The launch of AMD’s Ryzen 9000X series initially seemed underwhelming, with reviews falling short of high expectations and retailers swiftly marking down prices. Yet, as many predicted, AMD fans were simply waiting for the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, a chip tailored for gaming with enhanced V-cache. The demand for this model has been overwhelming, selling out at top U.S. retailers like Amazon, Newegg, Best Buy, and Micro Center within 24 hours. This trend isn’t limited to the U.S.; The Verge reports similar shortages across Europe and other markets.
The 9800X3D builds on the success of AMD’s X3D series, which made a name for itself with the Ryzen 5000 lineup. By increasing V-cache, AMD boosted gaming performance, cementing X3D chips as top recommendations for gaming rigs. AMD senior vice president Jack Huynh showcased the global excitement, sharing photos of eager customers lining up at stores around the world.
Several factors contributed to the sellout. AMD’s choice to keep the AM5 socket from the 7000 series intact for the 9000 series made upgrading much easier for loyal users. Additionally, the standard Ryzen 9000X series had a rocky debut, with AMD’s reported performance metrics being scrutinized and discounted due to testing discrepancies. This likely led enthusiasts to hold off on purchases until the anticipated 9800X3D release. AMD’s decision to launch the 9800X3D sooner and as a single SKU could reflect the company’s strategy to boost sales and satisfy shareholders before the holiday season. However, this approach may have also limited stock, driving up demand.
As expected, the shortages have led to a surge in secondary market prices. The 9800X3D’s retail price of $479 hasn’t stopped resellers from listing it on eBay, where it’s going for as high as $999. Some buyers have paid between $650 and $750, an indicator of the fervent demand for AMD’s latest gaming powerhouse. Performance tests confirm that the hype is justified: the 9800X3D outperforms even pricier CPUs from AMD and Intel in gaming, and it holds up impressively in non-gaming tasks as well. For those aiming for top-tier gaming performance, the 9800X3D truly delivers.