If you're in the process of building a new gaming PC and seeking the best gaming processor, look no further. The recently released AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D AM5 desktop processor is now back in stock on Amazon at its retail price of $489 shipped. This powerhouse is currently the top choice for gamers, outshining even the pricier Intel Core Ultra 9 285K.
The Gamer's Choice: AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D CPU
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D AM5 Desktop Processor
- Price: $489.00 at Amazon
AMD's X3D series processors are specifically optimized for gaming, thanks to their advanced 3D V-Cache technology. While they excel in gaming, they are less suited for multitasking, rendering, and creation due to their limited number of cores. Priced at $489, the 9800X3D is not only $100 less than the Intel Core Ultra 9 285K ($589) but also $160 cheaper than the AMD Ryzen 9 9950X, yet it outperforms both in gaming scenarios. Unless you're committed to Intel or still using an AM4 platform, the 9800X3D is the clear choice for your next gaming PC.
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D Review by Jacqueline Thomas:
"The AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D delivers exceptional gaming performance, making it a superior option compared to other recent processors like the Intel Core Ultra 9 285K or Ryzen 9 9900X. It's the best way to maximize performance with a high-end GPU, especially if you're building a dedicated gaming rig."
The Other Two Zen 5 "X3D" Chips Are Out of Stock
Alongside the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, AMD introduced two higher-end Ryzen 9 siblings in the Zen 5 "X3D" lineup: the 9950X3D, priced at $699, and the 9900X3D, priced at $599. These processors represent the pinnacle of gaming performance across both Intel and AMD platforms. Although currently out of stock, dedicated gamers should still opt for the 9800X3D to allocate their budget more effectively. However, creators with a larger budget and a dual interest in gaming and creative work will greatly benefit from the enhanced performance of the new Ryzen 9 processors, thanks to their higher core count and cache.
The Creator's Choice: AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D CPU
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D AM5 Desktop Processor
- Price: $699.00 at Amazon, Best Buy, Newegg
Creative professionals who also demand the best gaming performance should consider the Ryzen 9 9950X3D. With a max boost clock of 5.7GHz, 16 cores, 32 threads, and 144MB of L2-L3 cache, it offers only a slight edge over the 9800X3D in gaming but significantly outperforms it in productivity tasks.
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D Review by Jacqueline Thomas:
"While the AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D is the most powerful gaming processor available, it's not necessarily the best choice for everyone. The Ryzen 7 9800X3D, priced at $479, is more than sufficient for most gamers. The 9950X3D is ideal for those who both game and use creative applications like Photoshop and Premiere, where it offers a 15% performance boost over the 9800X3D. For a pure gaming build, however, saving the extra $220 for a better graphics card might be the smarter move."
The Middleman: AMD Ryzen 9 9900X3D CPU
AMD Ryzen 9 9900X3D AM5 Desktop Processor
- Price: $599.00 at Amazon, Best Buy, Newegg
The AMD Ryzen 9 9900X3D is the ideal choice for those who balance creative work and gaming but need to stick to a budget. 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, while its gaming performance should be comparable to the other two.
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