AMD's X3D series processors are optimized for gaming. Thanks to AMD's 3D-V-Cache technology, they outperform pricier non-X3D counterparts. There are three models in the current generation lineup: the 9800X3D, 9900X3D, and 9950X3D.
The 9800X3D boasts a max boost clock of 5.2GHz with 8 cores, 16 threads, and 104MB of L2-L3 cache. Despite being the least expensive processor in this stack, it performs nearly identically in games with the other two models. It has the fewest number of cores, so it isn't ideal from non-gamers who plan to use their rig for rendering, AI, or anything else that can benefit from as many cores as possible. This, however, keeps the cost down, and the 9800XD is an absolute monster of a processor at its price point and the obvious pick for most gamers. On Passmark, the 9800X3D has the second highest gaming score, trailing a mere 300 points behind the considerably pricier 9900X3D.
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