Which CPU Should I Choose for Gaming and Multitasking: 9850x3d or 9950x3d?

For what you're doing, having more cores could really help, especially if you're playing two different games at once! Do you typically play less demanding games alongside VRChat? If I were you, I’d weigh how often you multitask like this. Many users don’t need 16 cores for just gaming, but you might see benefits given your multitasking style!

If you're looking for overall performance, you're correct that the 9800x3d and 9850x3d tend to shine in regular gaming. But if your multitasking game is serious—like running multiple apps while gaming—the 9950x3d could definitely help. I made a switch from a high-end Intel CPU to the 9800x3d, and while it was great for FPS, I found the lag between switching tasks was annoying for my needs. Switching to a 9950x3d improved my multitasking load without too much of a hit to FPS. If you're considering it and can afford the upgrade, go for the 9950x3d!

It sounds like you're hitting the nail on the head with your dilemma! The tasks you're juggling mostly rely on RAM rather than sheer core count. A decent 6-core CPU can usually handle those basics without breaking a sweat. But if you're really into serious multitasking, the 9950x3d could give you an edge, especially when streaming while playing. Just remember that a lot of modern CPUs don't slow down too much with multiple applications running, which could mean investing in the 16-core might not change much in gaming performance right away.

Honestly, waiting for the 9950X3D2 might be the way to go if you can hold out. It's supposed to combine the best features of both CPUs, giving you great performance while still addressing some of the issues that users have found with the cache and core setup. It could suit your needs beautifully if you want the extra cores without compromising on gaming.