Buying Guide
The Best Ryzen 9000 CPUs for Gaming
Four processors ranked on L3 cache and boost clock, where the Ryzen 9 9950X3D has the largest L3 cache; the Ryzen 5 9600X is the cheapest route in.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
11 min read4 products evaluated
Ryzen 9000 chips use AMD's Zen 5 cores on the AM5 socket. Every pick is a Ryzen 9000-series processor, ordered by boost clock.
Rankings weigh L3 cache, max boost and cores / threads as the makers state them; if a maker skips L3 cache, the guide says so rather than guess, since we have not benched them.
Quick Picks
Which of the 4 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Also Consider
AMD Ryzen 9 9950XAMD's recommendation of a liquid cooler.
Best for: Buyers who want AMD's recommendation of a liquid cooler.
Check price for AMD Ryzen 9 9950X on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Largest Game Cache
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3DThe largest L3 cache here (128MB).
Best for: Games that are limited by the CPU at high frame rates.
Check price for AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
AMD Ryzen 7 9700XAn AM5 processor with a 3.8GHz base and 5.5GHz boost.
Best for: Buyers who want AM5 processor with a 3.8GHz base and 5.5GHz boost.
Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 9700X on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Rated Power
AMD Ryzen 5 9600XThe lowest rated power here (65W).
Best for: Buyers who put rated power first.
Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 9600X on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it stands out | Best for | Check price |
|---|---|---|---|
| AMD's recommendation of a liquid cooler. | Buyers who want AMD's recommendation of a liquid cooler. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 9 9950X on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| The largest L3 cache here (128MB). | Games that are limited by the CPU at high frame rates. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| An AM5 processor with a 3.8GHz base and 5.5GHz boost. | Buyers who want AM5 processor with a 3.8GHz base and 5.5GHz boost. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 9700X on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| The lowest rated power here (65W). | Buyers who put rated power first. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 9600X on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Also Consider1 of 4
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X
The Ryzen 9 9950X gives 16 cores and 32 threads without the X3D premium.
Best for
- Buyers who want AMD's recommendation of a liquid cooler.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when 170W rating calls for a large air cooler or a 280mm-plus AIO is a problem.
Why we like it
It is the better buy when CPU encoding and editing matter more than the last few frames per second. On L3 cache it sits mid-pack at 64MB: the Ryzen 9 9950X3D offers 128MB, and the Ryzen 5 9600X comes in at 32MB. On boost clock it ties with the Ryzen 9 9950X3D at 5.7GHz.
It matches the Ryzen 9 9950X3D on rated power (170W). You also get AMD's recommendation of a liquid cooler. 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 third of 4, between the cheaper Ryzen 7 9700X and the pricier Ryzen 9 9950X3D, at the time of writing.
Key specs
- L3 cache
- 64MB
- 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
- 64MB of L3 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
- Costs more than the Ryzen 5 9600X at the time of writing
Largest Game Cache2 of 4
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
- Games that are limited by the CPU at high frame rates.
Skip if
- Pass on it if 170W rating calls for a large air cooler or a 280mm-plus AIO rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
It suits a single machine that must game and render. Nothing else here matches its 128MB L3 cache; the Ryzen 9 9950X comes closest at 64MB. On boost clock it ties with the Ryzen 9 9950X at 5.7GHz.
It matches the Ryzen 9 9950X on rated power (170W). 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. It was the highest-priced of the 4 picks at the time of writing, so the case for it rests on what it adds over the Ryzen 9 9950X and the rest.
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 5 9600X (65W)
The catch
The trade-off is rated power; for more, the Ryzen 5 9600X offers 65W.
Strong Alternative3 of 4
AMD Ryzen 7 9700X
What the Ryzen 7 9700X brings to the table is an AM5 processor with a 3.8GHz base and 5.5GHz boost.
Best for
- Buyers who want AM5 processor with a 3.8GHz base and 5.5GHz boost.
Skip if
- Pass if a published L3 cache matters; this one has none.
Why we like it
It also offers a 5.5GHz boost clock and offers an 8 cores core count. Its 5.5GHz boost clock ranks third of 4 here, behind the Ryzen 9 9950X (5.7GHz) and ahead of the Ryzen 5 9600X (5.4GHz). On core count it sits mid-pack at 8 cores: the Ryzen 9 9950X offers 16 cores, and the Ryzen 5 9600X comes in at 6 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. It was priced above the Ryzen 5 9600X and below the Ryzen 9 9950X at the time of writing.
