Launched in March, this high-end processor has been difficult to find due to stock shortages. However, it's now available again at Amazon without any markup, though it's uncertain how long this will last. This chip stands out as the best gaming processor currently available, surpassing not only other AMD options but also Intel's offerings. It's particularly appealing for creators, offering superior performance over the previous top model, the 9800X3D.
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 who demand the best in both gaming and productivity, the AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D is the ultimate choice. With a max boost clock of 5.7GHz, 16 cores, 32 threads, and an impressive 144MB of L2-L3 cache, this processor delivers top-tier performance. While its gaming performance edges out the 9800X3D by just a few percentage points, it significantly outperforms other Zen 5 X3D chips and Intel's processors in productivity tasks.
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D Review by Jacqueline Thomas
"The AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D is undoubtedly the most powerful gaming processor on the market, but it's not necessarily the best choice for everyone. For most users, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, priced at a more accessible $479, offers ample performance. The 9950X3D is ideally suited for gamers who also use demanding creative applications like 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 optimized for gaming, thanks to the innovative 3D V-Cache technology. All three CPUs in this series share the 3D V-Cache on a single CCD, resulting in similar gaming performance across the board. The slight variations in performance are mainly due to differences in clock speeds. The AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D, with a max boost clock of 5.2GHz, 8 cores, 16 threads, and 104MB of L2-L3 cache, is a powerhouse for gaming at its price point. While it's capable of handling multitasking, rendering, and creation, its fewer cores make it less ideal for those specific tasks.
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D Review by Jacqueline Thomas
"The AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D excels in gaming, making it a highly recommended option 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 maximum performance out of your GPU."