AMD Zen 5 Gaming CPUs Restocked: 9950X3D, 9900X3D, 9800X3D Now Available

If you're considering upgrading to AMD, the timing couldn't be better. With the recent launch of the Ryzen 7 9800X3D earlier this year, AMD has now introduced its higher-end Ryzen 9 siblings in the Zen 5 "X3D" lineup: the 9950X3D at $699 and the 9900X3D at $599. These processors stand out as the top gaming chips when compared to both Intel and AMD offerings. For those focused solely on gaming, the 9800X3D offers excellent value, allowing you to allocate more funds elsewhere. However, if you're a creator with a budget that allows for splurging and you enjoy gaming, the new Ryzen 9 processors provide a significant performance boost, thanks to their higher core count and cache.

Note: These processors are often out of stock, so keep an eye on availability.

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 seeking the pinnacle of 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 hefty 144MB of L2-L3 cache. While its gaming performance edges out the 9800X3D by only a few percentage points, it shines in productivity tasks, outpacing both its Zen 5 X3D siblings and Intel's offerings.

AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D Review by Jacqueline Thomas

"The AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D may be the most potent gaming processor available, yet it doesn't dominate in every scenario. For many, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, priced at a more affordable $479, will suffice. The 9950X3D is ideal for gamers who also engage with creative software like Photoshop and Premiere, where it offers a 15% performance increase over the 9800X3D. For a pure gaming build, consider saving the extra $220 for an enhanced graphics card."

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, optimized for gaming with 3D V-Cache technology, deliver comparable gaming performance across the board since all three CPUs feature the 3D V-Cache on a single CCD. The differences are mainly due to 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 gaming beast at this price point. While it's capable of multitasking, rendering, and creative work, its core count limits its prowess in these areas.

AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D Review by Jacqueline Thomas

"The AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D excels in gaming, making it a top recommendation over other recent processors like the Intel Core Ultra 9 285K or Ryzen 9 9900X. Paired with a powerful graphics card, the 9800X3D maximizes your gaming performance."

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 the perfect choice for those balancing creative work and gaming within a budget. With a max boost clock of 5.5GHz, 12 cores, 24 threads, and 140MB of L2-L3 cache, it's expected to offer performance between the 9950X3D and 9800X3D for productivity tasks. In gaming, it should perform similarly to its siblings.

AMD is on a Hot Streak with its New CPUs and GPUs

If you've been holding off on Nvidia's Blackwell GPUs to see what AMD has in store, 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, though prices may vary due to manufacturer adjustments. Check out our Radeon RX 9070 GPU review and Radeon RX 9070 XT GPU review for detailed benchmarks.

Why Should You Trust IGN's Deals Team?

IGN's deals team boasts over 30 years of collective experience in uncovering the best discounts in gaming, tech, and beyond. We prioritize transparency and value, ensuring our readers get the best deals from trusted brands. Our editorial team's personal experience with these products underpins our recommendations. For more on our process, visit our deals standards page, and stay updated with the latest deals via IGN's Deals account on Twitter.