Key specs
- Max boost
- 5.5GHz
- Cores / threads
- 8 cores
- Threads
- 16
- Socket
- AM5
Pros
- 5.5GHz maximum boost
- AM5 processor with a 3.8GHz base and 5.5GHz boost
- Core count of 8 cores, ahead of the Ryzen 5 9600X
Cons
- No published L3 cache
- No published rated power
- Costs more than the Ryzen 5 9600X at the time of writing
The catch
There is no published L3 cache figure, whereas the Ryzen 9 9950X3D offers 128MB.
Lowest Rated Power4 of 4
AMD Ryzen 5 9600X
The Ryzen 5 9600X brings six Zen 5 cores to AM5 at a 65W rating, which keeps cooling simple.
Best for
- Buyers who put rated power first.
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
It suits a budget build now that can take an X3D chip later without changing boards. Its 32MB L3 cache is the smallest in this group; the Ryzen 9 9950X3D leads at 128MB. Its 5.4GHz boost clock is the lowest in this group; the Ryzen 9 9950X leads at 5.7GHz.
On core count it trails the group at 6 cores, while the Ryzen 9 9950X offers 16 cores. Its 65W rated power is the lowest here; the Ryzen 9 9950X comes next at 170W. 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. No other pick here cost less at our last price check, and the Ryzen 7 9700X was closest.
Key specs
- L3 cache
- 32MB
- Max boost
- 5.4GHz
- Cores / threads
- 6 cores
- Rated power
- 65W
- Threads
- 12
- Socket
- AM5
- Memory
- DDR5
- Cooler in box
- No
- Integrated graphics
- Yes
Pros
- 65W rating suits a modest air cooler
- Integrated graphics for display output without a graphics card
- The Zen 5 architecture
- The lowest rated power here (65W)
Cons
- 6 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside games
- No cooler in the box
- L3 cache trails the Ryzen 9 9950X3D (128MB)
The catch
L3 cache is its weakest area, and the Ryzen 9 9950X3D covers it better at 128MB.
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 set side by side four processors on L3 cache, boost clock, core count and rated power from manufacturer specifications. Nothing was tested in-house; 4 of the 9 fields compared are stated for every pick, while L3 cache and rated power have gaps.
- What every pick has in common
- All 4, from the Ryzen 9 9950X to the Ryzen 5 9600X, state boost clock, core count and threads and share AM5 socket.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Ryzen 7 9700X gives no L3 cache; the Ryzen 7 9700X gives no rated power.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the Ryzen 5 9600X ($150 to $250) to the Ryzen 9 9950X3D ($500 to $1000).
What to Look for in a Ryzen 9000 CPUs for Gaming
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Boost clock
Across these 4 picks boost clock spans 5.4GHz (the Ryzen 5 9600X) to 5.7GHz (the Ryzen 9 9950X). The Ryzen 9 9950X is the pick for boost clock.
Core count across these picks
The Ryzen 9 9950X tops core count at 16 cores and the Ryzen 5 9600X sits lowest at 6 cores; 2 picks share the top figure. Start with the Ryzen 9 9950X if core count decides it.
An Intel stock cooler mounted over the CPU socket inside a PC How much L3 cache you need
The Ryzen 9 9950X3D tops L3 cache at 128MB and the Ryzen 5 9600X sits lowest at 32MB. The Ryzen 9 9950X comes second at 64MB, in the same price tier as the Ryzen 9 9950X3D. The Ryzen 7 9700X gives no L3 cache figure, so 3 of 4 picks are compared here.
Extras that separate them
The Ryzen 9 9950X3D: a design aimed at both games and content creation. The Ryzen 7 9700X: an AM5 processor with a 3.8GHz base and 5.5GHz boost. The Ryzen 5 9600X: the Zen 5 architecture.
How much to spend
$150 to $250 buys the Ryzen 5 9600X; $250 to $500 buys the Ryzen 7 9700X; $500 to $1000 buys the Ryzen 9 9950X and the Ryzen 9 9950X3D at our last check.
