Buying Guide
The Best AMD CPUs for Gaming
Six AMD Ryzen CPUs for gaming compared on 3D V-Cache, cores, power and socket, from the 16-core 9950X3D to an AM4 upgrade chip.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read6 products evaluated
AMD's gaming line splits into X3D chips, with stacked cache for games, and standard Ryzen chips that run cooler and cost less. The socket also matters: AM5 is AMD's current platform, while AM4 still makes sense as an upgrade path.
We compared six Ryzen CPUs on cache, cores, power rating and socket. This is a research-based comparison built from maker specifications; we did not test these parts ourselves.
Quick Picks
Which of the 6 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Best AMD Gaming CPU
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D96MB of L3 cache on eight cores.
Best for: Gaming builds with a high-end graphics card.
Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Largest Game Cache
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3DThe largest L3 cache here (128MB).
Best for: Players chasing 1% lows in simulation and esports titles.
Check price for AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Solid Alternative
AMD Ryzen 7 9850X3DThe Ryzen 7 9850X3D is a higher-clocked version of the eight-core X3D design.
Best for: Buyers who want 96mb of l3 cache from 3d v-cache.
Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 9850X3D on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Worth Considering
AMD Ryzen 7 9700XThe Ryzen 7 9700X gives eight Zen 5 cores at a 65W rating without the X3D cache.
Best for: Buyers who want 5.5ghz maximum boost.
Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 9700X on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best Budget AM5
AMD Ryzen 5 7600A bundled cooler and 65W rating.
Best for: A first AM5 build on a tight budget.
Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 7600 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best AM4 Upgrade
AMD Ryzen 5 5600XA drop-in upgrade for existing AM4 boards.
Best for: Owners of older Ryzen systems who want to keep their board and DDR4.
Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 5600X on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it stands out | Best for | Check price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 96MB of L3 cache on eight cores. | Gaming builds with a high-end graphics card. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| The largest L3 cache here (128MB). | Players chasing 1% lows in simulation and esports titles. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| The Ryzen 7 9850X3D is a higher-clocked version of the eight-core X3D design. | Buyers who want 96mb of l3 cache from 3d v-cache. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 9850X3D on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| The Ryzen 7 9700X gives eight Zen 5 cores at a 65W rating without the X3D cache. | Buyers who want 5.5ghz maximum boost. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 9700X on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| A bundled cooler and 65W rating. | A first AM5 build on a tight budget. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 7600 on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| A drop-in upgrade for existing AM4 boards. | Owners of older Ryzen systems who want to keep their board and DDR4. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 5600X on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Best AMD Gaming CPU1 of 6
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D
The Ryzen 7 9800X3D puts all eight cores on a single cache-stacked die, so every game thread sees the full 96MB of L3.
Best for
- Gaming builds with a high-end graphics card.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: no cooler in the box.
Why we like it
For a gaming-first build it is the AMD chip to buy. On boost clock it sits mid-pack at 5.2GHz: the Ryzen 9 9950X3D offers 5.7GHz, and the Ryzen 5 5600X comes in at 4.6GHz. It matches the Ryzen 7 9850X3D and the Ryzen 7 9700X on core count (8 cores).
You also get second-generation 3D V-Cache placed under the cores and an unlocked multiplier, a first for AMD's X3D chips. It needs an AM5 board (A620, B650, B850, X670 or X870 series) and DDR5 memory; a 600-series board may need a BIOS update first, so check the maker's CPU support list for the minimum version. Budget for a dual-tower air cooler or a 240mm-plus AIO, since none is included. On price it sat fourth of 6, between the cheaper Ryzen 7 9700X and the pricier Ryzen 7 9850X3D, at the time of writing.
