If you're considering an upgrade to the AMD platform, now is an excellent time to make the switch. In early March, AMD unveiled its top-tier model from the latest Zen 5 "X3D" lineup: the AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D. Although this powerhouse has been largely out of stock since its launch, Amazon has recently restocked it at the original price of $699.00, though availability may be limited. This processor not only leads the pack in gaming performance but also surpasses its predecessor, the 9800X3D, making it an ideal 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
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 a whopping 144MB of L2-L3 cache, it offers a slight edge in gaming over the 9800X3D. However, where it truly shines is in productivity tasks, outpacing not only the other Zen 5 X3D models but also Intel's offerings.
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D Review by Jacqueline Thomas
"The AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D is currently the most powerful gaming processor on the market, yet it's not universally superior in every aspect. For most users, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, priced at a much more affordable $479, will suffice. The 9950X3D is specifically designed for gamers who also engage in creative tasks 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, thanks to the innovative 3D V-Cache technology, are optimized for gaming. Despite all three CPUs featuring the 3D V-Cache on a single CCD, their gaming performance remains nearly identical, with minor variances due to clock speed differences. 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 powerhouse at its price point. While it's capable of multitasking, rendering, and creation, its fewer cores make it less ideal for heavy productivity tasks compared to the 9950X3D.
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D Review by Jacqueline Thomas
"The AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D excels in gaming, making it a more compelling option than other recent processors like the Intel Core Ultra 9 285K or Ryzen 9 9900X. If you're assembling a gaming rig with a high-performance graphics card, the 9800X3D will maximize the potential of your GPU."
