The world’s best gaming CPU launches today – here’s where to find the 9800X3D

What you need to know

AMD officially launched the Ryzen 7 9800X3D desktop processor using the Zen 5 architecture.
The new CPU features AMD 3D V-Cache technology that significantly boosts gaming performance.
The Ryzen 7 9800X3D is now available to buy starting at $479, $30 more than the predecessor Ryzen 7 7800X3D.

As a seasoned PC gamer with over two decades of building and upgrading systems under my belt, I must say that the Ryzen 7 9800X3D has certainly piqued my interest. Having gone through multiple generations of processors myself, I can empathize with your situation.

As a researcher excitedly delving into the latest technological advancements, I am thrilled to announce that the long-awaited Ryzen 7 9800X3D has finally seen the light of day after months of whispers and speculation in tech circles. This groundbreaking processor arrives on the heels of AMD’s standard Ryzen 9000 desktop chips, which were favorably received following their release in August 2024, as Senior Editor Ben Wilson attested in his glowing review.

Wilson has also assessed the latest Ryzen 7 9800X3D, referring to it as “the top-tier gaming CPU” and awarding it a Windows Central Best Award. This recognition comes even though its initial price tag is $30 more expensive than the previous model, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D, which remains on the market today.

In the days ahead, I anticipate that we’ll witness additional Ryzen 9000 X3D chips hitting the market. However, it’s hard to imagine that the 9800X3D won’t continue to be the preferred pick among gamers for quite some time.

“Make no mistake: the Ryzen 7 9800X3D is the best gaming CPU”

It’s no secret, given recent Zen 5 speculations, that the new Ryzen 7 9800X3D has outperformed its forerunner and emerged as the top choice for gaming enthusiasts on their PCs.

In the examination of the 9800X3D, Senior Editor Ben Wilson utilized an MSI MPG X870E Carbon WiFi motherboard, a Liquid Freezer III 360 cooling system, and G.Skill Trident Z5 Neo RGB DDR5 memory. During his review of the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, he expressed:

Let me be clear: The Ryzen 7 9800X3D stands out as the top choice for gaming CPUs, displacing its predecessor and reigning supreme like a cache-rich titan. However, it doesn’t excel in productivity tasks. It wouldn’t be ideal for a computer that primarily runs Microsoft Office and Teams due to the 9900X and 9950X leading the pack in this area. But if you’re focusing on gaming, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D surpasses any Intel CPU currently centered around productivity.

As a tech enthusiast, I must admit, it’s quite a hit to my wallet that the new 9800X3D will require a significant investment in a new motherboard and RAM upgrades. The increased MSRP seems like a playful $30 pinch, but considering the expense, it’s got a bit of bite. However, this is the cutting-edge for PC gaming, offering unprecedented FPS counts that no other setup can match if paired with a high-performance GPU. It’s worth every penny to dive into the latest AAA titles, drowning in their visual opulence.

Similar to the Ryzen 7 7800X3D, this processor is primarily designed for gaming purposes. As Wilson points out, its productivity ratings aren’t outstanding, with some productivity benchmarks showing it trailing behind the Core Ultra 5 245K. Here’s a breakdown of the results:

Surprisingly, or not so surprisingly depending on your perspective, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D delivers exceptional gaming performance. As you’ll notice in the following data, it outperforms Intel’s top-tier Core i9-285K significantly in demanding games. This is quite remarkable given that the Core i9-285K boasts more cores, more threads, a faster clock speed, and a higher Thermal Design Power (TDP).

Wilson additionally extracted actual performance benchmarks from the games shown in the chart above to get a clearer understanding of where the performance stands. These are some of the most challenging games currently available, but it’s evident that the Ryzen 7 9800X3D handles them effortlessly.

Distinctive benchmarks show that the Ryzen 7 9800X3D delivers a significant performance boost, with a 52% improvement in Cyberpunk 2077 and a 43% enhancement in Far Cry 6. Remarkably, it also offers a 41% performance jump over Intel’s Core Ultra 9 285K in the latest Call of Duty: Black Ops 6.

Is it worth upgrading to the Ryzen 7 9800X3D?

The Ryzen 7 9800X3D is undoubtedly tempting for any serious PC gamers. I know I’ve had my eye on the new chip since rumors began, and based on the positive reviews I plan on putting together a PC upgrade plan.

Moving forward, I’m currently using a Ryzen 7 5800X processor, which is a bit outdated compared to newer models. This processor and its supporting components like the AM4 motherboard socket and DDR4 RAM will need to be upgraded if I decide to change processors. Similarly, if you own a Ryzen 5000 chip, you’ll also likely have to upgrade your motherboard and memory. Whether or not it’s financially wise for you to make the upgrade at this moment is something only you can determine. However, if you’re considering an upgrade to the Zen 5 chip, I recommend checking out top-rated motherboards compatible with the Ryzen 7 9800X3D to help with your search.

If you currently own a Ryzen 7 7800X3D, it might not be necessary to upgrade to the 9800X3D because the performance gains may not justify the cost. The reason being that your current CPU uses the AM5 socket and DDR5 RAM, which means an upgrade path would be more straightforward. However, the $479 Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of the 9800X3D might seem rather high when your 7800X3D is still quite powerful.

Here’s a quick look at the Ryzen 9800X3D and 7800X3D specifications.

Where to buy the Ryzen 7 9800X3D

You can now buy the Ryzen 7 9800X3D from prominent online stores such as Best Buy, Newegg, B&H Photo, or Amazon.

The price of $479 remains consistent across different sellers at the moment, and it is anticipated to stay this way for now. However, there might be a chance that the new CPU could see a price reduction during Black Friday or Cyber Monday sales, if there are still units available to be discounted.

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?

It seems that many pre-constructed gaming computers will feature the Ryzen 7 9800X3D as their main component, but at the moment of its release, the number of choices available is quite restricted.

On launch day and beyond, I will ensure this article remains up-to-date by including any newly launched pre-built computers equipped with the 9800X3D CPU that I come across.

Is the Ryzen 7 7800X3D still available to buy?

Indeed, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D, a past model, is still up for purchase. However, due to market fluctuations, it’s priced higher than when it initially launched. In countries like Canada, where I reside, it can be quite challenging to find one. This scarcity underscores its enduring strength and appeal.

At approximately $476 on Amazon, or roughly $570 on Newegg and Walmart, it’s not a bad idea to consider purchasing the more recent Ryzen 7 9800X3D instead, as its price is comparatively similar.

If the cost of the 7800X3D unexpectedly plummets after the release of the 9800X3D, my advice might shift. Moreover, Black Friday and Cyber Monday are fast approaching, traditionally providing a chance to snag substantial discounts on PC components and enhancements.

2024-11-07 20:25