Key specs
- L3 cache
- 96MB
- Max boost
- 5.2GHz
- Cores / threads
- 8 cores
- Rated power
- 120W
- Threads
- 16
- Socket
- AM5
- Memory
- DDR5
- Cooler in box
- No
- Integrated graphics
- Yes
Pros
- 96MB of L3 cache from 3D V-Cache
- Integrated graphics for display output without a graphics card
- Second-generation 3D V-Cache placed under the cores
- Unlocked multiplier, a first for AMD's X3D chips
Cons
- No cooler in the box
- Costs more than the Ryzen 5 5600X at the time of writing
The catch
The main gap: no cooler in box, unlike the Ryzen 5 7600. If that matters, the Ryzen 5 7600 has it.
Largest Game Cache2 of 6
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D
The Ryzen 9 9950X3D adds a second eight-core die to the X3D formula, giving 16 cores for work while keeping 3D V-Cache for games.
Best for
- Players chasing 1% lows in simulation and esports titles.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: 170W rating calls for a large air cooler or a 280mm-plus AIO.
Why we like it
It suits a single machine that must game and render. Nothing else here matches its 128MB L3 cache; the Ryzen 7 9800X3D comes closest at 96MB. Its 5.7GHz boost clock is the highest here; the Ryzen 7 9850X3D comes next at 5.6GHz.
Its 16 cores core count is the highest here; the Ryzen 7 9800X3D comes next at 8 cores. On rated power it trails the group at 170W, while the Ryzen 7 9700X offers 65W. It also offers a design aimed at both games and content creation.
It needs an AM5 board (A620, B650, B850, X670 or X870 series) and DDR5 memory; a 600-series board may need a BIOS update first, so check the maker's CPU support list for the minimum version. Budget for a dual-tower air cooler or a 240mm-plus AIO, since none is included. At our last price check it topped the group, with the Ryzen 7 9850X3D the nearest cheaper option.
Key specs
- L3 cache
- 128MB
- Max boost
- 5.7GHz
- Cores / threads
- 16 cores
- Rated power
- 170W
- Threads
- 32
- Socket
- AM5
- Memory
- DDR5
- Cooler in box
- No
- Integrated graphics
- Yes
Pros
- 128MB of L3 cache from 3D V-Cache
- 5.7GHz maximum boost
- 16 cores for encoding and background work
- Integrated graphics for display output without a graphics card
Cons
- 170W rating calls for a large air cooler or a 280mm-plus AIO
- No cooler in the box
- Rated power trails the Ryzen 7 9700X (65W)
The catch
Rated power is its weakest area, and the Ryzen 7 9700X covers it better at 65W.
Solid Alternative3 of 6
AMD Ryzen 7 9850X3D
The Ryzen 7 9850X3D is a higher-clocked version of the eight-core X3D design.
Best for
- Buyers who want 96mb of l3 cache from 3d v-cache.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: no cooler in the box.
Why we like it
It targets players who want the most gaming headroom AMD offers in an eight-core chip. It is AMD's second-generation X3D eight-core chip with 96MB of L3 cache. It matches the Ryzen 7 9800X3D on L3 cache (96MB).
Its 5.6GHz boost clock ranks second of 6 here, behind the Ryzen 9 9950X3D (5.7GHz) and ahead of the Ryzen 5 5600X (4.6GHz). On core count it ties with the Ryzen 7 9800X3D and the Ryzen 7 9700X at 8 cores. It needs an AM5 board (A620, B650, B850, X670 or X870 series) and DDR5 memory; a 600-series board may need a BIOS update first, so check the maker's CPU support list for the minimum version.
Budget for a dual-tower air cooler or a 240mm-plus AIO, since none is included. It was priced above the Ryzen 7 9800X3D and below the Ryzen 9 9950X3D at the time of writing.
Key specs
- L3 cache
- 96MB
- Max boost
- 5.6GHz
- Cores / threads
- 8 cores
- Rated power
- 120W
- Threads
- 16
- Socket
- AM5
- Memory
- DDR5
- Cooler in box
- No
- Integrated graphics
- Yes
Pros
- 96MB of L3 cache from 3D V-Cache
- 5.6GHz maximum boost
- Integrated graphics for display output without a graphics card
- Higher-clocked take on the 9800X3D design
Cons
- No cooler in the box
- Costs more than the Ryzen 5 5600X at the time of writing
The catch
What it gives up: no cooler in box, unlike the Ryzen 5 7600; by contrast, the Ryzen 5 7600 has it.
