If you're considering upgrading to an AMD processor, now is an opportune moment, especially with the recent release of the AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D in March as part of the Zen 5 "X3D" lineup. This high-end model has been challenging to find since its launch due to high demand, but it's now available at Amazon without any price markup, although stock may not last long. The Ryzen 9 9950X3D stands out as the top gaming chip on the market, surpassing both Intel and AMD's previous offerings, and it's particularly advantageous for creators compared to the former leader, the 9800X3D.
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 seeking the pinnacle of gaming performance, the AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D is the processor to choose. It features a max boost clock of 5.7GHz, 16 cores, 32 threads, and an impressive 144MB of L2-L3 cache. While its gaming performance edges out the 9800X3D by just a few percentage points, it significantly outperforms 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 the most powerful gaming processor available, yet it doesn't dominate in every category. For most users, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, priced at a much more affordable $479, will suffice. However, the 9950X3D is ideal for gamers who also engage in creative work with applications like Photoshop and Premiere, where it offers 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 are optimized for gaming, thanks to the innovative 3D V-Cache technology. Since all three CPUs in the series use a single CCD with 3D V-Cache, their gaming performance is quite similar, with slight variations 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 excellent for gaming but less ideal for heavy multitasking, rendering, or creative tasks due to its fewer cores. Nonetheless, at its price point, it remains a formidable choice for gamers.
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D Review by Jacqueline Thomas
"The AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D delivers exceptional gaming performance, making it a more compelling choice than recent competitors like the Intel Core Ultra 9 285K or Ryzen 9 9900X. When paired with a high-end graphics card, the 9800X3D maximizes GPU performance, ensuring you get the most out of your gaming setup."