How to Choose a Ryzen 9000 CPUs for Gaming
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who want AMD's recommendation of a liquid cooler | Ryzen 9 9950X | AMD's recommendation of a liquid cooler |
| Games that are limited by the CPU at high frame rates | Ryzen 9 9950X3D | The largest L3 cache here (128MB) |
| Buyers who want AM5 processor with a 3.8GHz base and 5.5GHz boost | Ryzen 7 9700X | An AM5 processor with a 3.8GHz base and 5.5GHz boost |
| Buyers who put rated power first | Ryzen 5 9600X | The lowest rated power here (65W) |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Ryzen 9 9950X leads on boost clock at 5.7GHz, ahead of the Ryzen 9 9950X3D at 5.7GHz. "Not listed" marks L3 cache where the Ryzen 7 9700X leaves the figure out.
| Processor | L3 cache | Max boost | Cores / threads | Rated power |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ryzen 9 9950X | 64MB | 5.7GHz | 16 cores | 170W |
| Ryzen 9 9950X3D | 128MB | 5.7GHz | 16 cores | 170W |
| Ryzen 7 9700X | Not listed | 5.5GHz | 8 cores | Not listed |
| Ryzen 5 9600X | 32MB | 5.4GHz | 6 cores | 65W |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The Ryzen 5 9600X was the lowest-priced pick ($150 to $250) and the Ryzen 9 9950X3D the highest ($500 to $1000) when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Processors |
|---|---|
| About $150 to $250 | Ryzen 5 9600X |
| About $250 to $500 | Ryzen 7 9700X |
| About $500 to $1000 | Ryzen 9 9950X, Ryzen 9 9950X3D |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the largest L3 cache: the Ryzen 9 9950X3D or the Ryzen 9 9950X?
The Ryzen 9 9950X3D tops L3 cache at 128MB; the Ryzen 9 9950X follows at 64MB, 100% apart. The Ryzen 5 9600X closes the ranking at 32MB. No L3 cache figure is published for the Ryzen 7 9700X, which leaves 3 of 4 picks ranked here.
Is the Ryzen 5 9600X ahead of the Ryzen 9 9950X on rated power?
The Ryzen 5 9600X comes out best at 65W, with the Ryzen 9 9950X at 170W. The Ryzen 7 9700X doesn't state a rated power figure, so it sits outside this comparison; 3 of 4 picks are ranked.
What does the Ryzen 9 9950X3D add over the Ryzen 5 9600X?
The spec sheets show boost clock (5.7GHz against 5.4GHz), core count (16 cores against 6 cores) and L3 cache (128MB against 32MB) in its favour. It does not win everywhere: the Ryzen 5 9600X still leads on rated power (65W). On our last price check the Ryzen 5 9600X was in the $150 to $250 tier and the Ryzen 9 9950X3D in the $500 to $1000 tier, with 2 other picks between them; pay the difference only if boost clock and core count decide your purchase.
Why is the Ryzen 5 9600X our Lowest Rated Power pick?
It carries the badge for the lowest rated power here (65W). On rated power it leads the Ryzen 9 9950X, 65W against 170W, a 62% margin. It makes sense for anyone who puts rated power first.
Does the Ryzen 9 9950X have integrated graphics, and which others do?
The Ryzen 9 9950X, the Ryzen 9 9950X3D and the Ryzen 5 9600X have it. The Ryzen 7 9700X has no integrated graphics listed, so 3 of 4 picks are covered here.
What extras do the Ryzen 9 9950X and the Ryzen 9 9950X3D include?
The Ryzen 9 9950X: AMD's recommendation of a liquid cooler. The Ryzen 9 9950X3D: 3D V-Cache on one of its two core dies. The Ryzen 7 9700X: an AM5 processor with a 3.8GHz base and 5.5GHz boost.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Ryzen 9 9950X, chosen for AMD's recommendation of a liquid cooler. Look at the Ryzen 7 9700X for an AM5 processor with a 3.8GHz base and 5.5GHz boost and the Ryzen 5 9600X for the lowest rated power here (65W) if those matter more to you.
Update the motherboard BIOS before installing a Ryzen 9000 chip on an older AM5 board.
Related Guides
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- Higher budgetThe Best High-End CPUs for Gaming
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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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