If you're considering joining the AMD bandwagon for your next upgrade, the timing couldn't be better. Alongside the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, which debuted earlier this year, AMD has now launched two higher-end Ryzen 9 models in the Zen 5 "X3D" series: the 9950X3D at $699 and the 9900X3D at $599. These processors are among the top gaming chips available from both AMD and Intel. For pure gamers, the 9800X3D is the best choice, allowing you to allocate your budget elsewhere. Meanwhile, creators with a gaming interest and deeper pockets will appreciate the significant performance boost offered by the new Ryzen 9 processors, thanks to their higher core count and cache.
Note: Be aware that these processors are frequently in and out of stock, often leaning towards out of stock.
Creative professionals seeking the pinnacle of gaming performance need look no further than the Ryzen 9 9950X3D. With a max boost clock of 5.7GHz, 16 cores, 32 threads, and 144MB of L2-L3 cache, this CPU is a powerhouse. While its gaming performance edges out the 9800X3D by only a few percentage points, it significantly outpaces both 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 is currently one of the most powerful gaming processors available. However, it's not the best fit for everyone. The more budget-friendly Ryzen 7 9800X3D at $479 offers nearly as good gaming performance. The 9950X3D shines for those who also use creative applications like Photoshop and Premiere, where it provides a 15% performance improvement over the 9800X3D. For a dedicated gaming setup, consider saving the extra $220 for a better graphics card."
AMD's X3D series, optimized for gaming with 3D V-Cache technology, offers similar gaming performance across all three CPUs. The Ryzen 7 9800X3D, with its max boost clock of 5.2GHz, 8 cores, 16 threads, and 104MB of L2-L3 cache, is ideal for gaming but less suited for intensive multitasking and creative work due to its limited core count.
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D Review by Jacqueline Thomas
"The AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D delivers exceptional gaming performance, making it a standout choice compared to competitors 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 Ryzen 9 9900X3D strikes a balance for those engaged in creative work and gaming but mindful of their budget. With a max boost clock of 5.5GHz, 12 cores, 24 threads, and 140MB of L2-L3 cache, it sits between the 9950X3D and 9800X3D in terms of productivity and multi-core performance. Its gaming performance is expected to be comparable to its siblings.
If you've been holding off on Nvidia's Blackwell GPUs to assess AMD's latest offerings, your patience has paid off. The AMD Radeon RX 9070 and RX 9070 XT are now the mid-range champions of this generation, offering impressive performance at a more competitive price point than their Nvidia counterparts. The RX 9070 starts at $550, and the RX 9070 XT at $600, though prices may vary due to manufacturer adjustments. For detailed performance insights, check out our Radeon RX 9070 GPU review and Radeon RX 9070 XT GPU review.
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