The AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D is available again at $479, and I’m absolutely itching to get my hands on one.

I don’t usually get this excited about a CPU, but the AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D is something special. It has been impossible to find for weeks, and now it’s back for $479 at Amazon (and at Amazon UK). That’s the official launch price, which is great because I refuse to pay a penny over it.

This processor is built specifically for gaming, and I think it’s the best option on the market right now. It crushes demanding titles with ease, using AMD’s 3D V-Cache technology to push performance beyond what you’d expect from an 8-core CPU. The 96MB of L3 cache is what makes the difference. It minimizes latency and maximizes frame rates, which is exactly what I want from a gaming processor.

9800X3D is all about raw performance. It features 8 cores and 16 threads, runs on AMD’s latest Zen 5 architecture, and can boost up to 5.2GHz. While some CPUs rely on brute-force clock speeds or excessive core counts, this one focuses on efficiency and smart caching, which is why it delivers such high frame rates.

I also like that it’s built for the future. It supports DDR5 memory and PCIe 5.0, meaning your system will stay relevant for years. If you’re planning a high-end gaming build, this processor will make sure your GPU isn’t bottlenecked, letting you squeeze every last bit of performance from your system.

If you’re serious about gaming, this is the processor for you. It’s built for AM5 motherboards, meaning you get access to faster RAM, better storage speeds, and PCIe 5.0 compatibility. If you’re upgrading from an older Ryzen CPU or building a new rig, this is the best option for gaming performance at this price.

That said, you will need an aftermarket cooler, since AMD doesn’t include one in the box. Given how well this CPU performs, though, that’s a small trade-off. Plus you’ll probably want to buy a water cooler and radiator for it anyway.