AMD’s new Ryzen 7 9850X3D processor is generating discussion about the complex process of chip manufacturing, and how it’s essentially an upgraded version of the 9800X3D. However, most gamers aren’t interested in those details. They simply want to understand why this new model, with the ’50’ in its name, costs an extra $30 to $40.
Essentially, this is an enhanced version – think of it as a polished, upgraded model. Even before knowing the detailed specs, it was clear this wouldn’t convince those who already own a 9800X3D. However, it *will* likely influence those who were thinking about buying one. Now, let’s look at how it performs in my tests.
How much does the Ryzen 7 9850X3D cost?
We received review samples from AMD for this evaluation, but they had no influence on the content and hadn’t seen it before it was published.
The 9850X3D is the latest addition to AMD’s Ryzen 9000 Series, joining the 9800X3D, 9900X3D, and 9950X3D as the fourth chip in this line.
The AMD Ryzen 7 9850X3D is very similar to the Ryzen 7 9800X3D. Both processors have the same number of cores and threads, the same amount of cache memory, and use the same amount of power (120W).
The new processor will cost $499, which is $20 more than the original price of the 9800X3D. This price increase gets you a slightly faster processor with a maximum clock speed that’s 400 MHz higher.
Since its release in November 2024, the 9800X3D processor has become more affordable, falling to $469. This makes it $30 cheaper than the 9850X3D was when it first launched.
Rising costs for computer parts, especially due to high demand for AI technology, could limit how much better performance becomes. Recently, the 9800X3D processor has only become more appealing when sold together with compatible motherboards and memory.
| CPU | Cores | Threads | L3 | Base / cTDP | MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ryzen 9 9950X3D | 16 | 32 | 144 MB | 170 W | $699 |
| Ryzen 9 9900X3D | 12 | 24 | 140 MB | 120W | $599 |
| Ryzen 7 9850X3D | 8 | 16 | 96 MB | 120W | $499 |
| Ryzen 7 9800X3D | 8 | 16 | 96 MB | 120W | $479 |
How fast is the Ryzen 7 9850X3D?
The Ryzen 7 9850X3D performed exceptionally well in single-core tasks, but didn’t stand out in other tests. It scored about 5% better than the 9800X3D in standard productivity tests. For creative work, the Ryzen 9 9900X is still the better choice, and at $382 from Newegg, it’s a great value – especially if you’re not primarily focused on gaming.
The Ryzen 7 9850X3D is significantly faster, offering a 25-30% performance increase over the previous generation’s top gaming processor, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D, which currently costs around $399.
Our testing shows the Ryzen 7 9850X3D is 25-30% faster than the previous generation’s top gaming processor, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D, which is currently available for around $399 at Newegg when on sale. If you already own the 7800X3D and are looking for a boost, upgrading to the 9850X3D is an option. However, those with older Ryzen 5000 series processors will see the biggest improvement by skipping a generation and going directly to the new 9850X3D (the 8000G isn’t really worth considering).
Is the Ryzen 7 9850X3D good for gaming?
AMD continues to compare its Ryzen 7 9800X3D and 9850X3D processors to Intel’s Core Ultra 9 285K, a powerful chip for everyday tasks currently priced around $580. However, the 285K doesn’t perform well in gaming. It almost seems unfair to make this comparison, as Intel currently lacks a strong competitor in the desktop gaming market, especially considering the issues with their previous 13th and 14th generation Core i9 processors.
The Ryzen 7 9850X3D is an excellent choice for gamers, and it’s quickly becoming a top contender – potentially even surpassing its closely related counterpart – as the best gaming processor available.
When comparing the 9800X3D and 9850X3D processors, AMD’s own tests show the 9850X3D is about 3% faster on average. This improvement is most noticeable in games like Baldur’s Gate 3 and Counter-Strike 2, but less so in titles like Battlefield 6 and Call of Duty: Black Ops 7. I previously saw productivity scores for the 9850X3D that were a little higher than AMD’s initial numbers, so I’m confident in their gaming performance results, though further testing will help confirm these findings.
The Ryzen 7 9850X3D is fantastic for gaming. It’s aiming to become the top gaming CPU, surpassing the 9800X3D, but its success will depend on how the prices compare. These updated processors can be confusing, especially the 9850X3D, as it only offers a slight speed increase (400MHz) over the 9800X3D, but it’s currently available at a good price.
Should you buy the Ryzen 7 9850X3D?
You should buy this if …
✅ You’re building a high-end gaming PC
✅ You’re upgrading from an older AM4 build
You should not buy this if …
❌ You already have a Ryzen 7 9800X3D
❌ You’re still on a high-end 7000 Series CPU
The AMD Ryzen 7 9850X3D is very similar to the 9800X3D, offering a small performance boost for a reasonable price increase. I expect this to be a worthwhile upgrade for some time, although rising costs driven by AI technology could change things by late 2026. Currently, it’s a simple recommendation over the 9800X3D – most people investing in this processor likely won’t hesitate to spend an additional $30.
I’m still leaning towards the 9800X3D as my top pick, but I’m hoping to see its price come down as the newer 9850X3D becomes available. Having more options is always good, though these two processors are incredibly similar in performance, making it tough to choose a clear winner. If you’re upgrading from a Ryzen 7 5800X3D or an Intel Core i5-13600K/14600K, the 9850X3D is a great choice, but be aware that you’ll also need to buy a new motherboard and RAM to use it.
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2026-01-28 17:11