Buying Guide
The Best X3D CPUs for Gaming
Every current AMD X3D chip, from the AM4 Ryzen 7 5800X3D to the sixteen-core Ryzen 9 9950X3D, ranked for gaming.
By The PC Journal editorial team
13 min read7 products evaluated
AMD's X3D processors stack 3D V-Cache on top of the chip, which gives games more fast memory to work with. The eight-core chips put all the extra cache on one cluster of cores, which suits gaming; the twelve- and sixteen-core chips add cores for work.
We compared cache, cores and boost clocks from AMD specifications; we did not benchmark these processors.
Quick Picks
Our 7 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Best X3D for Gaming
AMD Ryzen 7 9850X3D
96MB of L3 with a 5.6GHz boost.
Best for: Pure gaming builds.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 9850X3D (opens in a new tab)
Best Value Zen 5 X3D
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D
96MB of L3 on eight Zen 5 cores.
Best for: Most X3D buyers.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D (opens in a new tab)
Best Zen 4 X3D
AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D
96MB of L3 at a 120W rating.
Best for: Discounted AM5 builds.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D (opens in a new tab)
Most Affordable X3D
AMD Ryzen 5 7600X3D
96MB of L3 on six cores at 65W.
Best for: Mid-budget builds.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 7600X3D (opens in a new tab)
Only AM4 X3D
AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D
96MB of L3 on AM4 with DDR4.
Best for: Upgrading an AM4 PC.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D (opens in a new tab)
Best X3D for Streaming
AMD Ryzen 9 9900X3D
12 cores with 128MB of L3.
Best for: Gaming and encoding.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 9 9900X3D (opens in a new tab)
Best X3D for Creators
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D
16 cores with 128MB of L3.
Best for: Rendering plus gaming.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Best X3D for Gaming1 of 7
AMD Ryzen 7 9850X3D on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Ryzen 7 9850X3D is a higher-clocked version of the eight-core X3D design.
Best for
- Pure gaming builds.
Skip if
- Pass on it if no cooler in the bo rules it out for your setup.
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 boost clock it sits mid-pack at 5.6GHz: the Ryzen 9 9950X3D offers 5.7GHz, and the Ryzen 7 5800X3D comes in at 4.5GHz.
It matches the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D and the Ryzen 7 5800X3D on core count (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. Its price falls between the Ryzen 7 9800X3D and the Ryzen 9 9900X3D, based on our last check.
Key dimensions & 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 7600X3D at the time of writing
Best Value Zen 5 X3D2 of 7
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
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 X3D buyers.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when no cooler in the bo 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 fourth of 7 here, behind the Ryzen 9 9950X3D (5.7GHz) and ahead of the Ryzen 7 5800X3D (4.5GHz). On core count it ties with the Ryzen 7 9850X3D, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D and the Ryzen 7 5800X3D at 8 cores.
It also offers 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 dimensions & 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 7600X3D at the time of writing
Best Zen 4 X3D3 of 7
AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Ryzen 7 7800X3D has the same 96MB of L3 cache as its successor with an older core design and lower clocks.
Best for
- Discounted AM5 builds.
Skip if
- Pass on it if no cooler in the bo rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
On the same AM5 socket, it is the way into X3D gaming for less. On boost clock it sits mid-pack at 5GHz: the Ryzen 9 9950X3D offers 5.7GHz, and the Ryzen 7 5800X3D comes in at 4.5GHz. It matches the Ryzen 7 9850X3D, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D and the Ryzen 7 5800X3D on core count (8 cores).
It also offers first-generation AM5 3D V-Cache and the Zen 4 architecture. 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. Budget for a dual-tower air cooler or a 240mm-plus AIO, since none is included. Its price falls between the Ryzen 5 7600X3D and the Ryzen 7 5800X3D, based on our last check.
Key dimensions & specs
- L3 cache: 96MB
- Max boost: 5GHz
- 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
- First-generation AM5 3D V-Cache
- The Zen 4 architecture
Cons
- No cooler in the box
- Costs more than the Ryzen 5 7600X3D at the time of writing
Most Affordable X3D4 of 7
AMD Ryzen 5 7600X3D on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Ryzen 5 7600X3D brings 96MB of L3 cache to a six-core AM5 chip at a 65W rating.
Best for
- Mid-budget builds.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: 6 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside games.
