If you're considering upgrading to AMD for your next build, there's no better time than now. Earlier this year in March, AMD unveiled the pinnacle of its latest Zen 5 "X3D" lineup: the AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D. Since its launch, it has remained largely out of stock at most major retailers—until today. Amazon has finally listed the processor back in stock with no price markup, although availability may be limited.

This powerhouse currently reigns as the top gaming CPU on the market, offering not only elite-level gaming performance but also superior productivity capabilities compared to its predecessor, the Ryzen 9 9800X3D.

The Creator’s Pick: AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D CPU

Mostly sold out since its March release

$699.00 at Amazon

For creative professionals who also demand top-tier gaming performance, the Ryzen 9 9950X3D is the ultimate all-in-one solution. This flagship processor features a maximum boost clock of 5.7GHz, 16 cores, 32 threads, and a massive 144MB of combined L2-L3 cache. While its gaming performance is only slightly ahead of the 9800X3D, the leap in productivity tasks is substantial—surpassing even the other Zen 5 X3D models and Intel’s current offerings.

Review by Jacqueline Thomas

"The AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D is arguably the strongest gaming processor available right now, but that doesn’t automatically make it the best fit for everyone. Most users will find the Ryzen 7 9800X3D more than sufficient—and significantly more affordable—at $479. The 9950X3D, however, is tailor-made for gamers who also run demanding creative software like Photoshop or Premiere Pro, where it delivers up to a 15% performance boost over the 9800X3D."

The Gamer’s Pick: AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D CPU

$489.00 at Walmart | $489.00 at Amazon

AMD’s X3D series CPUs are built specifically for high-performance gaming thanks to the innovative 3D V-Cache technology. With all three Zen 5 X3D chips utilizing the same 3D V-cache configuration across a single CCD, their gaming performance is nearly identical. Any small differences come down to variations in clock speed.

The Ryzen 7 9800X3D offers a boost clock of up to 5.2GHz, along with 8 cores, 16 threads, and 104MB of total L2-L3 cache. While it can handle multitasking and light creation work, its core count makes it less ideal for heavy-duty rendering or professional workflows. That said, for pure gaming performance—especially at this price—it’s hard to beat.

Review by Jacqueline Thomas

"The AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D delivers exceptional gaming performance, making it an easier recommendation than recent alternatives like the Intel Core Ultra 9 285K or the Ryzen 9 9900X. If you're pairing it with a high-end graphics card, this chip ensures you get the absolute most out of your GPU."