As a seasoned PC builder with decades of experience under my belt, I must say that the AMD Ryzen 7 9700X is a real gem in the world of mid-range gaming processors. Coming from someone who’s seen his fair share of processor launches and their associated problems, this chip stands out as one of the most promising offerings in recent memory.
For quite some time now, I’ve advocated for the AMD Ryzen 5 5600X and, following a potential price decrease, the Ryzen 7 5800X as well. In fact, my personal gaming setup is equipped with the latter processor.
When it comes to desktop processors, AMD consistently offers better affordability compared to Intel. However, Intel occasionally outperforms AMD in certain performance aspects. The importance of this difference depends on various cost-conscious factors that are significant to you personally.
As a researcher, I’ve been impressed by the significant advancements in performance that the newly released AMD Ryzen 7 9700X has made, despite its reduced power consumption and cost. In single-core benchmarks, it even surpasses my previous recommendation for the best gaming CPU on the market. Here are my findings from testing this chip and how it stacks up against its main competitors.
Ryzen 7 9700X: Price, availability, and specs
Starting on Thursday, August 8, 2024, AMD will make its Ryzen 7 9700X available for purchase through popular retailers such as Best Buy and Newegg, at a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $359. This latest model offers a significant improvement in performance-per-dollar value, with a roughly 10% reduction in price compared to the previous generation Ryzen 7 7700X.
As a seasoned tech enthusiast who has closely followed AMD’s product lineup for years, I must say that the recent development in the 9700X CPU is quite intriguing to me. The base TDP dropping down from 105W to 65W on the 9700X is a welcome change, considering my past experience with power-hungry CPUs causing system instability and overheating issues. I find it particularly noteworthy that this move brings the 9700X back in line with its older counterparts, ensuring compatibility with more motherboards and systems in general.
In contrast to the Ryzen 8000G Series, the Ryzen 9000 processors lack AMD’s XDNA 2 NPU (Neural Processing Unit) for specialized AI processing. Instead, they utilize an ‘improved’ Advanced Vector Extensions 512 (AVX-512) datapath within the CPU chiplet to manage AI tasks. More recently, AMD has introduced the Ryzen AI 300 Series mobile chips, which are geared towards generative AI applications on laptops.
The Ryzen 7 9700X comes equipped with an integrated Radeon graphics chiplet that operates at 2.2GHz. This is beneficial for users who don’t have a separate graphics card, as it allows video output. However, the expansion options are reliant on your chosen motherboard. It’s important to note that modern motherboards generally support PCIe 5.0 for contemporary GPUs and DDR5 RAM is now a standard requirement.
Recommended hardware
According to AMD, they advise using a conventional air cooler for the Ryzen 7 9700X and the upcoming AM5 motherboards in the 800 Series, which include the X870 and X870E chipsets. Although the 870 Series motherboards will be capable of exceeding overclocked DDR5 memory speeds up to 8000MT/s and more, AMD previously demonstrated G.SKILL Trident Z5 Neo RGB DDR5-6400 RAM as a sample and continues to suggest using an AUTO:1:1 DDR5-6000 EXPO profile if possible, to maintain optimal performance levels.
Ryzen 7 9700X: Multi core performance
In terms of multi-core performance, AMD’s octa-core Ryzen 7 9700X, a 65W processor, is often surpassed by four Intel processors from the last two generations during extended stress tests using Cinebench 2024. Specifically, the 13th Gen Core i5-13600K and Core i7-13700K, as well as the 14th Gen Core i5-14600K and Core i7-14700K, generally outperform it. However, in burst CPU performance tests with Geekbench 6, the Ryzen 7 9700X may slightly edge ahead.
Although not quite on par with the leap from the 5700X to 7700X, the Ryzen 7 9700X still offers a notable improvement in multicore generation performance, even while reducing its base Thermal Design Power (TDP) by 40 watts.
