Brilliant Ryzen 7 9800X3D has a handsome discount – our favorite gaming CPU for less
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Are you building or upgrading a gaming rig right now? If the answer is “yes”, your CPU should deliver either gaming prowess or more flexible performance. For the former, we can’t look past the AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D. The 3D V-Cache-powered gaming gem is the standout value pick for gamers from AMD’s 9000 Series. And its current price is one of the best it’s ever had. At $415, the processor is $5 above its record-lowest, and $65 below its list price. In short, it’s a very good time to buy.
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D
Why we love the Ryzen 7 9800X3D
A gaming icon
You don’t need a 9800X3D to have a gaming system, but in our mind it is the best CPU for gaming. This best-in-class processor has proven its capabilities in our tests, outdoing the Ryzen 7 7800X3D, Core Ultra 9 285K, and the Ryzen 9 9950X. In terms of performance, our setup (with an RTX 4070 Ti) delivered over 600fps in CS2 in 1080p and 344fps in Cyberpunk 2077.
Overclockable
Unlike its predecessor, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D is overclockable using AMD’s PBO (Precision Boost Overdrive). That means you can tweak the processor to deliver even better performance if you’re willing to give up the warranty (which it voids). Still, the option is available, and that’s a bonus over the last generation.
Prime Day may have ended, but that hasn't stopped major retailers slashing prices on popular tech hardware. Below, we've listed some of the best deals available today.
- AMD Ryzenâ„¢ 9 9900X 12-Core - was $499 now $328
- CORSAIR 4000D PC Case - was $124.99 now $75.99
- Hisense 65" Class E6SR - was $549 now $377.99
- Apple 2026 MacBook Air - was $1,999 now $1,799
- Skytech Gaming PC Desktop (9850X3d) - was $4,299 now $3,799
- Apple Magic Mouse - was $79 now $59
- MSI Prestige 16 Flip - was $2,149 now $1,899
- Kotin 9700X Gaming PC - was $2,399 now $2,199
Prices correct as of October 9th, 2026.
Improved productivity
The 9800X3D isn’t a productivity-focused processor. But it is better for that type of performance than the 7800X3D. In our 9800X3D review, the processor shows similar (if sometimes slightly worse) productivity compared to the Ryzen 7 9700X. Clearly, the 9800X3D is a far better gaming CPU, and you’re paying for that, but the non-gaming performance isn’t bad either.
What to consider before you buy
In our view, there’s no outperforming the 9800X3D for a gaming rig – particularly this close to its lowest price. If you want a gaming-focused system and you’re looking for the best CPU for your build or upgrade, this deal is a really good one to take advantage of. If you want more productivity performance, look to the Ryzen 9900X. If you want a more affordable CPU that is still solid for gaming, the Ryzen 7 9700X is a good alternative. But neither matches the 9800X3D for performance in modern gaming.
AMD Ryzen 5 7600X
AMD Ryzen 7 7700X
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D
AMD Ryzen 5 9600X
AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D – 10th Anniversary Edition
AMD Ryzen 9 9900X 12-Core, 24-Thread Unlocked Desktop Processor
AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X
AMD Ryzen 5 8600G
AMD Ryzen 5 7600X3D
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