Top Picks
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D
- Ratings: 4.8
- Cores: 8
- Threads: 16
- TDP: 120W
- Base Clock: 4.2 GHz
The Ryzen 7 9800X3D is the fastest gaming CPU on the market, beating Intel’s top chips by up to 35%. Priced at $480, it offers excellent value with smooth performance thanks to AMD’s 3D V-Cache tech. It’s power-efficient, runs cooler, and works with the modern AM5 platform for future-proof compatibility. A top pick for gamers seeking the best performance.
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AMD Ryzen 5 9600X
- Ratings: 4.2
- Cores: 6
- Threads: 12
- TDP: 65W
- Base Clock: 3.9 GHz
The $240 Ryzen 5 9600X has improved significantly thanks to AMD's updates, making it a solid choice under $250. With six cores, 12 threads, and up to 5.4 GHz boost clock, it offers good performance and easy cooling at 65W or 105W TDP. It works best with AM5 B-series motherboards, though newer options like B850 aren’t available until next year.
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AMD Ryzen™ 9 7950X3D
- Ratings: 4.7
- Cores: 16
- Threads: 32
- TDP: 120W
- Base Clock: 4.2 GHz
The Ryzen 9 7950X3D is AMD's fastest gaming CPU, ideal for gamers and productivity users alike. With 16 Zen 4 cores and 128MB of L3 cache via 3D V-Cache tech, it outperforms Intel's $629 Core i9-14900KS by 10-40% in gaming. It supports DDR5, PCIe 5.0, and features basic integrated graphics for troubleshooting. However, it needs an AM5 motherboard, DDR5 memory, and a robust cooler. Perfect for those seeking the ultimate gaming performance.
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AMD Ryzen 5 8500G
- Ratings: 4.5
- Cores: 6
- Threads: 12
- Base Clock: 3.5 GHz
- TDP: 65W
The $278 Ryzen 7 8700G offers top-tier integrated graphics performance for 1080p gaming without a GPU, but its high price limits appeal. The $170 Ryzen 5 8600G delivers 90% of that performance, making it a better value for budget builds. With six Zen 4 cores and RDNA 3 graphics, it pairs best with AM5 B650 or A620 motherboards but requires DDR5 memory. AMD's Hyper-RX features further enhance gaming performance, making it a strong choice for affordable, GPU-free setups.
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AMD Ryzen 7 9700X
- Ratings: 4.6
- Cores: 8
- Threads: 16
- Base Clock: 3.8 GHz
- TDP: 65W
The $318 Ryzen 7 9700X has improved significantly with updates, offering top-tier gaming performance. It ties Intel’s Core i9-14900K and beats the Core i7-14700K, while maintaining lower power consumption. With eight Zen 5 cores, 16 threads, and up to 5.5 GHz boost clock, it pairs well with AM5 B-series motherboards. A great choice for gamers, though you'll need to buy a cooler and wait for B850/B840 boards if desired.
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AMD Ryzen 7 5700X3D
- Ratings: 4.8
- Cores: 8
- Threads: 16
- Base Clock: 3 GHz
- TDP: 105W
The $229 Ryzen 7 5700X3D delivers top-notch gaming performance in the ~$200 range, offering 91% of the 5800X3D’s gaming power at a much lower price. With 96MB of 3D V-Cache, it’s a great upgrade for AM4 users, though it trades off productivity performance and lacks DDR5 and PCIe 5.0 support. Perfect for value-conscious gamers on older AMD platforms.
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