If you're in the process of building a new gaming PC and seeking the best gaming processor, look no further. The recently released AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D AM5 desktop processor is now back in stock on Amazon at its retail price of $489 shipped. This processor stands out as the top choice for gamers, outperforming both the more expensive Intel Core Ultra 9 285K and the AMD Ryzen 9 9950X in gaming performance.
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 specifically optimized for gaming, thanks to AMD's innovative 3D V-Cache technology. While they are capable of handling multitasking, rendering, and creation, their limited number of cores makes them less ideal for those tasks. At $489, the 9800X3D is not only $100 cheaper than the Intel Core Ultra 9 285K ($589) but also $160 less than the AMD Ryzen 9 9950X, yet it delivers superior gaming performance. Unless you're committed to Intel or still using AM4 and reluctant to upgrade, the 9800X3D is the clear choice for your next gaming PC.
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D Review by Jacqueline Thomas
"The AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D is exceptionally powerful for gaming, making it a more compelling choice than other recent processors like the Intel Core Ultra 9 285K or Ryzen 9 9900X. If you're building a rig with a high-end graphics card, the 9800X3D will maximize your GPU's performance."
The other two Zen 5 "X3D" chips are out of stock
Alongside the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, AMD released two higher-end Ryzen 9 models in the Zen 5 "X3D" lineup: the 9950X3D, priced at $699, and the 9900X3D, priced at $599. These processors represent the pinnacle of gaming performance across both AMD and Intel. Currently, the 9950X3D and 9900X3D are out of stock. However, dedicated gamers should opt for the 9800X3D and allocate their budget elsewhere. Creators with deeper pockets and a passion for gaming will benefit from the enhanced performance of the Ryzen 9 processors, thanks to their increased 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 the best gaming performance should consider the 9950X3D. This processor boasts a max boost clock of 5.7GHz, 16 cores, 32 threads, and 144MB of L2-L3 cache. While it offers only a slight edge over the 9800X3D in gaming, 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 the most powerful gaming processor available, but it's not necessarily the best choice for everyone. The Ryzen 7 9800X3D, at a much more affordable $479, is sufficient for most gamers. The 9950X3D is ideal 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, however, saving the extra $220 for a better graphics card might be wiser."
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 engage in creative work and 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 offers a balanced performance between the 9950X3D and 9800X3D. While we haven't reviewed this chip yet, its specifications suggest it will perform well in both productivity and gaming scenarios.
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