I got a bit confused by the X3D CPUs as many places listed X3D is the equivalent to the largest i5. But on the flip side the latest X3D is a few years old so I didn't know why it's better than the more recent version of their non-X3D CPUs

The latest X3D cpu was just released, as part of the 9000 series. Though it's probably out of stock because it's currently just about the best processor for cache heavy workloads, especially gaming.

The X3D chips have way larger caches so they punch well above their weight on many workloads that are traditionally cache bound. And with the 9000 series they figured out a better assembly method so they work even better than the 7000 or 5000 series ones.

Thanks for the info. So if I wait a few months for stock to replenish it sounds like the 9000 series X3D may be a good option for a future-proof gaming PC

yea, or if you're in hurry, get something older gen with AM5 socket, and swap to 9800X3D once it's available.

You might even be able to pick up a used 7000 X3D from someone else that's upgrading to the 9000 X3D series. They're still very capable chips.

The 5800x3d is older but still one of the best gaming CPUs, because of the fast cache.

https://gamersnexus.net/cpus/rip-intel-amd-ryzen-7-9800x3d-c...

The cpu naming is so bad and confusing, I think it’s deliberate to confuse consumers that aren’t up to date.

Several new AM4 & AM5 X3D CPUs released this year.

The latest X3D just came out last week (9800X3D).

especially long term - boy does the 5800x3d have legs.