AMD Zen 5 Gaming CPUs 9950X3D, 9900X3D, 9800X3D Now Available

If you're considering upgrading to an AMD system, now is an excellent time to do so. AMD has recently launched its high-end Ryzen 9 processors within the Zen 5 "X3D" lineup: the 9950X3D, priced at $699, and the 9900X3D, available for $599. Alongside the earlier released Ryzen 7 9800X3D, these chips are considered the top gaming processors on the market, outshining even Intel's offerings. For those focused solely on gaming, the 9800X3D offers exceptional value, allowing you to allocate your budget elsewhere. However, if you're a creator with a love for gaming and a larger budget, the Ryzen 9 processors provide significant performance boosts due to their higher core count and cache.

Note: These processors are frequently in and out of stock, primarily out of stock.

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 need look no further than the 9950X3D. This processor boasts a max boost clock of 5.7GHz with 16 cores, 32 threads, and 144MB of L2-L3 cache. While it offers only marginal improvements in gaming performance over the 9800X3D, it significantly outperforms in productivity tasks compared to other Zen 5 X3D chips and Intel's offerings.

AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D Review by Jacqueline Thomas:

"The AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D stands as one of the most powerful gaming processors available. However, it's not the only option. For gamers without extensive creative needs, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, priced at $479, offers a more budget-friendly solution. The 9950X3D, on the other hand, is ideal for those who both game and use applications like Photoshop and Premiere, where it shows a 15% performance increase over the 9800X3D. For a pure gaming build, consider saving the extra $220 for an upgraded graphics card."

The Gamer's Choice: AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D CPU

AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D AM5 Desktop Processor

• $479.00 at Amazon
• $479.00 at Best Buy
• $479.00 at Newegg

AMD's X3D series processors are optimized for gaming through AMD's 3D V-Cache technology. All three CPUs share the same 3D V-cache on a single CCD, resulting in similar gaming performance. The main differences stem from clock speeds. The Ryzen 7 9800X3D features a max boost clock of 5.2GHz with 8 cores, 16 threads, and 104MB of L2-L3 cache. While capable of handling multitasking and creation, its core count limits its prowess in those areas. However, it's a powerhouse for gaming, especially at this price point.

AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D Review by Jacqueline Thomas:

"The AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D excels in gaming, making it a top recommendation over other recent processors like the Intel Core Ultra 9 285K or Ryzen 9 9900X. When paired with a high-end graphics card, the 9800X3D maximizes your GPU's potential, delivering exceptional performance."

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 ideal for those who balance creative work with gaming but need to stay within a budget. This processor features a max boost clock of 5.5GHz with 12 cores, 24 threads, and 140MB of L2-L3 cache. While we haven't yet reviewed this chip, its specs suggest it will offer performance between the 9950X3D and 9800X3D for productivity tasks and multi-core workloads. In gaming, it should perform similarly to its siblings.

AMD's Hot Streak with New CPUs and GPUs

If you've been holding off on Nvidia's Blackwell GPUs to see what AMD has in store, you've made a wise decision. The AMD Radeon RX 9070 and RX 9070 XT graphics cards are the new mid-range champions, offering stellar performance at a lower price than Nvidia's competition. The Radeon RX 9070 starts at $550, and the 9070 XT at $600, though prices may vary due to manufacturer adjustments. Check out our Radeon RX 9070 GPU review and Radeon RX 9070 XT GPU review for detailed benchmarks.

Why Should You Trust IGN's Deals Team?

IGN's deals team brings over 30 years of combined experience in finding the best discounts across gaming, tech, and more. We focus on delivering genuine value, avoiding unnecessary purchases, and highlighting trusted brands. Learn more about our deal-finding process and stay updated with the latest deals on IGN's Deals account on Twitter.