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 Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
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
Which of the 7 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Best X3D for Gaming
AMD Ryzen 7 9850X3D96MB of L3 with a 5.6GHz boost.
Best for: Pure gaming builds.
Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 9850X3D on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best Value Zen 5 X3D
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D96MB of L3 on eight Zen 5 cores.
Best for: Most X3D buyers.
Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best Zen 4 X3D
AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D96MB of L3 at a 120W rating.
Best for: Discounted AM5 builds.
Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Most Affordable X3D
AMD Ryzen 5 7600X3D96MB of L3 on six cores at 65W.
Best for: Mid-budget builds.
Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 7600X3D on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Only AM4 X3D
AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D96MB of L3 on AM4 with DDR4.
Best for: Upgrading an AM4 PC.
Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best X3D for Streaming
AMD Ryzen 9 9900X3D12 cores with 128MB of L3.
Best for: Gaming and encoding.
Check price for AMD Ryzen 9 9900X3D on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best X3D for Creators
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D16 cores with 128MB of L3.
Best for: Rendering plus gaming.
Check price for AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Best X3D for Gaming1 of 7
AMD Ryzen 7 9850X3D
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 box 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 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
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 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 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 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
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 box 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 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
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 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)
The catch
If core count is your priority, the Ryzen 9 9950X3D (16 cores) is the stronger choice.
Only AM4 X3D5 of 7
AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D
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.
You also get a drop-in upgrade for many existing AM4 boards after a BIOS update. On price it sat third of 7, between the cheaper Ryzen 7 7800X3D and the pricier Ryzen 7 9800X3D, at the time of writing.
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
The trade-off is L3 cache; for more, the Ryzen 9 9900X3D offers 128MB.
Best X3D for Streaming6 of 7
AMD Ryzen 9 9900X3D
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 box 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 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
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 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)
The catch
The trade-off is rated power; for more, the Ryzen 5 7600X3D offers 65W.
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 seven processors on L3 cache, boost clock, core count and rated power as the makers state them. These are research figures, not bench results, and every compared field is stated for all 7 picks.
- What every pick has in common
- All 7, from the Ryzen 7 9850X3D to the Ryzen 9 9950X3D, state L3 cache, boost clock and core count.
- Who each pick suits
- The Ryzen 7 9850X3D for 96MB of L3 with a 5.6GHz boost; the Ryzen 7 9800X3D for 96MB of L3 on eight Zen 5 cores; the Ryzen 7 7800X3D for 96MB of L3 at a 120W rating.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the Ryzen 5 7600X3D ($150 to $250) to the Ryzen 9 9950X3D ($500 to $1000).
What to Look for in an X3D Gaming CPUs
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
How much L3 cache you need
Here L3 cache runs from 96MB on the Ryzen 7 5800X3D to 128MB on the Ryzen 9 9900X3D, a 33% spread. If L3 cache is your first filter, the Ryzen 9 9900X3D sets the ceiling at 128MB.
Boost clock
Across these 7 picks boost clock spans 4.5GHz (the Ryzen 7 5800X3D) to 5.7GHz (the Ryzen 9 9950X3D). For less, the Ryzen 7 9850X3D is the runner-up at 5.6GHz ($250 to $500 tier).
An Intel stock cooler mounted over the CPU socket inside a PC Core count across these picks
Across these 7 picks core count spans 6 cores (the Ryzen 5 7600X3D) to 16 cores (the Ryzen 9 9950X3D). The Ryzen 9 9900X3D comes second at 12 cores, in the same price tier as the Ryzen 9 9950X3D.
Memory
The Ryzen 7 9850X3D, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D, the Ryzen 5 7600X3D, the Ryzen 9 9900X3D and the Ryzen 9 9950X3D list DDR5; the Ryzen 7 5800X3D lists DDR4.
Cooler in box
The Ryzen 7 9850X3D, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D, the Ryzen 5 7600X3D, the Ryzen 7 5800X3D, the Ryzen 9 9900X3D and the Ryzen 9 9950X3D go without.
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
The Ryzen 9 9900X3D leads on L3 cache at 128MB, ahead of the Ryzen 9 9950X3D at 128MB.
| 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
The Ryzen 5 7600X3D 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 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
Which has the highest boost clock: the Ryzen 9 9950X3D or the Ryzen 7 9850X3D?
Between the top two, it is 5.7GHz on the Ryzen 9 9950X3D against 5.6GHz on the Ryzen 7 9850X3D, a 2% difference. The Ryzen 7 5800X3D closes the ranking at 4.5GHz.
Is the Ryzen 9 9950X3D ahead of the Ryzen 9 9900X3D on core count?
The Ryzen 9 9950X3D tops core count at 16 cores; the Ryzen 9 9900X3D follows at 12 cores, 33% apart. The Ryzen 5 7600X3D is at the other end of this group with 6 cores.
Is the Ryzen 5 7600X3D ahead of the Ryzen 7 5800X3D on rated power?
The Ryzen 5 7600X3D is lowest on rated power at 65W; the Ryzen 7 5800X3D follows at 105W, 38% apart. The spread runs down to the Ryzen 9 9950X3D at 170W.
What does the Ryzen 9 9950X3D add over the Ryzen 5 7600X3D?
On paper it adds L3 cache (128MB against 96MB), boost clock (5.7GHz against 4.7GHz) and core count (16 cores against 6 cores). It does not win everywhere: the Ryzen 5 7600X3D still leads on rated power (65W). On our last price check the Ryzen 5 7600X3D was in the $150 to $250 tier and the Ryzen 9 9950X3D in the $500 to $1000 tier, with 5 other picks between them; pay the difference only if L3 cache and boost clock decide your purchase.
Why is the Ryzen 9 9950X3D our Best X3D for Creators pick?
It carries the badge for 16 cores with 128MB of L3. The price of that: the Ryzen 5 7600X3D, the cheapest pick, still beats it on rated power (65W against 170W). It makes sense for rendering plus gaming.
Do the Ryzen 7 9850X3D and the Ryzen 7 5800X3D differ on socket?
The Ryzen 7 9850X3D, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D, the Ryzen 5 7600X3D, the Ryzen 9 9900X3D and the Ryzen 9 9950X3D use AM5; the Ryzen 7 5800X3D uses AM4.
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.
Related Guides
- Related guideThe Best High-End Ryzen CPUs for Gaming
- Related guideThe Best Ryzen CPUs for Gaming
- Related guideThe Best AM5 CPUs for Gaming
- Lower budgetThe Best Budget CPUs by Core Count
- Higher budgetThe Best High-End Intel 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 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
View all articles