Worth Considering4 of 6
AMD Ryzen 7 9700X
The Ryzen 7 9700X gives eight Zen 5 cores at a 65W rating without the X3D cache.
Best for
- Buyers who want 5.5ghz maximum boost.
Skip if
- Pass on it if no cooler in the box rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
It is the quieter, cooler-running choice when a build balances games with everyday work. Its 5.5GHz boost clock ranks third of 6 here, behind the Ryzen 9 9950X3D (5.7GHz) and ahead of the Ryzen 5 5600X (4.6GHz). On core count it ties with the Ryzen 7 9800X3D and the Ryzen 7 9850X3D at 8 cores.
You also get the Zen 5 architecture. It needs an AM5 board (A620, B650, B850, X670 or X870 series) and DDR5 memory; a 600-series board may need a BIOS update first, so check the maker's CPU support list for the minimum version. No cooler is included; a single-tower air cooler is enough at its rating. It was priced above the Ryzen 5 7600 and below the Ryzen 7 9800X3D at the time of writing.
Key specs
- L3 cache
- 32MB
- Max boost
- 5.5GHz
- Cores / threads
- 8 cores
- Rated power
- 65W
- Threads
- 16
- Socket
- AM5
- Memory
- DDR5
- Cooler in box
- No
- Integrated graphics
- Yes
Pros
- 5.5GHz maximum boost
- 65W rating suits a modest air cooler
- Integrated graphics for display output without a graphics card
- The Zen 5 architecture
Cons
- No cooler in the box
- Costs more than the Ryzen 5 5600X at the time of writing
The catch
What it gives up: no cooler in box, unlike the Ryzen 5 7600; by contrast, the Ryzen 5 7600 has it.
Best Budget AM55 of 6
AMD Ryzen 5 7600
The Ryzen 5 7600 is the cheapest way onto AM5 here and ships with a Wraith Stealth cooler.
Best for
- A first AM5 build on a tight budget.
Skip if
- Pass on it if 6 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside games rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
Six cores are enough for most games paired with a mid-range graphics card. On L3 cache it ties with the Ryzen 7 9700X and the Ryzen 5 5600X at 32MB. On boost clock it sits mid-pack at 5.1GHz: the Ryzen 9 9950X3D offers 5.7GHz, and the Ryzen 5 5600X comes in at 4.6GHz.
It matches the Ryzen 5 5600X on core count (6 cores). You also get the Zen 4 architecture, a 5nm process and PCIe 5.0 support on AM5. It needs an AM5 board (A620, B650, B850, X670 or X870 series) and DDR5 memory; check the board's CPU support list for the minimum BIOS version. On price it sat second of 6, between the cheaper Ryzen 5 5600X and the pricier Ryzen 7 9700X, at the time of writing.
Key specs
- L3 cache
- 32MB
- Max boost
- 5.1GHz
- Cores / threads
- 6 cores
- Rated power
- 65W
- Threads
- 12
- Socket
- AM5
- Memory
- DDR5
- Cooler in box
- Yes
- Integrated graphics
- Yes
Pros
- 65W rating suits a modest air cooler
- Wraith Stealth cooler in the box
- Integrated graphics for display output without a graphics card
- The Zen 4 architecture
Cons
- 6 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside games
- Costs more than the Ryzen 5 5600X at the time of writing
Best AM4 Upgrade6 of 6
AMD Ryzen 5 5600X
The Ryzen 5 5600X is for AM4 owners: it drops into existing boards after a BIOS update and keeps your DDR4.
Best for
- Owners of older Ryzen systems who want to keep their board and DDR4.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when 6 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside games is a problem.
Why we like it
It includes a Wraith Stealth cooler but has no integrated graphics. On L3 cache it ties with the Ryzen 7 9700X and the Ryzen 5 7600 at 32MB. On boost clock it trails the group at 4.6GHz, while the Ryzen 9 9950X3D offers 5.7GHz.
