Specifications and UK prices
AMD’s X3D processors have dominated the gaming CPU market, and the latest Zen 5 generation continues this legacy. But should you opt for the gaming-focused 9800X3D or the dual-purpose powerhouse 9950X3D? Let’s break down the specs, performance, and pricing to help you decide.
Quick comparison
AMD X3D CPU Comparison
Ryzen 7 9800X3D vs Ryzen 9 9950X3D
| Specification | Ryzen 7 9800X3D | Ryzen 9 9950X3D |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 8 / 16 | 16 / 32 |
| Base Clock | 4.7 GHz | 4.3 GHz |
| Boost Clock | 5.2 GHz | 5.7 GHz |
| Total Cache | 104 MB (96 MB L3 + 8 MB L2) |
144 MB (128 MB L3 + 16 MB L2) |
| 3D V-Cache | 64 MB (single CCD) | 64 MB (one CCD only) |
| TDP | 120W | 170W |
| Max Power | 162W | 230W |
| Architecture | Zen 5 (4nm) | Zen 5 (4nm) |
| Socket | AM5 | AM5 |
| Memory Support | DDR5-5600 | DDR5-5600 |
| PCIe Support | PCIe 5.0 | PCIe 5.0 |
| Overclocking | ✅ Unlocked | ✅ Unlocked |
| UK Price | £399 – £450 | £542 – £639 |
| US MSRP | $480 | $699 |
| Best For | 🎮 Pure Gaming | 🎮 Gaming + 💼 Productivity |
Architecture and design
Both processors benefit from AMD’s second-generation 3D V-Cache technology, which places the cache chiplet beneath the compute die rather than on top. This design improvement delivers better thermal performance and allows for higher clock speeds compared to previous X3D generations.
The 9800X3D features a single CCD (Core Complex Die) with 3D V-Cache, making it a unified, gaming-optimized chip with excellent thermal characteristics and consistent performance across all cores.
The 9950X3D takes a dual-CCD approach with 3D V-Cache on only one of the CCDs. This asymmetric design means the processor can intelligently direct gaming workloads to the V-Cache CCD while routing productivity tasks to the second CCD with higher boost clocks.
Gaming performance
🎮 Gaming Benchmarks Showdown
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D vs Ryzen 9 9950X3D
| Game Title | Ryzen 7 9800X3D | Ryzen 9 9950X3D | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🏎️ F1 24 | 287 FPS | 289 FPS | Tie |
| 🎭 Baldur’s Gate 3 | 151 FPS | 155 FPS | 9950X3D |
| 🌃 Cyberpunk 2077 | 219 FPS | 216 FPS | 9800X3D |
| 🐉 Dragon’s Dogma 2 | 128 FPS | 132 FPS | 9950X3D |
| 🌟 Starfield | 168 FPS | 165 FPS | 9800X3D |
| 🏝️ Far Cry 6 | 207 FPS | 215 FPS | 9950X3D |
| 🧟 The Last of Us Part 1 | 254 FPS | 250 FPS | 9800X3D |
| 🧱 Minecraft RT | 198 FPS | 178 FPS | 9800X3D |
| 🏁 Assetto Corsa Competizione | 234 FPS | 237 FPS | Tie |
| 🦠 A Plague Tale: Requiem | 195 FPS | 184 FPS | 9800X3D |
| 💀 Remnant II | 213 FPS | 218 FPS | Tie |
| 🕷️ Spider-Man Remastered | 228 FPS | 224 FPS | 9800X3D |
| ⭐ GEOMETRIC MEAN (16 Games) | 195.5 FPS | 194.8 FPS | 9800X3D |
Key Takeaway: The 9800X3D and 9950X3D deliver virtually identical gaming performance, with the 9800X3D holding a marginal 0.4% lead on average.
The 9800X3D excels in cache-sensitive titles like Minecraft RT and A Plague Tale, while the 9950X3D shows strength in multi-threaded games like Baldur’s Gate 3.
Verdict: For pure gaming, the 9800X3D offers better value at £399 vs £542+. Choose the 9950X3D only if you need productivity performance alongside gaming.
The 9800X3D has been crowned the fastest gaming CPU on the market, delivering exceptional frame rates across popular titles. It offers roughly 8% better performance than its predecessor, the 7800X3D, and significantly outperforms Intel’s competing processors.
The 9950X3D matches or slightly exceeds the 9800X3D in gaming benchmarks, particularly in cache-sensitive titles. In most games, the difference is within 1-5%, making them functionally equivalent for pure gaming. The 9950X3D’s intelligent thread scheduling successfully directs game threads to the V-Cache CCD, avoiding the performance inconsistencies that plagued the 7950X3D.
Productivity and content creation
Here’s where the differences become clear. The 9800X3D is excellent for gaming but more modest in multi-threaded productivity tasks compared to non-X3D 8-core chips.
The 9950X3D is a genuine all-rounder, matching the standard 9950X in content creation, video editing, 3D rendering, and compilation tasks. The extra eight cores and higher boost clock of 5.7 GHz make it a productivity powerhouse that happens to also excel at gaming.
Thermal and power characteristics
The 9800X3D runs at a 120W TDP and is relatively easy to cool with mid-range air or AIO coolers. It typically stays in the 65-75°C range during gaming loads.
The 9950X3D has a 170W TDP with peak package power reaching 230W during intensive all-core workloads. You’ll need robust cooling—a quality 360mm AIO or high-end air cooler is recommended. Idle temperatures tend to run warmer (around 58°C) compared to the 9800X3D, which is normal for this higher core count processor.
Overclocking
Both processors support overclocking, which was not available on previous X3D generations. The 9800X3D can achieve around 5.4-5.6 GHz with Precision Boost Overdrive (PBO), while the 9950X3D has been observed reaching similar frequencies on its V-Cache CCD.
Value and pricing
In the UK, the 9800X3D currently sells for £399-£450, representing excellent value for pure gaming performance. It’s the more affordable option and delivers class-leading frame rates.
The 9950X3D ranges from £542-£639 depending on the retailer, making it roughly 40-60% more expensive. For that premium, you’re getting double the cores, higher boost clocks, and significantly better multi-threaded performance.
Who should buy which?
Choose the 9800X3D if you:
- Primarily game and don’t need heavy multi-threaded performance
- Want the best gaming performance per pound
- Prefer lower power consumption and easier cooling requirements
- Are building a dedicated gaming rig
Choose the 9950X3D if you:
- Need both gaming excellence and productivity performance
- Regularly run content creation, 3D rendering, or compilation workloads
- Want the absolute best all-around processor
- Have the budget and cooling solution to support it
- Stream while gaming or frequently multitask
The verdict
Both processors are exceptional choices, and you really can’t go wrong with either. The 9800X3D is the gaming specialist—affordable, efficient, and devastatingly fast in games. The 9950X3D is the jack-of-all-trades that excels at everything without compromise.
For most gamers, the 9800X3D offers the best value and all the performance you need. But if you’re a content creator who also games, or simply want the most capable processor available, the 9950X3D justifies its premium price with unmatched versatility.
Platform compatibility
Both processors use the AM5 socket and work with existing AM5 motherboards (X670E, X670, B650E, B650, X870E, X870) with a BIOS update. They support DDR5 memory and PCIe 5.0, making them future-proof choices that will remain relevant for years to come.
AMD’s commitment to the AM5 platform means you can upgrade between these processors without changing your motherboard, RAM, or other components—a significant advantage over the competition.