I'd expect the 9800X3D to drop to $449 or lower pretty soon once the 9850X3D launches. Rumors are strong for CES announcement and I wouldn't be surprised if it launches not long after.
I'm curious about one thing though. Whatever happened to 2x12GB=24GB kits???? Those could've softened the blow but only a little bit. Still, better than 2x8GB kits.