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 9850X3D, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D and the Ryzen 7 5800X3D at 96MB. On boost clock it sits mid-pack at 4.7GHz: the Ryzen 9 9950X3D offers 5.7GHz, and the Ryzen 7 5800X3D comes in at 4.5GHz.
Its 6 cores core count is the lowest in this group; the Ryzen 9 9950X3D leads at 16 cores. On rated power it leads this guide at 65W, ahead of the Ryzen 7 5800X3D (105W). 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. It was the cheapest of the group when we checked; the Ryzen 7 7800X3D was the next step up.
Key dimensions & 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 9 9950X3D (16 cores)
Only AM4 X3D5 of 7
AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Ryzen 7 5800X3D is the last X3D chip for AM4.
Best for
- Upgrading an AM4 PC.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: aM4 is a final-generation platform with no newer CPUs coming.
Why we like it
It lets an existing AM4 board take a cache upgrade without a new platform or DDR5. On boost clock it trails the group at 4.5GHz, while the Ryzen 9 9950X3D offers 5.7GHz. It matches the Ryzen 7 9850X3D, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D and the Ryzen 7 7800X3D on core count (8 cores).
Its 105W rated power ranks second of 7 here, behind the Ryzen 5 7600X3D (65W) and ahead of the Ryzen 9 9950X3D (170W). An AM4 socket is unique to it among these picks, while the Ryzen 5 7600X3D uses an AM5 socket. You get DDR4 memory here, which sets it apart from the Ryzen 9 9950X3D and its DDR5 memory.
On price it sat third of 7, between the cheaper Ryzen 7 7800X3D and the pricier Ryzen 7 9800X3D, at the time of writing. The trade-off is L3 cache; for more, the Ryzen 9 9900X3D offers 128MB.
Key dimensions & 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
Best X3D for Streaming6 of 7
AMD Ryzen 9 9900X3D on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Ryzen 9 9900X3D adds 3D V-Cache to a twelve-core layout.
Best for
- Gaming and encoding.
Skip if
- Pass on it if no cooler in the bo rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
It sits between the eight-core X3D chips and the 9950X3D on core count and price. On boost clock it sits mid-pack at 5.5GHz: the Ryzen 9 9950X3D offers 5.7GHz, and the Ryzen 7 5800X3D comes in at 4.5GHz. Its 12 cores core count ranks second of 7 here, behind the Ryzen 9 9950X3D (16 cores) and ahead of the Ryzen 5 7600X3D (6 cores).
It matches the Ryzen 7 9850X3D, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D and the Ryzen 7 7800X3D 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. On price it sat sixth of 7, between the cheaper Ryzen 7 9850X3D and the pricier Ryzen 9 9950X3D, at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- L3 cache: 128MB
- Max boost: 5.5GHz
- Cores / threads: 12 cores
- Rated power: 120W
- Threads: 24
- Socket: AM5
- Memory: DDR5
- Cooler in box: No
- Integrated graphics: Yes
Pros
- 128MB of L3 cache from 3D V-Cache
- 5.5GHz maximum boost
- 12 cores for encoding and background work
- Integrated graphics for display output without a graphics card
Cons
- No cooler in the box
- Costs more than the Ryzen 5 7600X3D at the time of writing
Best X3D for Creators7 of 7
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
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
- Rendering plus gaming.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for 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 5.7GHz boost clock; the Ryzen 7 9850X3D comes closest at 5.6GHz. Its 16 cores core count is the highest here; the Ryzen 9 9900X3D comes next at 12 cores.
Its 170W rated power is the highest in this group; the Ryzen 5 7600X3D leads at 65W. It also comes with 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 7 picks at the time of writing, so the case for it rests on what it adds over the Ryzen 9 9900X3D and the rest.
Key dimensions & 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 7600X3D (65W)
How We Chose
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Power and cooling
- We recorded each chip's rated power and what cooler class it needs.
- Upgrade path
- We considered how long each socket is likely to receive new CPUs.
- Game-relevant specs
- We compared L3 cache, boost clocks and core counts from AMD's and Intel's product pages.
- Platform cost
- We noted socket, memory type and whether a cooler is included, since they change the real price.
What to Look for in an X3D Gaming CPUs
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Cache helps games more than clocks
AMD's X3D chips add a large stacked L3 cache that keeps more game data close to the cores. In CPU-limited games that often helps more than a higher boost clock.
The gain shrinks when the graphics card is the limit.
