If you're considering joining the AMD ecosystem for your next PC upgrade, the timing couldn't be better. AMD's highly anticipated Zen 5 "X3D" processors – the Ryzen 9 9800X3D and the Ryzen 9 9950X3D – are now in stock and shipping directly from Amazon, with prices currently set slightly below the standard retail rate. These two models stand as AMD's premier gaming CPUs. From a performance-per-dollar perspective, the 9800X3D is the ideal choice for dedicated gaming systems, while the 9950X3D takes the lead for creator-focused tasks and multitasking workloads.
The Gamer's Choice: AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D CPU

AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D AM5 Desktop Processor
$479.00 save 1% $472.02 at Amazon
For a dedicated gaming PC, the AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D offers exceptional value, as its in-game performance is nearly on par with the more expensive 9900X3D and 9950X3D models. This processor features a max boost clock of 5.2GHz, 8 cores, 16 threads, and a substantial 104MB of combined L2 and L3 cache. While it can certainly handle multitasking, rendering, and content creation, its core count means it won't match the 9950X3D's performance in those intensive productivity scenarios. For pure gaming, however, it is an absolute powerhouse, especially considering its competitive price.
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D Review by Jacqueline Thomas
"The AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D delivers outstanding power in games, making it a more compelling recommendation than other recent CPUs like the Intel Core Ultra 9 285K or Ryzen 9 9900X. If you're building a system with a high-end graphics card, the 9800X3D is the best way to fully leverage the performance of your chosen GPU."
The Creator's Choice: AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D CPU

AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D AM5 Desktop Processor
$699.00 save 3% $678.00 at Amazon
Creative professionals who also want the best gaming performance available should look no further; this is the CPU to get. The new 9950X3D boasts a max boost clock of 5.7GHz, 16 cores, 32 threads, and 144MB of L2 and L3 cache. In gaming, it's only marginally faster than the 9800X3D. For productivity applications, however, it significantly outperforms both the 9800X3D and 9900X3D, as well as any competing processor from Intel.
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D Review by Jacqueline Thomas
"While the AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D might be the most powerful gaming processor available today, that doesn't automatically make it the best choice for everyone. Most users will find the Ryzen 7 9800X3D more than sufficient, and it is significantly more affordable at $479. The 9950X3D is really aimed at gamers who also use creative applications like Photoshop and Premiere; in the latter, it shows a notable 15% performance gain over the 9800X3D."



