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If you want the absolute best processor for PC gaming, there’s really no other option.
However, it’s not winning any awards for productivity.
The AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D is the new best CPU for PC gaming, edging out its 7800X3D predecessor in raw performance.
Like the predecessor Ryzen 7 7800X3D, this is a processor intended mainly for gaming.
Here’s a look at the results.
As expected, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D’s performance absolutely shines in games.
The Ryzen 7 9800X3D installed in the motherboard used for testing.
Is it worth upgrading to the Ryzen 7 9800X3D?
The Ryzen 7 9800X3D is undoubtedly tempting for any serious PC gamers.
If you’re working with a Ryzen 5000 chip, you’ll need to do the same.
The Ryzen 7 9800X3D installed in the motherboard used for testing.
Whether or not that makes financial sense right now only you’re free to say.
Here’s a quick look at the Ryzen 9800X3D and 7800X3D specifications.
If you’re buying at launch, here are the retailers currently offering the chip at $479.
Are there pre-built PCs with the Ryzen 7 9800X3D?
With the standalone CPUs now sold out everywhere I look, a pre-built might be your next best option.
I first spotted a couple of custom PCs from iBuyPower.
Geekbench 6 tests synthetic CPU burst performance.(Image credit: Ben Wilson | Windows Central)
See at iBuyPower.com
CyberPowerPC is so far the only other builder I spotted featuring the Ryzen 7 9800X3D.
See CyberPowerPC’s Ryzen 7 9800X3D pre-built PCs
Is the Ryzen 7 7800X3D still available to buy?
Yes, the predecessor Ryzen 7 7800X3D is still available to buy.
Cinebench 2024 forces a sustained CPU stress test.(Image credit: Ben Wilson | Windows Central)
It is, however, more expensive now than it was at launch.
In some countries, including Canada where I’m located, it’s practically impossible to find.
That’s a testament to its lasting power and popularity.
7-Zip tests archive compression and decompression speeds.(Image credit: Ben Wilson | Windows Central)
My recommendation changes if the price of the 7800X3D suddenly drops following the 9800X3D launch.
If prices should fall below those of the newer chip, I strongly recommend it as an alternative.
The best price at the time of writing is at Amazon ($476).
CPU-Z tests single and multi core burst performance.(Image credit: Ben Wilson | Windows Central)
AMD’s 9800X3D pulls ahead of Intel’s Core Ultra 9 285K in most games for FPS, with unusual data in Forza Horizon 5 likely caused by temporary bugs.(Image credit: Ben Wilson | Windows Central)
AMD’s in-house claims for gaming performance vary between different games.(Image credit: AMD)
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 in-game benchmark data.(Image credit: Ben Wilson | Windows Central)
Black Myth: Wukong in-game benchmark data.(Image credit: Ben Wilson | Windows Central)
Forza Horizon 5 in-game benchmark data.(Image credit: Ben Wilson | Windows Central)
Cyberpunk 2077 in-game benchmark data.(Image credit: Ben Wilson | Windows Central)
Ashes of the Singularity: Escalation in-game benchmark data.(Image credit: Ben Wilson | Windows Central)
Far Cry 6 in-game benchmark data.(Image credit: Ben Wilson | Windows Central)
The AMD Ryzen 7800X3D remains a great option for gaming PCs, though its current elevated price makes the 9800X3D seem even better.