The previous-generation Ryzen 7 7700X pulls ahead in one multi-core benchmark, compressing and decompressing synthetic 7-Zip archives. It also came close in the CPU-Z benchmark test but never outperformed the Ryzen 7 9700X in single-core performance. Intel’s 14th Gen i7-14700K multi-core results are leagues ahead with twice the wattage and the explicit increase to 20 cores and 28 threads over the 8c/16t count on the Ryzen 7 9700X, as well as a $50 increase on its MSRP.
As a researcher examining the advancements in CPU technology, I must emphasize that AMD’s strides towards delivering multi-core performance at half the power consumption compared to Intel’s rivals should not be underestimated. The Ryzen 7 9700X, despite a base TDP drop from 105W to 40W compared to its predecessor, the Ryzen 7 7700X, has managed to deliver a reasonable generational performance boost. However, it’s essential to note that this improvement is not on par with the considerable leap AMD made from the 65W 5700X. Regardless, it remains an impressive feat as AMD transitions from the Zen 4 5nm manufacturing process to TSMC’s 4nm, contributing significantly to the Ryzen 9000 Series’ overall demonstration of performance-per-watt improvements.
The benchmark results show that the Ryzen 7 9700X operates at a base frequency of 3.8GHz, a slight decrease from the 105W Ryzen 7 7700X’s starting 4.5GHz. However, overclocking fans need not fret because the 9700X can still reach up to 5.5GHz, just slightly faster than the 7700X’s 5.4GHz. This is surprising given its lower base power and maximum socket limits. AMD manages to provide a minor improvement in multi-core performance while maintaining the same 65W power consumption, as it continues to use the AM5 socket until 2027 for possible upgrades to the high-end Ryzen 9 9950X after price reductions.
Is the AMD Ryzen 7 9700X good for gaming?
Indeed, yes. Although it doesn’t feature AMD’s 3D V-Cache, the Ryzen 7 9700X outperforms its predecessor, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D, a processor that has been highly recommended for gaming since its launch due to its power. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that gamers who have already adopted the Zen 4 -X3D chip should immediately consider an upgrade, as performance enhancements are minimal. Instead, it might encourage those looking to upgrade from a Ryzen 5000 Series processor.
As a seasoned PC builder with years of experience under my belt, I wholeheartedly endorse the Ryzen 5 5600X for budget-conscious gamers constructing their own gaming rig. In fact, I’ve been running the Ryzen 7 5800X in my personal gaming desktop since it dropped in price from its original MSRP.
Ryzen 7 9700X: Single core performance
As a tech enthusiast, I’ve got to say, AMD’s Ryzen 7 9700X is dominating the competition in single-core performance, standing tall at the peak with some of the best scores yet – except for CPU-Z’s comparison against Intel’s 14th Gen i7-14700K. The 9700X, with its lower physical core count of 8 compared to the 20 cores on the 14700K, allows each core to consume a larger share of wattage, delivering stronger performance per core.
As an enthusiast, I can’t help but cheer as AMD snatches the single-core lead from Intel with the Ryzen 7 9700X going toe-to-toe with the 14th Gen i7-14700K in most CPU benchmarks. The competition is heating up!
In a hypothetical scenario where each core handles distinct tasks independently, AMD processors would offer an advantage by consuming slightly fewer watts per core. This aspect is attractive to gamers since single-core performance often matters significantly for many games, even though modern game engines can adapt to multi-threaded options more efficiently. Remarkably, the Ryzen 7 9700X, being in the mid-tier of the 9000 Series, demonstrates a remarkable improvement in single-core performance. If your applications and games benefit from single-core optimizations, you’ll appreciate the 9700X.
Ryzen 7 9700X: The competition
As a tech enthusiast, I’m excited about AMD’s upcoming launches – the Ryzen 7 9700X and its more affordable sibling, the Ryzen 5 9600X. This comes at an interesting time as Intel is grappling with instability issues affecting their 13th and 14th Gen Core desktop processors. A microcode patch is currently being distributed to compatible motherboards, but there’s still a potential risk that early 2023-manufactured chips like the i7-13700K could experience oxidization issues due to unresolved concerns about this problem.
