Buying Guide
The Best Ryzen CPUs for Gaming
Six Ryzen processors for gaming across AM4 and AM5, weighted toward the X3D chips and their 96MB caches.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read6 products evaluated
AMD's X3D chips stack extra L3 cache on the processor, which helps in many games. The non-X3D Ryzen chips cost less and suit builds where the graphics card sets the limit.
We compared cache, cores and boost clock from AMD specifications; we did not benchmark these processors.
Quick Picks
Which of the 6 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Best Ryzen for Gaming
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D96MB of L3 on eight Zen 5 cores.
Best for: Most gaming builds.
Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Highest-Clocked X3D
AMD Ryzen 7 9850X3DA 5.6GHz boost with 96MB of L3.
Best for: High-refresh competitive play.
Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 9850X3D on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best Budget X3D
AMD Ryzen 5 7600X3D96MB of L3 on six cores.
Best for: Mid-budget AM5 builds.
Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 7600X3D on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best AM4 Gaming Upgrade
AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D96MB of L3 on AM4 with DDR4.
Best for: Older Ryzen boards.
Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best Non-X3D Eight-Core
AMD Ryzen 7 9700XEight Zen 5 cores at 65W.
Best for: Gaming plus light work.
Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 9700X on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best Budget Eight-Core
AMD Ryzen 7 5700XEight cores on AM4 at 65W.
Best for: Budget AM4 builds.
Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 5700X on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it stands out | Best for | Check price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 96MB of L3 on eight Zen 5 cores. | Most gaming builds. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| A 5.6GHz boost with 96MB of L3. | High-refresh competitive play. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 9850X3D on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| 96MB of L3 on six cores. | Mid-budget AM5 builds. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 7600X3D on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| 96MB of L3 on AM4 with DDR4. | Older Ryzen boards. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| Eight Zen 5 cores at 65W. | Gaming plus light work. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 9700X on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| Eight cores on AM4 at 65W. | Budget AM4 builds. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 5700X on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Best Ryzen for Gaming1 of 6
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D
The Ryzen 7 9800X3D pairs AMD's 3D V-Cache with eight Zen 5 cores, and games that lean on cache respond to it more than to extra cores.
Best for
- Most gaming builds.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when no cooler in the box is a problem.
Why we like it
It is the chip to pair with a high-end graphics card when the CPU would otherwise hold frame rates back. Its 5.2GHz boost clock ranks third of 6 here, behind the Ryzen 7 9850X3D (5.6GHz) and ahead of the Ryzen 7 5800X3D (4.5GHz). On rated power it ties with the Ryzen 7 9850X3D at 120W.
It also comes with 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.
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 7 5700X at the time of writing
Highest-Clocked X3D2 of 6
AMD Ryzen 7 9850X3D
The Ryzen 7 9850X3D is a higher-clocked version of the eight-core X3D design.
Best for
- High-refresh competitive play.
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. On L3 cache it ties with the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, the Ryzen 5 7600X3D and the Ryzen 7 5800X3D at 96MB.
Its 5.6GHz boost clock is the highest here; the Ryzen 7 9700X comes next at 5.5GHz. It matches the Ryzen 7 9800X3D on rated power (120W). 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 6 picks at the time of writing, so the case for it rests on what it adds over the Ryzen 7 9800X3D and the rest.
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
- Rated power trails the Ryzen 5 7600X3D (65W)
- Costs more than the Ryzen 7 5700X at the time of writing
The catch
The trade-off is rated power; for more, the Ryzen 5 7600X3D offers 65W.
Best Budget X3D3 of 6
AMD Ryzen 5 7600X3D
The Ryzen 5 7600X3D brings 96MB of L3 cache to a six-core AM5 chip at a 65W rating.
Best for
- Mid-budget AM5 builds.
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 is the cheapest way into AMD's cache-heavy gaming line on AM5. On L3 cache it ties with the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, the Ryzen 7 9850X3D and the Ryzen 7 5800X3D at 96MB. On boost clock it sits mid-pack at 4.7GHz: the Ryzen 7 9850X3D offers 5.6GHz, and the Ryzen 7 5800X3D comes in at 4.5GHz.