It matches the Ryzen 5 7600 on core count (6 cores). You get an AM4 socket here, which sets it apart from the Ryzen 5 7600 and its an AM5 socket. DDR4 memory is unique to it among these picks, while the Ryzen 9 9950X3D uses DDR5 memory.
You also get PCIe 4.0 support on B550 and X570 boards. It drops into an AM4 board with DDR4 memory; older B450 and X470 boards need a BIOS that supports this chip, so check the support list before swapping. It was the cheapest of the group when we checked; the Ryzen 5 7600 was the next step up.
Key specs
- L3 cache
- 32MB
- Max boost
- 4.6GHz
- Cores / threads
- 6 cores
- Rated power
- 65W
- Threads
- 12
- Socket
- AM4
- Memory
- DDR4
- Cooler in box
- Yes
- Integrated graphics
- No
Pros
- 65W rating suits a modest air cooler
- Wraith Stealth cooler in the box
- PCIe 4.0 support on B550 and X570 boards
- AM4 socket, the only one here
Cons
- 6 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside games
- AM4 is a final-generation platform with no newer CPUs coming
- No integrated graphics, so a graphics card is required
The catch
If L3 cache is your priority, the Ryzen 9 9950X3D (128MB) is the stronger choice.
How We Chose
Alex Morgan compared the manufacturer specifications, connectivity, warranty terms and compatibility of every pick. Figures come from the makers unless a third-party source is named; we did not test these products ourselves.
- How these picks were ranked
- We compared six processors on L3 cache, boost clock, core count and rated power as the makers state them. Nothing was tested in-house; 9 of the 9 fields compared are stated for every pick.
- The shared baseline
- All 6, from the Ryzen 7 9800X3D to the Ryzen 5 5600X, state L3 cache, boost clock and core count.
- Who each pick suits
- The Ryzen 7 9800X3D for 96MB of L3 cache on eight cores; the Ryzen 9 9950X3D for the largest L3 cache here (128MB); the Ryzen 5 7600 for a bundled cooler and 65W rating.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the Ryzen 5 5600X ($150 to $250) to the Ryzen 9 9950X3D ($500 to $1000).
What to Look for in an AMD CPUs for Gaming
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
L3 cache across these picks
Across these 6 picks L3 cache spans 32MB (the Ryzen 5 5600X) to 128MB (the Ryzen 9 9950X3D). For less, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D is the runner-up at 96MB ($250 to $500 tier).
Boost clock
Here boost clock runs from 4.6GHz on the Ryzen 5 5600X to 5.7GHz on the Ryzen 9 9950X3D, a 24% spread. The Ryzen 7 9850X3D comes second at 5.6GHz, in the $250 to $500 tier against $500 to $1000 for the Ryzen 9 9950X3D.
A desktop CPU seated in its motherboard socket with the retention frame open How much core count you need
Here core count runs from 6 cores on the Ryzen 5 5600X to 16 cores on the Ryzen 9 9950X3D, a 167% spread. For less, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D is the runner-up at 8 cores ($250 to $500 tier).
Memory
The Ryzen 7 9800X3D, the Ryzen 9 9950X3D, the Ryzen 7 9850X3D, the Ryzen 7 9700X and the Ryzen 5 7600 list DDR5; the Ryzen 5 5600X lists DDR4. Settling memory first narrows 6 picks to 5 or 1.
Cooler in box
The Ryzen 7 9800X3D, the Ryzen 9 9950X3D, the Ryzen 7 9850X3D and the Ryzen 7 9700X go without; the Ryzen 5 7600 and the Ryzen 5 5600X have it.
