AMD’s killer Ryzen 7 9800X3D processor sold out in seconds as scalpers spoiled your chances of buying the best gaming CPU

AMD's killer Ryzen 7 9800X3D processor sold out in seconds as scalpers spoiled your chances of buying the best gaming CPU

As a seasoned tech enthusiast with a decade of building and upgrading custom gaming rigs under my belt, I can confidently say that AMD’s Ryzen 7 9800X3D is an absolute game-changer for us PC gamers. The benchmark scores it posted against Intel’s flagship left me awestruck – it’s like watching LeBron James dunk on everyone else in the league.


PC gaming enthusiasts might want to consider upgrading their systems with AMD’s highly anticipated “slam dunk” Ryzen 7 9800X3D processor. In recent benchmark tests, this chip significantly outperformed Intel’s top-tier Core i9-285K in gaming scenarios. The X3D versions of Ryzen desktop processors incorporate AMD’s expansive 3D V-Cache, which provides a more substantial advantage for real-time game engines compared to productivity applications. Given this, the choice for gamers becomes rather straightforward, and the 9800X3D is the latest, most impressive iteration of the current market leader.

This new CPU has gracefully surpassed its previous version, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D, to claim the top spot as the best gaming processor. Upgrading to this model, particularly for those using AMD’s Ryzen 5000 Series or Intel’s 13th and 14th Gen processors affected by a microcode bug, is considered worthwhile. There’s significant progress from the 7800X3D, but the difference might not be noticeable if you’re only upgrading from the previous generation.

It seems there’s been some unexpected issues surrounding the 9800X3D launch. Despite it being released on November 7, it’s trending negatively due to stock shortages and questionable practices from retailers. Given the history of PC component launches, it’s no surprise that a group often responsible for dampening launch day excitement is rearing its head once more: scalpers.

Investigating popular second-hand marketplaces reveals an abundance of these items on sale, causing a surge in the price of 9800X3D processors, which is proving beneficial for them. The concept of demonstrating disapproval through spending habits is prevalent among gamers, but there’s a risk that some are being misled into purchasing from seemingly trustworthy vendors with supposedly safe transactions – and I understand your reluctance to wait, but let me explain.

What’s with all the 9800X3D scalpers?

AMD's killer Ryzen 7 9800X3D processor sold out in seconds as scalpers spoiled your chances of buying the best gaming CPU

During the launch of Xbox Series X in 2020, eager buyers found themselves in a predicament similar to this: scalpers saw the excitement and began exploiting it by charging exorbitant prices for immediate delivery. Seller ratings on platforms like eBay, with an overwhelming number of positive reviews, can make these scalpers appear as helpful intermediaries simply wanting to connect you with your desired tech item. However, this convenience often comes at a steep price.

However, the ominous small print that often lurks underneath these apparent saviors comes in phrases like “this seller does not accept returns.”

There seems to be evidence of some listings originating from scalpers, as one person might purchase multiple identical copies (at least four) of the same sought-after gaming CPU for resale, making a substantial profit of nearly $200 and exploiting AMD’s intended retail price of $479. It’s disheartening to see numerous entries asking for prices upwards of $630, $640, or even $700, which is offensive to tech enthusiasts everywhere. To avoid being manipulated by scalpers and possibly teach them a lesson, it would be wise to steer clear of such listings. However, gamers are eager and keen on getting their hands on the technology.

Is it worth waiting or should we find alternatives?

AMD's killer Ryzen 7 9800X3D processor sold out in seconds as scalpers spoiled your chances of buying the best gaming CPU

If purchasing the Ryzen 7 9800X3D isn’t an option because it’s not available at Best Buy, Newegg, Amazon, or any other reliable third-party retailer, what alternative solutions do you have for constructing a contemporary gaming PC in the short term? It can be challenging if you’re upgrading from AMD’s Zen 3 processors or switching from anything on Intel’s platform since you’ll need to replace your entire motherboard to accommodate the new AM5 socket.

At the minimum, consider purchasing an appropriate motherboard for the 9800X3D and pairing it with DDR5 RAM modules running approximately 6000MHz, which is considered the optimal speed. In the interim, you might choose a Ryzen CPU that fits your motherboard’s socket, either selling this temporary processor second-hand guilt-free or keeping it as a spare, provided you sell it below its Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) to preserve your PC building reputation.

Example: AMD’s Ryzen 5 8600G was initially priced at an MSRP of $229 but is now available for around $170 on Amazon.com. This APU (SoC) has a maximum frequency of 5GHz and includes 22MB of L3 cache, making it less powerful than the gaming-focused Ryzen 7 9800X3D. However, its lower price tag by several hundred dollars makes it an affordable option for those looking to stay updated on restock notifications without breaking the bank.

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2024-11-11 19:40