Its 6 cores core count is the lowest in this group; the Ryzen 7 9800X3D leads at 8 cores. It matches the Ryzen 7 9700X and the Ryzen 7 5700X on rated power (65W). 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.
No cooler is included; a single-tower air cooler is enough at its rating. On price it sat second of 6, between the cheaper Ryzen 7 5700X and the pricier Ryzen 7 9700X, at the time of writing.
Key specs
- L3 cache
- 96MB
- Max boost
- 4.7GHz
- Cores / threads
- 6 cores
- Rated power
- 65W
- Threads
- 12
- Socket
- AM5
- Memory
- DDR5
- Cooler in box
- No
- Integrated graphics
- Yes
Pros
- 96MB of L3 cache from 3D V-Cache
- 65W rating suits a modest air cooler
- Integrated graphics for display output without a graphics card
- 96MB of L3 cache on a six-core chip
Cons
- 6 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside games
- No cooler in the box
- Core count trails the Ryzen 7 9800X3D (8 cores)
The catch
The trade-off is core count; for more, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D offers 8 cores.
Best AM4 Gaming Upgrade4 of 6
AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D
The Ryzen 7 5800X3D is the last X3D chip for AM4.
Best for
- Older Ryzen boards.
Skip if
- Pass on it if aM4 is a final-generation platform with no newer CPUs coming rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
It lets an existing AM4 board take a cache upgrade without a new platform or DDR5. On L3 cache it ties with the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, the Ryzen 7 9850X3D and the Ryzen 5 7600X3D at 96MB. On boost clock it trails the group at 4.5GHz, while the Ryzen 7 9850X3D offers 5.6GHz.
Its 105W rated power ranks fourth of 6 here, behind the Ryzen 5 7600X3D (65W) and ahead of the Ryzen 7 9850X3D (120W). It shares an AM4 socket with the Ryzen 7 5700X; the Ryzen 7 9700X goes with an AM5 socket. It also comes with a drop-in upgrade for many existing AM4 boards after a BIOS update.
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. Its price falls between the Ryzen 7 9700X and the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, based on our last check.
Key specs
- L3 cache
- 96MB
- Max boost
- 4.5GHz
- Cores / threads
- 8 cores
- Rated power
- 105W
- Threads
- 16
- Socket
- AM4
- Memory
- DDR4
- Cooler in box
- No
- Integrated graphics
- No
Pros
- 96MB of L3 cache from 3D V-Cache
- 3D V-Cache on the AM4 platform
- Drop-in upgrade for many existing AM4 boards after a BIOS update
- Core count of 8 cores, ahead of the Ryzen 5 7600X3D
Cons
- AM4 is a final-generation platform with no newer CPUs coming
- No cooler in the box
- No integrated graphics, so a graphics card is required
The catch
If boost clock is your priority, the Ryzen 7 9850X3D (5.6GHz) is the stronger choice.
Best Non-X3D Eight-Core5 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
- Gaming plus light work.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: no cooler in the box.
Why we like it
It is the quieter, cooler-running choice when a build balances games with everyday work. On L3 cache it ties with the Ryzen 7 5700X at 32MB. On boost clock it sits mid-pack at 5.5GHz: the Ryzen 7 9850X3D offers 5.6GHz, and the Ryzen 7 5800X3D comes in at 4.5GHz.
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. On price it sat third of 6, between the cheaper Ryzen 5 7600X3D and the pricier Ryzen 7 5800X3D, 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 7 5700X at the time of writing
Best Budget Eight-Core6 of 6
AMD Ryzen 7 5700X
The Ryzen 7 5700X gives AM4 builds eight cores at a 65W rating.
Best for
- Budget AM4 builds.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when aM4 is a final-generation platform with no newer CPUs coming is a problem.
