If you're building a new gaming PC and on the hunt for the top gaming processor, look no further. The newly released AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D AM5 desktop processor is now available at its retail price of $489 on Amazon. This processor is widely considered the best on the market for gaming, surpassing even the pricier 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, outperforming even the most expensive standard CPUs in AMD's lineup, thanks to the innovative 3D V-Cache technology. While capable of multitasking, rendering, and creative work, these processors are not the best fit for those tasks due to a limited number of cores. 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 a die-hard Intel enthusiast or still using the 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 for gaming, making it more recommendable than other recent processors like the Intel Core Ultra 9 285K or Ryzen 9 9900X. Pair it with a high-end graphics card, and you'll maximize your GPU's performance."
The other two Zen 5 "X3D" chips are out of stock
Alongside the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, AMD released its higher-end Ryzen 9 siblings in the Zen 5 "X3D" stack: the 9950X3D at $699 and the 9900X3D at $599. These processors represent the pinnacle of gaming performance across both Intel and AMD. However, they are currently out of stock. For dedicated gamers, the 9800X3D remains the best choice, allowing you to allocate your budget elsewhere. Creators with deeper pockets and a passion for gaming, however, will find the increased core count and cache of the new Ryzen 9 processors particularly beneficial.
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 best gaming chip on the market should consider the AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D. With a max boost clock of 5.7GHz, 16 cores, 32 threads, and 144MB of L2-L3 cache, this processor is only marginally better for gaming than the 9800X3D. However, for productivity, it significantly outperforms other Zen 5 X3D chips and anything Intel has to offer.
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D Review by Jacqueline Thomas
"While the AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D is the most powerful gaming processor currently available, it's not universally superior. The Ryzen 7 9800X3D, priced at $479, is more than adequate for most gamers. The 9950X3D is best suited for gamers who also use creative applications like Photoshop and Premiere, where it provides a 15% performance boost over the 9800X3D. For a purely gaming-focused build, saving the extra $220 for a better graphics card might be the smarter move."
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, this processor offers performance that falls between the 9950X3D and 9800X3D for productivity tasks. For gaming, expect performance similar to the other two models.
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