If you're considering upgrading to an AMD processor, now is an opportune moment. In March, AMD launched the pinnacle of its Zen 5 "X3D" lineup: the AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D. Although it has been largely unavailable since its release, it's now back in stock on Amazon without any price increase, though availability may be limited. This processor is not only the top gaming chip on the market but also surpasses its predecessor, the 9800X3D, making it an excellent choice for creators.

The Creator's Choice: AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D CPU

Mostly out of stock since launch back in March

AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D AM5 Desktop Processor

$699.00 at Amazon

Creative professionals seeking the best gaming chip available need look no further; the AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D is the ideal choice. With a max boost clock of 5.7GHz, 16 cores, 32 threads, and 144MB of L2-L3 cache, this processor offers exceptional performance. While it only slightly outperforms the 9800X3D in gaming, it significantly excels in productivity tasks, outpacing other Zen 5 X3D chips and Intel's offerings.

AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D Review by Jacqueline Thomas

"The AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D is the most powerful gaming processor available today, but it's not necessarily superior in every aspect compared to other chips. For most users, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, which is significantly more affordable at $479, is more than sufficient. The 9950X3D is best suited for gamers who also use creative applications like Photoshop and Premiere, where it offers a 15% performance boost over the 9800X3D."

The Gamer's Choice: AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D CPU

AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D AM5 Desktop Processor

$489.00 at Walmart
$489.00 at Amazon

AMD's X3D series processors are optimized for gaming, thanks to the company's 3D V-Cache technology. All three CPUs in this series feature the 3D V-Cache on a single CCD, resulting in similar gaming performance across the board, with minor differences attributed to clock speeds. The AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D, with a max boost clock of 5.2GHz, 8 cores, 16 threads, and 104MB of L2-L3 cache, is a powerhouse for gaming, especially at its price point. While it can handle multitasking, rendering, and creation, its limited core count makes it less ideal for those tasks compared to the Ryzen 9 9950X3D.

AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D Review by Jacqueline Thomas

"The AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D delivers exceptional gaming performance, making it a better choice than recent alternatives like the Intel Core Ultra 9 285K or Ryzen 9 9900X. When paired with a high-end graphics card, the 9800X3D maximizes GPU performance, offering the best value and performance in its class."