Why we like it
It suits players who also stream or edit on a DDR4 platform. On L3 cache it ties with the Ryzen 7 9700X at 32MB. On boost clock it sits mid-pack at 4.6GHz: the Ryzen 7 9850X3D offers 5.6GHz, and the Ryzen 7 5800X3D comes in at 4.5GHz.
It matches the Ryzen 5 7600X3D and the Ryzen 7 9700X on rated power (65W). It shares an AM4 socket with the Ryzen 7 5800X3D; the Ryzen 7 9700X goes with an AM5 socket. It also comes with PCIe 4.0 support.
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. No cooler is included; a single-tower air cooler is enough at its rating. It was the cheapest of the group when we checked; the Ryzen 5 7600X3D was the next step up.
Key specs
- L3 cache
- 32MB
- Max boost
- 4.6GHz
- Cores / threads
- 8 cores
- Rated power
- 65W
- Threads
- 16
- Socket
- AM4
- Memory
- DDR4
- Cooler in box
- No
- Integrated graphics
- No
Pros
- 65W rating suits a modest air cooler
- Eight cores on the DDR4 AM4 platform
- PCIe 4.0 support
- Boost clock of 4.6GHz, ahead of the Ryzen 7 5800X3D
Cons
- AM4 is a final-generation platform with no newer CPUs coming
- No cooler in the box
- No integrated graphics, so a graphics card is required
The catch
If L3 cache is your priority, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D (96MB) 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 from manufacturer specifications. Nothing was tested in-house; 9 of the 9 fields compared are stated for every pick.
- What every pick has in common
- All 6, from the Ryzen 7 9800X3D to the Ryzen 7 5700X, state L3 cache, boost clock and core count.
- Who each pick suits
- The Ryzen 7 9800X3D for 96MB of L3 on eight Zen 5 cores; the Ryzen 7 9850X3D for a 5.6GHz boost with 96MB of L3; the Ryzen 5 7600X3D for 96MB of L3 on six cores.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the Ryzen 7 5700X ($150 to $250) to the Ryzen 7 9850X3D ($250 to $500).
What to Look for in a Ryzen CPUs for Gaming
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
How much L3 cache you need
The Ryzen 7 9800X3D tops L3 cache at 96MB and the Ryzen 7 5700X sits lowest at 32MB; 4 picks share the top figure. The Ryzen 7 9800X3D is the pick for L3 cache.
Boost clock
Here boost clock runs from 4.5GHz on the Ryzen 7 5800X3D to 5.6GHz on the Ryzen 7 9850X3D, a 24% spread. For less, the Ryzen 7 9700X is the runner-up at 5.5GHz.
An Intel stock cooler mounted over the CPU socket inside a PC Core count
Across these 6 picks core count spans 6 cores (the Ryzen 5 7600X3D) to 8 cores (the Ryzen 7 9800X3D). Start with the Ryzen 7 9800X3D if core count decides it.
Memory
The Ryzen 7 9800X3D, the Ryzen 7 9850X3D, the Ryzen 5 7600X3D and the Ryzen 7 9700X list DDR5; the Ryzen 7 5800X3D and the Ryzen 7 5700X list DDR4. Sort out memory before price: it splits 6 stated picks into groups of 4 and 2.
Cooler in box
The Ryzen 7 9800X3D, the Ryzen 7 9850X3D, the Ryzen 5 7600X3D, the Ryzen 7 5800X3D, the Ryzen 7 9700X and the Ryzen 7 5700X go without. Settling cooler in box first narrows 6 picks to 6.
How to Choose a Ryzen CPUs for Gaming
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Most gaming builds | Ryzen 7 9800X3D | 96MB of L3 on eight Zen 5 cores |
| High-refresh competitive play | Ryzen 7 9850X3D | A 5.6GHz boost with 96MB of L3 |
| Mid-budget AM5 builds | Ryzen 5 7600X3D | 96MB of L3 on six cores |
| Older Ryzen boards | Ryzen 7 5800X3D | 96MB of L3 on AM4 with DDR4 |
| Gaming plus light work | Ryzen 7 9700X | Eight Zen 5 cores at 65W |
| Budget AM4 builds | Ryzen 7 5700X | Eight cores on AM4 at 65W |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Ryzen 7 9800X3D leads on L3 cache at 96MB, ahead of the Ryzen 7 9850X3D at 96MB.
