AMD's Ryzen 9 3900X is the sweet spot for most PC builds

Amazing Value

AMD Ryzen 7 3700X

$220 at Amazon

Pros

• More affordable
• 6 cores/12 threads
• PCIe 4.0
• AM4 backwards compatability
• Lower TDP

Cons

• No integrated GPU
• Less powerful
• Fewer cores and threads

AMD's Ryzen 7 3700X would be one of the most capable desktop CPUs from the company, but now we have the Ryzen 9 and Threadripper. Still, the 3700X offers excellent value with six cores and a lower TDP than the Ryzen 9 3900X if you don't need all that performance.

Maximum Performance

AMD Ryzen 9 3900X

$390 at Amazon

Pros

• More powerful
• 12 cores/24 threads
• PCIe 4.0
• AM4 backwards compatability
• Low TDP

Cons

• No integrated GPU
• More expensive

The AMD Ryzen 9 3900X is a monstrous CPU, boasting 12 cores in a small package with 24 threads at hand to handle any task you throw at it. It offers immense performance at a reasonable price, though you'll dislike the lack of an integrated CPU.

The AMD Ryzen 7 3700X and Ryzen 9 3900X are both excellent processors. The former is better suited to PCs where you don't need to take advantage of 12 cores for maximum performance, saving money in the process. If all you need to do is do some web browsing and gaming on the side, this processor would be more than capable of handling the load. The 3900X is for those who want much more from their PC.

AMD Ryzen 7 3700X vs. AMD Ryzen 9 3900X specs

	Ryzen 7 3700X	Ryzen 9 3900X
Architecture	Zen 2	Zen 2
Cores	8 16	12 24
Clock speed	3.6GHz 4.4GHz	3.8GHz 4.6GHz
Cache	36MB	70MB
TDP	65W	105W
Launch Price	$329	$499

Amazing 3rd-gen Ryzen performance

Whichever Ryzen 3000 processor you choose to buy, you're going to have a capable PC ready for action. Even Ryzen 3 and Ryzen 5 processors are more than happy to keep up with some serious workloads, though they do come with fewer cores and lower clock speeds. All of the 300 series processors, including the two in this guide, run on the AM4 platform and support the same AMD chipsets.

The Ryzen 7 3700X is the sweet spot for AMD's series of processors. This CPU offers incredible value. For just $329 at launch (can be found now for around $220), you get a six-core processor with 12 threads and a boost clock speed of 4.4GHz. 36MB of cache joins the specification list, alongside a thermal design power (TDP) of just 65W. That's how much heat this CPU is rated to produce, and 65W worth of cooling is more than possible for the included cooler.

This processor is perfect for mid-tier PCs, one being used for both work and play. Pair this CPU up with a capable GPU, and you've got one awesome gaming rig. The six cores and countless threads also help out with intensive applications like Adobe Photoshop and video editing suites.

But if you need something a little more, the Ryzen 9 3900X comes with a whopping 12 cores and 24 threads. The boost clock speed is a little higher at 4.6GHz, and you've got almost double the amount of cache with 70MB available. You would need a slightly more powerful cooler to keep up with the 105W TDP rating, but it would be worth it.

This 12-core processor is an excellent choice for gamers who want to run the latest titles with al settings turned up to the maximum with a super-fast GPU. It's also perfect for intensive applications like video editing with an additional four cores compared to the Ryzen 7 3700X. Whether you can justify the price hike depends mainly on whether you require the additional performance.

AMD Ryzen 7 3700X is ideal for most PC builds

Whether you play games or simply use the PC for specific software, the Ryzen 7 3700X is well-equipped to handled most tasks. It has plenty of cores and threads, as well as a reasonably low TDP rating to make this an excellent all-round CPU.

Amazing Value

AMD Ryzen 7 3700X

Amazing mid-tier performance

$220 at Amazon $220 at Walmart

Not everyone needs so many cores, and that's where the Ryzen 7 3700X comes into play. It still offers six cores and 12 threads, but at a more reasonable price and lower TDP rating, so you don't need such a beefy cooler.

AMD Ryzen 9 3900X offers impressive performance for the price

The Ryzen 9 3900X is a whole different kind of beast. The 12-core performance available is amazing, especially for the price. This level of computing used to be restricted to Threadripper processors, but now everyone can have a go with Ryzen 9.

Maximum Performance

AMD Ryzen 9 3900X

Among the best AMD CPUs around

$390 at Amazon

If you don't want to splash out on a Threadripper CPU and motherboard, the Ryzen 9 3900X is about as good as you can get, rocking 12 cores and 24 threads. An insane processor that works well on AMD's AM4 platform.