If you're building a new gaming PC and hunting for the best gaming processor, look no further. The recently released AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D AM5 desktop processor is back in stock on Amazon at its retail price of $489 shipped. This processor stands out as the top choice for gamers, outshining both the pricier 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, leveraging AMD's 3D V-Cache technology to outperform even the most expensive standard CPUs from AMD. While capable of multitasking, rendering, and creation, these processors have a limited number of cores, making them less ideal for those tasks. Priced at $489, the 9800X3D is not only $100 cheaper than the Intel Core Ultra 9 285K ($589) and $160 cheaper than the AMD Ryzen 9 9950X, but it also delivers superior gaming performance. Unless you're committed to Intel or still using AM4 and unwilling to upgrade, the 9800X3D is the clear winner for your next gaming PC.
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D Review by Jacqueline Thomas
"The AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D excels 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 powerful graphics card, pairing it with 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 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 cater to creators with deep pockets who also game. However, for pure gamers, the 9800X3D remains the best choice, allowing you to allocate your budget elsewhere.
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 demand the best gaming chip should opt for the AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D. With a max boost clock of 5.7GHz, 16 cores, 32 threads, and 144MB of L2-L3 cache, it offers a slight edge over the 9800X3D in gaming. More significantly, it excels in productivity tasks, outpacing other Zen 5 X3D chips and Intel's offerings.
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, meets most gaming needs. The 9950X3D is ideal for gamers who also use creative applications like Photoshop and Premiere, which see a 15% performance boost over the 9800X3D. For a gaming-focused build, consider saving the $220 difference 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
If you're a creative professional on a budget who also enjoys gaming, the AMD Ryzen 9 9900X3D is the perfect middle ground. 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 and multi-core workloads. For gaming, its performance is likely to be on par with the other two models.
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