| Processor | L3 cache | Max boost | Cores / threads | Rated power |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ryzen 7 9800X3D | 96MB | 5.2GHz | 8 cores | 120W |
| Ryzen 7 9850X3D | 96MB | 5.6GHz | 8 cores | 120W |
| Ryzen 5 7600X3D | 96MB | 4.7GHz | 6 cores | 65W |
| Ryzen 7 5800X3D | 96MB | 4.5GHz | 8 cores | 105W |
| Ryzen 7 9700X | 32MB | 5.5GHz | 8 cores | 65W |
| Ryzen 7 5700X | 32MB | 4.6GHz | 8 cores | 65W |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The Ryzen 7 5700X was the lowest-priced pick ($150 to $250) and the Ryzen 7 9850X3D the highest ($250 to $500) when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Processors |
|---|---|
| About $150 to $250 | Ryzen 7 5700X, Ryzen 5 7600X3D |
| About $250 to $500 | Ryzen 7 9700X, Ryzen 7 5800X3D, Ryzen 7 9800X3D, Ryzen 7 9850X3D |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Ryzen 7 9700X compare with the Ryzen 7 9850X3D on boost clock?
The Ryzen 7 9850X3D leads at 5.6GHz, with the Ryzen 7 9700X at 5.5GHz. The Ryzen 7 5800X3D is at the other end of this group with 4.5GHz.
What does the Ryzen 7 9850X3D add over the Ryzen 7 5700X?
The spec sheets show L3 cache (96MB against 32MB) and boost clock (5.6GHz against 4.6GHz) in its favour. It does not win everywhere: the Ryzen 7 5700X still leads on rated power (65W). On our last price check the Ryzen 7 5700X was in the $150 to $250 tier and the Ryzen 7 9850X3D in the $250 to $500 tier, with 4 other picks between them; pay the difference only if L3 cache and boost clock decide your purchase.
Why is the Ryzen 7 5800X3D our Best AM4 Gaming Upgrade pick?
It earns the label for 96MB of L3 on AM4 with DDR4. The price of that: the Ryzen 7 5700X, the cheapest pick, still beats it on boost clock (4.6GHz against 4.5GHz) and rated power (65W against 105W). It is aimed at older Ryzen boards.
Do the Ryzen 7 9800X3D and the Ryzen 7 5800X3D differ on socket?
The Ryzen 7 9800X3D, the Ryzen 7 9850X3D, the Ryzen 5 7600X3D and the Ryzen 7 9700X use AM5; the Ryzen 7 5800X3D and the Ryzen 7 5700X use AM4.
What extras do the Ryzen 7 9800X3D and the Ryzen 7 9850X3D include?
The Ryzen 7 9800X3D: second-generation 3D V-Cache placed under the cores. The Ryzen 7 9850X3D: a higher-clocked take on the 9800X3D design. The Ryzen 5 7600X3D: 96MB of L3 cache on a six-core chip.
Bottom Line
The Ryzen 7 9800X3D is the best Ryzen for gaming, and the 9850X3D adds clock speed. The 7600X3D is the budget X3D, the 5800X3D upgrades AM4, and the 9700X and 5700X are the non-X3D choices.
Related Guides
- Related guideThe Best AMD CPUs for Gaming
- Related guideThe Best X3D CPUs for Gaming
- Related guideThe Best Ryzen 5 CPUs for Gaming
- Lower budgetThe Best Budget CPUs for a Gaming PC
- Higher budgetThe Best High-End CPUs for Gaming
- ExplainerHow to Choose a CPU for Your PC
- ExplainerCPU Name Suffixes Explained: K, KF, F, X, X3D and G
- Check compatibility: motherboardsHow to Check Motherboard BIOS Compatibility
- Similar guideThe Best Ryzen 7 CPUs for Gaming
- Topic hubAll processors guides
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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