If you're considering an upgrade to AMD for your next PC build, the timing couldn't be better. With the recent launch of the Ryzen 7 9800X3D earlier this year, AMD has now introduced the higher-end Ryzen 9 siblings in the Zen 5 "X3D" lineup: the 9950X3D priced at $699 and the 9900X3D at $599. These processors are setting new standards as the top gaming chips, outpacing both Intel and AMD's previous offerings. For dedicated gamers, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D offers excellent value, allowing you to allocate funds to other components. Meanwhile, creators with a passion for gaming and deeper pockets will find the new Ryzen 9 processors incredibly beneficial due to their higher core count and cache.
Note: These processors are often in and out of stock, mostly leaning towards out of stock.
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 ultimate gaming chip should consider the AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D without hesitation. This processor features a max boost clock of 5.7GHz, 16 cores, 32 threads, and an impressive 144MB of L2-L3 cache. Although it offers only a slight edge over the 9800X3D in gaming, it significantly outperforms both its Zen 5 X3D counterparts and Intel's offerings in productivity tasks.
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D Review by Jacqueline Thomas
"The AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D stands out as one of the most powerful gaming processors available. However, it's not the best choice for everyone. The Ryzen 7 9800X3D, priced at $479, is a more budget-friendly option that still delivers exceptional performance. The 9950X3D is ideal for gamers who also use creative applications like Photoshop and Premiere, where it shows a 15% performance boost over the 9800X3D. For a pure gaming build, consider saving the extra $220 for a superior 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 are optimized for gaming thanks to the innovative 3D V-Cache technology. All three CPUs share the same 3D V-Cache on a single CCD, resulting in similar gaming performance. The minor variations are primarily due to differences in clock speed. The AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D, with its max boost clock of 5.2GHz, 8 cores, 16 threads, and 104MB of L2-L3 cache, is not the best for multitasking, rendering, or creative work due to its limited core count. However, it's an outstanding choice for gaming at its price point.
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. It's particularly ideal if you're pairing it with a high-end graphics card, as it maximizes the GPU's 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 middle ground for those who engage in creative work and enjoy gaming but need to stick to a budget. With a max boost clock of 5.5GHz, 12 cores, 24 threads, and 140MB of L2-L3 cache, it's expected to perform between the 9950X3D and 9800X3D in productivity tasks. Although we haven't reviewed this chip yet, its specs suggest it will match the gaming performance of its siblings.
AMD's Hot Streak with New CPUs and GPUs
If you've been waiting to see what AMD's new lineup offers, your patience has paid off. The AMD Radeon RX 9070 and RX 9070 XT graphics cards are the new mid-range champions, delivering excellent performance at competitive prices. The Radeon RX 9070 starts at $550, and the 9070 XT at $600, though some manufacturers are increasing these prices. Check out our Radeon RX 9070 GPU review and Radeon RX 9070 XT GPU review for detailed benchmarks.
Why Trust IGN's Deals Team?
IGN's deals team brings over 30 years of combined experience in finding the best discounts across gaming, tech, and various other categories. Our goal is to provide our readers with the best deals from trusted brands, ensuring you get value for your money. Learn more about our process in our deals standards, or follow the latest deals on IGN's Deals account on Twitter.
