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If you're in the process of building out a new gaming PC and you're looking for the best gaming processor, the recently released AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D AM5 desktop processor is the top choice. Currently back in stock on Amazon at its retail price of $489, this processor stands out as the best gaming processor on the market, surpassing both AMD and Intel options, including the more expensive Intel Core Ultra 9 285K.
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, leveraging AMD's 3D V-Cache technology to outperform even the priciest standard CPUs in gaming benchmarks. While capable of handling multitasking, rendering, and creative tasks, the 9800X3D's limited core count makes it less ideal for those workloads. At $489, it's $100 cheaper than the Intel Core Ultra 9 285K ($589) and $160 less than the AMD Ryzen 9 9950X, yet it delivers superior gaming performance. Unless you're loyal to Intel or still using an AM4 platform, 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 in games, making it an easy recommendation over 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 the performance of your GPU."
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 Intel and AMD. Currently, the 9950X3D and 9900X3D are out of stock. However, dedicated gamers should opt for the 9800X3D and allocate their budget elsewhere, while creators with deeper pockets and a gaming interest will benefit from the enhanced performance of 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 want the best gaming chip should consider the 9950X3D. It features 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, 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 choice for those who balance creative work and gaming within a budget. It features a max boost clock of 5.5GHz, 12 cores, 24 threads, and 140MB of L2-L3 cache. While we haven't reviewed this model yet, its specs suggest it will perform between the 9950X3D and 9800X3D in productivity tasks, with gaming performance likely on par with its siblings.
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