Processors · Ranked #4 of 5 · Best for gamers who want a little more than the 9800X3D

AMD Ryzen 7 9850X3D

76
Mixed
Average of 10 professional reviews
6 of 10 recommend it · critics split
Where the 10 reviews landedRange 40–90
Score printed by the outlet Estimated from the verdict

Exact average 75.5 · 8 printed, 2 estimated · printed scores only: 80

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10 professional reviewers tested the AMD Ryzen 7 9850X3D, and 6 recommend it. Most praised: speed and ease of use. Most common complaint: price.

Reviewed by WIRED, PC Gamer, Back2Gaming and 7 more

The catch: It runs hotter and draws more power for a small gain.

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What 10 critics said

Highest score first · all converted to 0–100
  1. 90
    WIREDHands-on review

    An excellent gaming chip with easy overclocking, though gameplay is nearly indistinguishable from the 9800X3D.

    Read WIRED review
  2. 87
    PC GamerHands-on review · 2026

    Still among the fastest gaming chips available, but the tiny frame-rate gain over the 9800X3D comes with a big jump in power and heat.

    Read PC Gamer review
  3. 84
    Back2GamingHands-on review · 2026

    Presented as the new top gaming processor, essentially a better-binned 9800X3D with extra boost clock.

    Read Back2Gaming review
  4. 80
    Windows CentralHands-on review · 2026

    A slightly faster 9800X3D for a few dollars more, which the reviewer finds easy to recommend as long as the price gap stays small.

    Read Windows Central review
  5. 80
    PCMagHands-on review · 2026

    An excellent processor for competitive, high-refresh gaming, particularly at 1080p, and an easy pick over the 9800X3D for a small extra cost.

    Read PCMag review
  6. 80
    Club386Hands-on review · 2026

    The fastest gaming processor available, but its lead over the 9800X3D is tiny.

    Read Club386 review
  7. 75
    KitGuruHands-on review · 2026

    A slightly faster refresh of the 9800X3D that delivers excellent gaming results and runs cool and frugal.

    Read KitGuru review
  8. 60
    Tom's HardwareHands-on review · 2026

    It keeps the gaming crown but is a minimal step over the 9800X3D and costs more, so it makes sense mainly for system builders and OEMs rather than upgraders.

    Read Tom's Hardware review
  9. 79est.
    Linus Tech TipsNo printed score · Video review · 2026

    The Ryzen 7 9850X3D is a fast gaming processor that offers a modest performance boost over its predecessor without increasing power consumption.

    Read Linus Tech Tips review
  10. 40est.
    Gamers NexusNo printed score · Video review · 2024

    The Ryzen 7 9850X3D offers only a marginal performance improvement over its predecessor, making it difficult to justify the higher price tag.

    Read Gamers Nexus review

"Est." means the outlet printed no score, so we estimated one from its verdict and checked our estimates against ratings outlets print. How we check estimates

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What critics praise most

Speed9 of 10
Ease of use2 of 10

What critics dislike most

Price5 of 10
Runs hot2 of 10

Other processors critics rate highly

Common questions

Is the AMD Ryzen 7 9850X3D worth it?

Critics are divided: 6 of 10 recommend it. It runs hotter and draws more power for a small gain.

Do critics agree about the AMD Ryzen 7 9850X3D?

Critics split: scores range from 40 (Gamers Nexus) to 90 (WIRED), a spread of 50 points across 10 reviews. Reviewers disagree, so read the individual reviews before buying.

What do critics dislike about the AMD Ryzen 7 9850X3D?

Price (5 of 10 reviews), Runs hot (2 of 10 reviews).

What is the best alternative to the AMD Ryzen 7 9850X3D?

The AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D (critic score 88), best overall.