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

If you're considering upgrading to AMD's latest offerings, the timing couldn't be better. Earlier this year, AMD introduced the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, and now they've expanded their lineup with two higher-end Ryzen 9 models in the Zen 5 "X3D" series: the 9950X3D priced at $699 and the 9900X3D at $599. These processors are considered the top gaming chips available, outperforming even their Intel counterparts. For those focused primarily on gaming, the 9800X3D offers excellent value, allowing you to allocate your budget elsewhere. However, if you're a content creator with a passion for gaming and a larger budget, the Ryzen 9 processors provide a significant performance boost due to their higher core counts and increased cache.

Note: Be aware that these processors are frequently in and out of stock, often leaning more 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 seek the pinnacle of gaming performance should look no further than the 9950X3D. With a max boost clock of 5.7GHz, 16 cores, 32 threads, and a massive 144MB of L2-L3 cache, this CPU is a powerhouse. While it edges out the 9800X3D in gaming by just a few percentage points, it significantly outperforms it in productivity tasks, surpassing anything Intel currently offers.

AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D Review by Jacqueline Thomas

"The AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D is arguably the most powerful gaming processor available today, yet it doesn't dominate every category. For most users, the more affordable Ryzen 7 9800X3D at $479 will suffice. The 9950X3D, however, is ideal for gamers who also use creative applications like Photoshop and Premiere, where it offers a 15% performance boost over the 9800X3D. For a pure gaming build, saving the extra $220 for a better graphics card might be the smarter move."

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 their 3D V-Cache technology. Since all three CPUs feature the 3D V-Cache on a single CCD, gaming performance is nearly identical across the board, with minor variations due to clock speed differences. The Ryzen 7 9800X3D, with its 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 it can handle multitasking and creative tasks, 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 top recommendation over other recent processors like the Intel Core Ultra 9 285K or Ryzen 9 9900X. When paired with a powerful graphics card, the 9800X3D maximizes your gaming 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 the perfect choice for those who balance creative work with 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 offers a middle ground between the 9950X3D and 9800X3D. Although we haven't reviewed it yet, its specs suggest it will perform well in productivity tasks and multi-core workloads, with gaming performance expected to be on par with 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 exceptional performance at a lower price point than their Nvidia counterparts. 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 boasts over 30 years of collective experience in finding the best discounts across gaming, tech, and various other categories. We prioritize transparency and value, ensuring our readers get the best deals without unnecessary purchases. Our goal is to highlight the best offers from trusted brands that our editorial team has firsthand experience with. For more on our process, visit our deals standards page, and stay updated with the latest deals via IGN's Deals account on Twitter.