AMD
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D
AM5 · 8 · 16
8.7
$479Nov 93 videos
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X
A 16-core Zen 5 chip with top multithreaded performance on a mainstream platform, but beaten for gaming by X3D parts.
- AM5
- 16
- 32
- 5.7 GHz
- 170 W
PCPR score
8.0
Great
Best price we’ve seen
$559Nov 9
Checked recently. Confirm at the retailer.
R1
The short version
The Ryzen 9 9950X is a 16-core, 32-thread AM5 processor with a 5.7 GHz boost and 64 MB of L3 cache. Tom's Hardware found it delivers the highest multithreaded performance on a mainstream platform, while lagging competing chips and X3D models in gaming. It suits creators and compilers who want AM5 without the X3D premium, and it needs a good cooler because there is none in the box.
Pros
- Highest multithreaded performance on a mainstream platform in Tom's Hardware's review
- 16 cores and 32 threads at up to 5.7 GHz
- Unlocked for overclocking
- Fits the same AM5 boards as other Ryzen 9000 chips
Cons
- Tom's Hardware found it lagging in gaming, and X3D chips are far ahead
- Generational gains are small in some productivity workloads
- 170 W TDP needs strong cooling
- No cooler included
Best for
- Rendering, compiling and other threaded workloads
- Creators who also game casually
J3
Full specifications
Core
- Socket
- AM5
- Series
- Ryzen 9000
- Architecture
- Zen 5
- Cores
- 16
- Threads
- 32
Performance
- Base clock
- 4.3 GHz
- Max boost
- 5.7 GHz
- L3 cache
- 64 MB
- 3D V-Cache
- No
- Gaming index
- 77
- Single-thread index
- 93
- Multi-thread index
- 93
Power
- TDP
- 170 W
- Max power (PPT / PL2)
- 230 W
Features
- Integrated graphics
- Yes
- Integrated GPU
- AMD Radeon Graphics
- Unlocked multiplier
- Yes
- Cooler in box
- No
- Process
- TSMC 4nm FinFET (CPU cores), TSMC 6nm FinFET (I/O die)
Memory
- Memory support
- DDR5
- Rated memory speed
- 5,600 MT/s
- Max memory
- 256 GB
Expansion
- PCIe version
- 5.0
- PCIe lanes
- 28
Compatibility notes
- Socket AM5 with DDR5 only; AMD lists A620, B650, B650E, X670, X670E, B840, B850, X870 and X870E chipsets as supported, and older boards may need a BIOS update.
- AMD's official maximum memory speed is DDR5-5600 for two modules and DDR5-3600 for four, though AMD EXPO kits can run faster.
- No cooler included; plan for a high-end air or liquid cooler.
P1
Where to buy
Best Buy
Seen Nov 9, 2026
$559
See it at Best Buy- Buy from the maker
AMD official page
Direct link
- Check price on Amazon
Amazon
Search this retailer
- See it at Newegg
Newegg
Search this retailer
- See it at B&H
B&H Photo
Search this retailer
- See it at Micro Center
Micro Center
Search this retailer
We may earn a commission when you buy through links on this page. It never affects our scores or what we recommend. Prices move quickly, so confirm the final price at the retailer.
AV1
Video reviews
Mixed · Review
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X Review - It’s OK, just too pricy
KitGuruTech
KitGuru's review of the 16-core flagship, concluding it performs well but is priced high.
Positive · Review
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X Review | Best all rounder CPU for single PC streaming
Game Tech Reviews
Reviews the Zen 5 flagship with a focus on single-PC streaming and general use.
Negative · Review
9950X / 9900X CPU Review (21 CPUs Tested)
JayzTwoCents
Covers the 9950X and 9900X across 21 tested CPUs and is skeptical that the Ryzen 9000 launch parts are worth it.
AV2
What reviewers and owners say
Tom's Hardware
MixedFinds the highest multithreaded performance on a mainstream platform but weaker gaming than competitors and small generational gains in some productivity tests.
2024-08-14
Read the sourcePC Gamer
MixedPC Gamer found the 9950X delivers unmatched multithreaded productivity performance and runs cool, but gaming gains are modest and the 7950X remains better value.
Review
Read the sourcer/hardware · u/Flkhuo
CriticalA new owner reports the 9950X idles near 4GHz and the system loses DP signal to a 4090 after 30 minutes of gaming, requiring a restart.
2025-05-20
Read the sourcer/nvidia · u/Fantastic-Entry4906
PositiveA builder successfully brought up a new 9950X system with an X870E Hero board, DDR5-8000 RAM and a 5090, reporting no issues on first boot.
2025-01-27
Read the source
Summaries are written in our words. Follow the links for each source’s own review.
R9
Common questions
Is the Ryzen 9 9950X good for gaming?
It is capable, but Tom's Hardware found it lags competing chips in gaming and its hierarchy places X3D models well ahead. It is better suited to productivity work.
Does the 9950X include a cooler?
No. AMD lists the thermal solution as not included, so plan on buying a separate CPU cooler.
J9Alternatives