Cores matter for streaming and creation
Six and eight cores cover gaming. Streaming with CPU encoding, video editing and compiling benefit from twelve or sixteen.
If you encode on the graphics card instead, core count matters less.
Budget for the cooler
Most unlocked chips ship without a cooler. A 65W part runs well on a basic single tower, while 120W to 170W parts need a dual tower or an AIO to hold their boost clocks.
Add the cooler to the CPU price when comparing.
Match the CPU to your graphics card and monitor
At 1440p and 4K the graphics card sets most frame rates, so a mid-range CPU is often enough. At 1080p with a high-refresh monitor, the CPU matters much more.
Spend on the part that limits your games, not on the bigger number.
The socket decides your upgrade path
The socket fixes which motherboards and future CPUs you can use. AM5 has had several CPU generations; AM4 has no newer chips coming.
If you plan to upgrade later, a current platform is worth a small premium.
Integrated graphics are a useful backup
Chips with integrated graphics can drive a display without a graphics card, which helps when troubleshooting or between upgrades. Intel's F and KF models and most AM4 Ryzen chips have none.
How to Choose an X3D Gaming CPUs
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Pure gaming builds | Ryzen 7 9850X3D | 96MB of L3 with a 5.6GHz boost |
| Most X3D buyers | Ryzen 7 9800X3D | 96MB of L3 on eight Zen 5 cores |
| Discounted AM5 builds | Ryzen 7 7800X3D | 96MB of L3 at a 120W rating |
| Mid-budget builds | Ryzen 5 7600X3D | 96MB of L3 on six cores at 65W |
| Upgrading an AM4 PC | Ryzen 7 5800X3D | 96MB of L3 on AM4 with DDR4 |
| Gaming and encoding | Ryzen 9 9900X3D | 12 cores with 128MB of L3 |
| Rendering plus gaming | Ryzen 9 9950X3D | 16 cores with 128MB of L3 |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
Figures as each maker states them.
| Processor | L3 cache | Max boost | Cores / threads | Rated power |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ryzen 7 9850X3D | 96MB | 5.6GHz | 8 cores | 120W |
| Ryzen 7 9800X3D | 96MB | 5.2GHz | 8 cores | 120W |
| Ryzen 7 7800X3D | 96MB | 5GHz | 8 cores | 120W |
| Ryzen 5 7600X3D | 96MB | 4.7GHz | 6 cores | 65W |
| Ryzen 7 5800X3D | 96MB | 4.5GHz | 8 cores | 105W |
| Ryzen 9 9900X3D | 128MB | 5.5GHz | 12 cores | 120W |
| Ryzen 9 9950X3D | 128MB | 5.7GHz | 16 cores | 170W |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
Prices change often; these tiers reflect Amazon prices when this guide was updated.
| Price tier | Processors |
|---|---|
| About $150 to $250 | Ryzen 5 7600X3D |
| About $250 to $500 | Ryzen 7 7800X3D, Ryzen 7 5800X3D, Ryzen 7 9800X3D, Ryzen 7 9850X3D |
| About $500 to $1000 | Ryzen 9 9900X3D, Ryzen 9 9950X3D |
Frequently Asked Questions
What memory should I pair with it?
AM5 and LGA1851 use DDR5; AM4 uses DDR4. For AM5, a 32GB DDR5-6000 kit is a common pairing; check the board's memory support list.
What does the rated power figure mean?
It is AMD's default TDP or Intel's base power. Chips can draw more under boost, so size the cooler for sustained loads, not the label alone.
Do I need to buy a separate cooler?
Usually yes. Only some chips, such as the Ryzen 5 7600 and 5600X, include a basic cooler; unlocked high-end models do not.
Is AM4 still worth buying into?
For an upgrade to an existing AM4 system, yes. For a new build, AM5 or LGA1851 gives a longer upgrade path.
What does X3D mean on a Ryzen CPU?
It marks AMD's 3D V-Cache chips, which stack extra L3 cache on the processor. Games that are limited by the CPU tend to run faster on them.
Will a new CPU work in my current motherboard?
Only if the socket matches and the board's BIOS supports it. Check the maker's CPU support list for the minimum BIOS version.
Bottom Line
The Ryzen 7 9850X3D is the best X3D for gaming, and the 9800X3D costs less. The 7800X3D and 7600X3D cover smaller budgets, the 5800X3D is the only AM4 option, and the 9900X3D and 9950X3D suit streaming and creative work.