AMD’s Ryzen 7 9800X3D is now available, dethroning the Ryzen 7 7800X3D as the fastest gaming CPU. Based on the Zen 5 core architecture and a re-engineered cache die, the 9800X3D is likely going to be the best chip for gamers for the next couple of years. But how does it stack compared to the previous king, and against Intel’s popular 14th Gen Core i7-14700KF processor? Let’s find out!
Test Bench
- Cooler: ASUS ROG Strix LC II 360.
- Motherboard: Gigabyte X870E.
- GPU: NVIDIA RTX 4090 FE.
- Memory: 16 GB x2 @ 6000 MT/s CL28.
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D: Specs & Pricing
AMD’s Ryzen 7 9800X3D features similar specifications as its predecessor, the 7800X3D. From x8 Zen 4 to x8 Zen 5 cores and x16 threads paired with 96 MB of L3 cache, the CPUs look similar. The primary upgrade comes in the form of the re-engineered cache die which is now placed below the compute (core) die. This allows for a 200 MHz increase in core clocks, from 5 GHz on the 7800X3D to 5.2 GHz on the 9800X3D.
| CPU | Cores/Threads | Boost/Base Frequency | L3 Cache | TDP | Market Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ryzen 7 9800X3D | 8C/16T | 5.2 GHz/4.7 GHz | 32 MB+ 64 MB | 120W | $479 |
| Ryzen 7 7800X3D | 8C/16T | 5 GHz/4.2 GHz | 32 MB+ 64 MB | 120W | $449 |
| Ryzen 7 9700X | 8C/16T | 5.5 GHz/3.8 GHz | 32 MB | 65W | $312 |
| Ryzen 7 7700X | 8C/16T | 5.4 GHz/4.5 GHz | 32 MB | 105W | $269 |
AMD claims an average 8% performance gain over the 7800X3D in gaming workloads, with 1% lows getting a ~31% uplift. This translates to ~20% higher framerates versus the Intel Core Ultra 7 265K for a $79 markup.
The Ryzen 7 9800X3D features the same 120W base TDP (150W PPT) as the 7800X3D, with a retail price of $479, compared to $399 for the 285K, $312 for the 9700X, and about as much for the 7800X3D.
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D: Gaming Performance
The Ryzen 7 9800X3D is on average 7-12% faster than the Ryzen 7 7800X3D across a dozen games at 720p “Ultra.” This includes ray-traced titles like Black Myth, where there’s no scaling at all, and Cyberpunk 2077, where we observed a generational uplift of 11%.
Final Fantasy XIV is among the top gainers, where the 9800X3D averages nearly 15% higher than the 7800X3D at the highest-quality preset.
Similarly, “The Callisto Protocol” sees a 19% average FPS improvement over the 7800X3D, producing averages of more than 300 FPS at 720p “Ultra.” The 1% lows, too, are 24% higher on the 9800X3D, increasing from 141 FPS to 175 FPS.
Of course, there are a few games that show minimal games. These include Hitman 3, where the generational improvement stays within the margin of error.
Overall, we see a nearly 10% performance uplift in average framerates upon switching from the 7800X3D to the 9800X3D at 720p.
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D: Frametimes & Lows
The Ryzen 9 9800X3D shows a marked improvement in the 1% lows which translates to smoother gaming sessions. Ray-tracing heavyweights like Metro Exodus produce more consistent frame-pacing as the 9800X3D is better able to deal with the increased draw calls.
Hitman 3 is a similar example, where the 9800X3D delivers more consistent frametimes over the 7800X3D, as is “The Callisto Protocol.”
In general, the 9800X3D produces smoother frametimes in ray-traced games where most chips tend to choke with subpar lows.
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D: Power Consumption & Thermals
The Ryzen 7 7800X3D and the 9800X3D share the same 120W TDP budget, but the latter draws more power under load. We observed a 47% increase in average power consumption, from 78W to 115W during intensive gaming sessions.
Fortunately, this didn’t have a notable impact on the operating temperatures, and most capable AIO coolers should have no trouble keeping the 9800X3D under 80C during prolonged playtimes.
Conclusion: Flagship Gaming Performance on a Budget
The Ryzen 7 7800X3D has been extremely popular on account of its flagship gaming capabilities for less than $400. The Ryzen 7 9800X3D retains its best qualities, including power efficiency, affordability, and peak framerates for a marginal price hike. The 10% generational uplift may not make it upgrade-worthy for 7800X3D owners, but anyone on an Intel Alder Lake or Ryzen 7000 chip can definitively consider it.