How to Choose an AMD CPUs for Gaming
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming builds with a high-end graphics card | Ryzen 7 9800X3D | 96MB of L3 cache on eight cores |
| Players chasing 1% lows in simulation and esports titles | Ryzen 9 9950X3D | The largest L3 cache here (128MB) |
| A first AM5 build on a tight budget | Ryzen 5 7600 | A bundled cooler and 65W rating |
| Owners of older Ryzen systems who want to keep their board and DDR4 | Ryzen 5 5600X | A drop-in upgrade for existing AM4 boards |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Ryzen 9 9950X3D leads on L3 cache at 128MB, ahead of the Ryzen 7 9800X3D at 96MB.
| Processor | L3 cache | Max boost | Cores / threads | Rated power |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ryzen 7 9800X3D | 96MB | 5.2GHz | 8 cores | 120W |
| Ryzen 9 9950X3D | 128MB | 5.7GHz | 16 cores | 170W |
| Ryzen 7 9850X3D | 96MB | 5.6GHz | 8 cores | 120W |
| Ryzen 7 9700X | 32MB | 5.5GHz | 8 cores | 65W |
| Ryzen 5 7600 | 32MB | 5.1GHz | 6 cores | 65W |
| Ryzen 5 5600X | 32MB | 4.6GHz | 6 cores | 65W |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
At our last check the cheapest pick, the Ryzen 5 5600X, sat in the $150 to $250 tier, 3 tiers in all up to the Ryzen 9 9950X3D at $500 to $1000; Amazon prices move, so recheck before buying.
| Price tier | Processors |
|---|---|
| About $150 to $250 | Ryzen 5 5600X, Ryzen 5 7600 |
| About $250 to $500 | Ryzen 7 9700X, Ryzen 7 9800X3D, Ryzen 7 9850X3D |
| About $500 to $1000 | Ryzen 9 9950X3D |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the largest L3 cache: the Ryzen 9 9950X3D or the Ryzen 7 9800X3D?
Between the top two, it is 128MB on the Ryzen 9 9950X3D against 96MB on the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, a 33% difference. The spread runs down to the Ryzen 5 5600X at 32MB.
How does the Ryzen 7 9850X3D compare with the Ryzen 9 9950X3D on boost clock?
The Ryzen 9 9950X3D leads at 5.7GHz, with the Ryzen 7 9850X3D at 5.6GHz. The Ryzen 5 5600X is at the other end of this group with 4.6GHz.
How does the Ryzen 7 9800X3D compare with the Ryzen 9 9950X3D on core count?
The Ryzen 9 9950X3D leads at 16 cores, with the Ryzen 7 9800X3D at 8 cores. The Ryzen 5 5600X closes the ranking at 6 cores.
Is the Ryzen 9 9950X3D worth paying more than the Ryzen 5 5600X?
The spec sheets show L3 cache (128MB against 32MB), boost clock (5.7GHz against 4.6GHz) and core count (16 cores against 6 cores) in its favour. It does not win everywhere: the Ryzen 5 5600X still leads on rated power (65W). The Ryzen 5 5600X sat in the $150 to $250 tier and the Ryzen 9 9950X3D in the $500 to $1000 tier when we checked, with 4 other picks between them; pay the difference only if L3 cache and boost clock decide your purchase.
What makes the Ryzen 5 7600 the Best Budget AM5?
The label rests on a bundled cooler and 65W rating. It is aimed at A first AM5 build on a tight budget.
Do the Ryzen 7 9800X3D and the Ryzen 5 5600X differ on socket?
The Ryzen 7 9800X3D, the Ryzen 9 9950X3D, the Ryzen 7 9850X3D, the Ryzen 7 9700X and the Ryzen 5 7600 use AM5; the Ryzen 5 5600X uses AM4.
Bottom Line
The Ryzen 7 9800X3D is the gaming pick, the 9950X3D covers gaming plus heavy work, and the 9850X3D pushes clocks higher on the same eight-core X3D design.
The Ryzen 7 9700X and Ryzen 5 7600 are sensible AM5 builds on a budget, and the Ryzen 5 5600X extends the life of an AM4 system.
Related Guides
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About the author
PC Hardware Editor
Alex covers PC hardware, monitors, components, upgrades and peripherals for The PC Journal, with a focus on helping readers understand specifications, compatibility and meaningful product trade-offs.
Covers: Monitors, Graphics cards, Processors, PC components, Peripherals, Upgrades and compatibility
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