Our best CPU for gaming has dipped in price – the Ryzen 7 9800X3D is cheaper than usual
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For us, the standout CPU for gaming remains the Ryzen 7 9800X3D. It’s usually the option that makes sense if you want a CPU with a sole gaming focus. However, we’re not against it being at an even better price, and Amazon has obliged with a new discount. Right now, the outstanding processor is $423.53. That’s around $56 below its list price, and one of the deepest discounts we’ve seen. Here’s a reminder of why this CPU is great.
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D
Why we love the AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D
Excellent gaming performance
For the uninitiated, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D is a CPU designed with gaming as its utmost priority. The CPU’s 3D V-Cache allows it to stack instructions, rather than regularly reference your PC’s RAM, leading to far faster game responsiveness. It’s a prolific single-core processor too, and outdoes the legendary Ryzen 7 7800X3D.
Overclockable
Unlike the Ryzen 7 7800X3D, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D can also be overclocked. Whether you’d want to is a separate consideration, but its predecessor was a locked processor. The 9800X3D doesn’t have the same restrictions, allowing you to push the performance further if you have the knowledge or will, sufficient cooling, and no care for the warranty.
Prime Day is here! We've found all the biggest and best deals from this year's event below.
- AMD Ryzenâ„¢ 9 9900X 12-Core - was $499 now $337
- 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 $3,699 now $3,199
- Apple Magic Mouse - was $79 now $59
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra - was $2,099 now $1,699
- Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet - was $154 now $72
Prices correct as of October 6th, 2026.
9000-series efficiency
One of the more remarkable things about this processor is its efficiency. While it’s not locked into a performance profile, like the 7800X3D – so it can draw more power than its predecessor – it delivers the impressive type of efficiency we’ve come to expect from AMD’s 9000 Series…while still coming out on top for gaming.
What to consider before you buy
Our standard caveats apply for the Ryzen 7 9800X3D. First, it’s the best CPU for gaming (specifically), so if you need a flexible option for productivity or creativity, the 9700X or 9900X may be better depending on budget. Second, this is the best gaming CPU, but if price is the main consideration, you may find the Ryzen 7 7800X3D suits your needs just as well. It’s not as efficient, it delivers worse performance, and it can’t be overclocked. But perhaps none of those are concerns for you.
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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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