If you're considering joining the AMD bandwagon for your next upgrade, the timing couldn't be better. Alongside the earlier release of the Ryzen 7 9800X3D this year, AMD has now launched its two higher-end Ryzen 9 models in the Zen 5 "X3D" lineup: the 9950X3D, priced at $699, and the 9900X3D, available for $599. These processors are at the forefront of gaming performance, outshining both Intel and AMD's other offerings. For gamers on a budget, the 9800X3D is the ideal choice, allowing you to allocate funds elsewhere. Meanwhile, creators with a passion for gaming and a larger budget will appreciate the substantial performance boost offered by the new Ryzen 9 processors, thanks to their enhanced core count and cache.
Note: These processors are frequently in and out of stock, often leaning towards being 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 who also crave top-tier gaming performance need look no further; the 9950X3D is the ultimate choice. This powerhouse boasts a max boost clock of 5.7GHz, 16 cores, 32 threads, and a whopping 144MB of L2-L3 cache. While it edges out the 9800X3D by just a few percentage points in gaming, it significantly outpaces both its Zen 5 X3D siblings and Intel's offerings in productivity tasks.
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D Review by Jacqueline Thomas
"The AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D stands as one of the most powerful gaming processors available today, yet it doesn't universally dominate every other chip. For most users, the more affordable Ryzen 7 9800X3D at $479 will suffice. However, the 9950X3D is tailored for those who not only game but also engage in creative work, such as using Photoshop and Premiere, where it delivers a 15% performance improvement over the 9800X3D. For a purely gaming-focused 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 thanks to AMD's 3D V-Cache technology. Since all three CPUs feature the 3D V-Cache on a single CCD, gaming performance remains consistent across the lineup, with minor variations due to clock speed differences. The Ryzen 7 9800X3D boasts a max boost clock of 5.2GHz, 8 cores, 16 threads, and 104MB of L2-L3 cache. While capable of multitasking, rendering, and creative work, its core count limits its prowess in these areas. However, it's an absolute beast for gaming at this price point.
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D Review by Jacqueline Thomas
"The AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D excels in gaming, making it a highly recommended option compared to other recent processors like the Intel Core Ultra 9 285K or Ryzen 9 9900X. When paired with a high-performance graphics card, the 9800X3D ensures you get the most out of your GPU."
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 who enjoys gaming but needs to stick to a budget, the Ryzen 9 9900X3D is the perfect middle ground. It features a max boost clock of 5.5GHz, 12 cores, 24 threads, and 140MB of L2-L3 cache. Although we haven't reviewed this chip yet, its specs suggest it will offer performance between the 9950X3D and 9800X3D for productivity tasks and multi-core workloads. For gaming, expect it to 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 assess AMD's latest offerings, you've made a wise decision. The AMD Radeon RX 9070 and RX 9070 XT graphics cards are the new mid-range champions, delivering outstanding performance at a lower cost than their Nvidia counterparts. The Radeon RX 9070 starts at $550, while the 9070 XT begins at $600, though some manufacturers have increased the price. 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 collective experience in uncovering the best discounts in gaming, tech, and beyond. Our mission is to guide our readers toward genuine value, not to trick them into unnecessary purchases. We highlight the best deals from trusted brands that our editorial team has firsthand experience with. Learn more about our process by visiting our deals standards here, or follow the latest deals we find on IGN's Deals account on Twitter.
