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AMD boosted performance and efficiency here, and it’s the new best CPU for PC gaming.
However, its popularity means it’s almost always sold out or being scalped for unrealistic prices.
The 9800X3D is undeniably faster than the 7800X3D, yet both chips remain top options for PC gamers.
Here’s a look at the specs that make up these two AMD CPUs.
Only the 9800X3D picks up some efficiency boosts from the newerZen 5architecture.
Both Ryzen CPUs work on the AM5 socket, allowing for easy upgrades in the future.
AMD says it’s keeping AM5 support going until 2027, so no worries there with either CPU.
This is evident in the fact that the 9800X3D is unlocked for overclocking, whereas the 7800X3D is not.
It also helps propel the base and boost clocks of the 9800X3D ahead of the 7800X3D.
The 9800X3D is undeniably faster than the 7800X3D, yet both chips remain top options for PC gamers.
AMD buffed the L1 cache on the 9800X3D, otherwise keeping L2 and L3 the same.
As mentioned, both the Ryzen 7 9800X3D and 7800X3D are available in pre-built systems.
Newegg has a collection of pre-built PCs with the 7800X3D, withprices starting at about $1,386.
Likewise, Amazon’s Ryzen 7 7800X3D pre-builtsstart at about $1,499at the time of writing.
Best Buy has fewer pre-built models, but there are a couple of modelsstarting at about $1,650.
It, too, has 9800X3D pre-builts, and prices again startat around $1,600.
The Ryzen 7 7800X3D remains a top CPU for PC gamers despite the 9800X3D’s performance gains.
Like the 7800X3D, the 9800X3D’s 3D V-Cache is designed specifically to boost performance in games.
However, it’s not winning any awards for productivity."
Gaming is where the 7800X3D and 9800X3D excel.
Geekbench 6 tests synthetic CPU burst performance.(Image credit: Ben Wilson | Windows Central)
The 7800X3D hit a 251.52 FPS average, with a 113.2 FPS low.
That’s a huge difference on the low end, which translates to an overall smoother experience.
Efficiency will also play a part in your final decision.
Cinebench 2024 forces a sustained CPU stress test.(Image credit: Ben Wilson | Windows Central)
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D vs. 7800X3D: Which should you buy?
That means the future upgrade path doesn’t really change based on the CPU.
If you find one or the other for sale at a reasonable price, I recommend you grab it.
7-Zip tests archive compression and decompression speeds.(Image credit: Ben Wilson | Windows Central)
CPU-Z tests single and multi core burst performance.(Image credit: Ben Wilson | Windows Central)
This AMD slide shows how some games don’t benefit much from the newer 9800X3D chip, while others get a significant boost.
