If you're in the process of building a new gaming PC and seeking the best gaming processor available, the AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D AM5 desktop processor is your top choice. Currently available on Amazon at its retail price of $489, this processor outshines competitors like the more expensive Intel Core Ultra 9 285K, making it the ideal pick for gamers.
The Gamer's Choice: AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D CPU
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D AM5 Desktop Processor
$489.00 at Amazon
AMD's X3D series processors are tailored for gaming, boasting superior performance over even the priciest standard AMD CPUs thanks to the innovative 3D V-Cache technology. While capable of multitasking, rendering, and content creation, the limited number of cores means they're not the best fit for those tasks. Priced at $489, the 9800X3D is not only $100 less than the Intel Core Ultra 9 285K ($589) but also $160 less than the AMD Ryzen 9 9950X, yet it outperforms both in gaming. Unless you're committed to Intel or sticking with AM4, the 9800X3D is the clear choice for your next PC build.
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D Review by Jacqueline Thomas
"The AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D delivers exceptional gaming performance, making it a more compelling option than other recent processors like the Intel Core Ultra 9 285K or Ryzen 9 9900X. If you're pairing it with a powerful graphics card, the 9800X3D will maximize your GPU's potential."
The other two Zen 5 "X3D" chips are out of stock
Alongside the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, AMD launched two higher-end Ryzen 9 models in the Zen 5 "X3D" lineup: the 9950X3D at $699 and the 9900X3D at $599. These processors represent the pinnacle of gaming performance across both AMD and Intel. Currently out of stock, the 9950X3D and 9900X3D are less appealing for pure gamers who should opt for the 9800X3D and allocate their budget elsewhere. However, creators with a larger budget and a passion for gaming will appreciate the significant performance boost offered by the Ryzen 9 processors, thanks to their higher core count and cache.
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 who also demand top-tier gaming performance should look no further than the 9950X3D. With a max boost clock of 5.7GHz, 16 cores, 32 threads, and 144MB of L2-L3 cache, it offers only a slight edge over the 9800X3D in gaming but significantly outperforms it in productivity tasks.
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D Review by Jacqueline Thomas
"While the AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D is the most powerful gaming processor available, it's not necessarily the best choice for everyone. The Ryzen 7 9800X3D, priced at $479, is more than sufficient for most gamers. The 9950X3D is better suited for those who both game and use creative applications like Photoshop and Premiere, where it offers a 15% performance boost over the 9800X3D. For a pure gaming build, consider saving the extra $220 for a better graphics card."
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 ideal choice for those who balance creative work with 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 offer performance between the 9950X3D and 9800X3D for productivity tasks, with gaming performance likely on par with its siblings.
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