If you're considering upgrading to AMD, the timing couldn't be better. Earlier this year, AMD released the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, and now they've launched the higher-end Ryzen 9 models in the Zen 5 "X3D" lineup: the 9950X3D at $699 and the 9900X3D at $599. These processors are top contenders for the best gaming chips, outshining even Intel's offerings. For gamers focused solely on gaming, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D is the smart choice, freeing up funds for other upgrades. Meanwhile, creators who also game heavily will appreciate the performance boost from the Ryzen 9 processors, thanks to their higher core count and increased cache.
Note: These processors are frequently out of stock, so act quickly if you're interested.
Creative professionals seeking the ultimate gaming chip need look no further than the Ryzen 9 9950X3D. With a max boost clock of 5.7GHz, 16 cores, 32 threads, and 144MB of L2-L3 cache, this processor is a powerhouse. While it offers only a slight edge over the 9800X3D in gaming, it significantly outperforms in productivity tasks, surpassing both its Zen 5 X3D siblings and Intel's offerings.
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D Review by Jacqueline Thomas
"The AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D might be the most powerful gaming processor available, but it's not universally superior. Most gamers will find the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, priced at $479, more than sufficient. The 9950X3D, however, is ideal for those who both game and use creative software like Photoshop and Premiere, where it shows a 15% performance increase over the 9800X3D. For a pure gaming build, consider investing the savings in a better graphics card."
AMD's X3D series, featuring 3D V-Cache technology, optimizes these processors for gaming. All three CPUs have the 3D V-cache on a single CCD, resulting in similar gaming performance, with minor variations due to clock speed differences. The Ryzen 7 9800X3D, with a max boost clock of 5.2GHz, 8 cores, 16 threads, and 104MB of L2-L3 cache, is a gaming beast at its price point. While capable of multitasking and creative work, its core count limits its prowess in those areas.
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D Review by Jacqueline Thomas
"The AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D excels in gaming, making it a standout choice over recent processors like the Intel Core Ultra 9 285K or Ryzen 9 9900X. Paired with a powerful graphics card, it maximizes GPU performance, making it the go-to choice for gaming enthusiasts."
The Ryzen 9 9900X3D is the sweet spot for creators on a budget who still enjoy gaming. With a max boost clock of 5.5GHz, 12 cores, 24 threads, and 140MB of L2-L3 cache, it strikes a balance between the 9950X3D and 9800X3D. Although we haven't reviewed it yet, its specs suggest strong performance in productivity and multi-core workloads, with gaming performance expected to be comparable to its siblings.
If you've been waiting to see what AMD's new GPUs offer compared to Nvidia's Blackwell, you'll be pleased. The AMD Radeon RX 9070 and RX 9070 XT are the mid-range champions of this generation, delivering exceptional performance at lower prices than Nvidia's competitors. The RX 9070 starts at $550, and the RX 9070 XT at $600, though prices may vary due to manufacturer adjustments. For detailed benchmarks, check out our Radeon RX 9070 GPU review and Radeon RX 9070 XT GPU review.
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