AMD’s Ryzen 9000 series chips encountered launch issues, leading to delays in the release of the 9600X and 9700X. These delays were due to a production problem that appeared to be a minor typographical error on the chips themselves. Despite these hiccups, tech-savvy PC builders who are used to updating their motherboard firmware shouldn’t hesitate to compare the 9700X with its main competitors. Notably, Intel provides extended warranties and RMA assistance, making it an attractive option for comparison.
Despite the microcode bug controversy not having occurred, and if Intel and AMD were on an even playing field, the debate over performance-per-watt and associated costs of each processor would still be a significant factor. Inside their own ranks, AMD compares the Ryzen 7 9700X to Intel’s 14th Gen Core i7-14700K. The former is a $359, 65W AMD chip boasting 8 cores and 16 threads, while the latter is a more expensive $409, 125W Intel variant offering 20 cores and 28 threads.
It might be challenging for less tech-savvy individuals to effectively utilize Intel’s 13th or 14th Generation processors without frequent system adjustments and BIOS updates, as these components may encounter issues that require advanced knowledge.
As a researcher analyzing benchmarking data, I find the Ryzen 7 9700X to be analogous to a mid-range Intel Core i5-13600K from the 13th Gen, which retails at $329 but is available for as low as $249.99 on Best Buy. However, despite the potential savings of approximately $100, I would not feel comfortable advising anyone who isn’t highly adept with system adjustments and regular BIOS updates to consider Intel’s 13th or 14th Gen processors, as they may encounter issues without these technical skills.
For avid gamers, it’s advisable to hold off on upgrades and anticipate the upcoming X3D versions of the Ryzen 9000 Series if you’re not already using a significantly older system. Those who own AM5 motherboards might not notice substantial improvements with the 9700X compared to their existing Ryzen 7000 or even 8000G processors, but gamers on older AM4 boards could consider the 9700X as a mid-range upgrade. Intel users utilizing 12th Gen chips and earlier will need to replace their motherboards regardless, but they can look forward to the 9700X as a satisfactory upgrade.
Ryzen 7 9700X: Should you buy?
You should buy this if …
✅ Your apps need strong single-core performance
As a researcher, I’ve come across some remarkable findings with the Ryzen 7 9700X. Its exceptional single-core performance is truly impressive, standing out among the best I’ve encountered thus far. This makes it an ideal choice for gaming and creative applications, ensuring smooth and efficient performance in these areas.
✅ You’re building a mid-range gaming PC
As a researcher examining the latest processors, I’ve found an intriguing development: The 9700X, while boasting a significant price reduction compared to its predecessor, also outperforms the Ryzen 7000 Series in terms of performance-per-watt. This makes it a compelling choice over the previously favored 5600X.
You should avoid this if …
❌ You’re a hardcore gamer targeting the best specs
It is likely that AMD will introduce 3D V-Cache versions (Ryzen 9000 Series -X3D) in their upcoming lineup, which might be a better choice than the 9700X for a high-end gaming setup that leverages AMD’s 3D V-Cache technology.
❌ You already have an equivalent Ryzen 7000 Series chip
The new 9700X processor shows significant advancements in multi-core and single-core performance compared to its predecessor, but it doesn’t demonstrate a substantial jump over the Ryzen 7 7700X from the previous generation.
In simpler terms, AMD’s new Ryzen 9000 Series desktop processors provide exceptional single-core performance, even though they fall under the mid-range category. They also show a satisfactory improvement in multi-core performance generationally. The best part is that these chips have seen a significant price drop compared to their predecessors, the Ryzen 7000 -X series. Moreover, they operate at a 65W base power consumption, making them an excellent choice for budget-conscious builders aiming for optimal performance per watt. They are now my top recommendations for value-for-money picks, replacing the Ryzen 5 5600X and Ryzen 7 5800X in this category.
Despite some microcode issues with their 13th and 14th generation chips, Intel isn’t necessarily out of the running. Many Intel Core desktop processors remain unaffected or can be fixed with a BIOS update. However, these high-powered 125W chips have been surpassed in single-core performance and can’t match AMD’s pricing for this generation. This is an impressive showing from Team Red, making it one of the easiest recommendations I’ve ever made.
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2024-08-07 16:13