AMD Ryzen 7 9700X vs. Ryzen 7 7800X3D: A bigger number isn’t always better, especially for PC gaming

AMD Ryzen 7 9700X vs. Ryzen 7 7800X3D: A bigger number isn't always better, especially for PC gaming

As a seasoned PC builder and gamer with years of experience under my belt, I can confidently say that the AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D is the cream of the crop for gaming enthusiasts like myself. The 3D V-Cache technology has been a game-changer, delivering noticeable improvements in framerates that no one should overlook.


The debut of AMD’s initial batch of Ryzen 9000 “Granite Ridge” central processing units (CPUs), including the Ryzen 5 9600X and Ryzen 7 9700X, has taken place. These new Zen 5 CPUs offer enhanced power efficiency and exceptional performance, although the advancements compared to the Ryzen 7000 series may not be substantial enough for an upgrade in every situation.

There are undoubtedly plenty of PC gamers and builders wondering if the Ryzen 7 9700X is the right choice for their next upgrade, while others are still musing over the last-gen Ryzen 7 7800X3D. Both are impressive CPUs, but one is made specifically for gaming, while the other is a solid mid-range pick for productivity and fun.

Considering the price is so close between the two Ryzen 7 chips, your decision might not be as easy as you thought. I’ve put together this guide to help you pick the right Ryzen 7 CPU for your PC.

AMD Ryzen 7 9700X vs. Ryzen 7 7800X3D: Specs

Prior to diving into details about 3D V-Cache, performance figures, and key points, let’s first examine the technical specifications that form the foundation of these processors.

AMD Ryzen 7 9700X vs. Ryzen 7 7800X3D: Price and availability

The newly released AMD Ryzen 7 9700X is now up for purchase. Initially scheduled to launch along with its counterpart Ryzen 5 9600X on July 31, a minor hiccup due to labeling issues led to a slight postponement, moving the release date to August 8.

As an analyst, I would recommend purchasing the Ryzen 7 9700X from Newegg if you’re in the market for this processor. It’s currently retailing at its launch price of $359, which is a significant $110 cheaper than the original price of the Ryzen 7 7800X. Notably, it remains slightly less expensive compared to the Zen 4 chip available today. Additionally, Amazon also stocks the Ryzen 7 9700X.

Today, you can easily purchase AMD’s previous-generation Ryzen 7 7800X3D from popular online stores like Newegg, Best Buy, and Amazon. The best deals are currently available at Amazon and Newegg, where the price has dropped to approximately $366.

With the 7800X3D, you’ll find an air cooler included. However, AMD advises using an AiO liquid cooling system for optimal performance. On the other hand, the Ryzen 7 9700X doesn’t come with a cooling solution in its package. AMD suggests investing in a high-end air cooler for this chip instead.

AMD Ryzen 7 9700X vs. Ryzen 7 7800X3D: 3D V-Cache explained

In this comparison, I’m looking at the Ryzen 7 7800X3D, which features AMD’s innovative 3D V-Cache technology that was initially introduced in the Ryzen 7 5800X3D. Unlike traditional CPUs, which have cache attached to the same die for faster data access, the size and structure of this cache significantly impacts performance. AMD’s unique Hybrid Bond 3D method – referred to as 3D V-Cache – enhances connection density between chip layers, resulting in improved performance due to its more efficient design.

As a tech enthusiast, when scrutinizing the specifications of a contemporary CPU, you’ll often encounter terms like L1, L2, and L3 cache. These are typically measured in kilobytes (KB) and megabytes (MB). The “L” signifies the level of the cache, with L1 being right next to the CPU for optimal speed. On the other hand, the L3 cache, situated farther away from the CPU, boasts a larger capacity.

AMD’s 3D V-Cache innovation enables vertical stacking of L3 cache layers, which does not increase the chip’s thickness. Remarkably, the 7600X3D boasts an impressive 96MB of L3 cache for enhanced performance.

As a gaming analyst, I’d like to highlight the importance of advanced processing units in our gaming experience. Unlike us, the computer doesn’t know our next move in a game, hence it needs to perform numerous calculations at lightning speed to keep pace with our actions. Instead of relying on the system’s general RAM, which is relatively slow, the Central Processing Unit (CPU) can quickly access data from specialized 3D V-Cache. This is why AMD’s X3D chips are particularly beneficial for gaming PCs, as they significantly enhance the CPU’s ability to handle the heavy computations required for smooth and immersive gameplay.

The latest Ryzen 7 9700X model does not include the 3D V-Cache technology; instead, it offers a standard 32MB of L3 cache. It’s anticipated that AMD will soon introduce Ryzen 9000 X3D versions, similar to their approach with previous generations.

AMD Ryzen 7 9700X vs. Ryzen 7 7800X3D: Compute or gaming power?

AMD Ryzen 7 9700X vs. Ryzen 7 7800X3D: A bigger number isn't always better, especially for PC gamingAMD Ryzen 7 9700X vs. Ryzen 7 7800X3D: A bigger number isn't always better, especially for PC gaming

Both the Ryzen 7 9700X and the Ryzen 7 7800X3D come equipped with 8 cores, 16 threads, hyperthreading, and overclocking capabilities. The key difference lies in their clock speeds: while the base speed of the older chip is set at 4.2GHz, the newer one has a lower base speed of 3.8GHz. However, it’s worth noting that the newer chip offers a higher boost clock speed of 5.5GHz compared to the 5GHz of its predecessor.

The 3D V-Cache technology in the Ryzen 7 7800X3D still makes it a superior pick for gamers, even following the release of the Ryzen 7 9700X. You’ll notice improved frame rates in your preferred games with the 7800X3D, but be aware that it consumes more power and generates more heat compared to its counterpart.

The Ryzen 7 9700X operates more efficiently with lower power consumption and maintains a cooler temperature. In standard computing benchmarks, it outperforms the 7800X3D, whether it’s for single-core or multi-core tasks. For creators or designers dealing with heavy workloads, the 7900X is an excellent choice due to its high processing power.

AMD Ryzen 7 9700X vs. Ryzen 7 7800X3D: A bigger number isn't always better, especially for PC gaming
AMD Ryzen 7 9700X vs. Ryzen 7 7800X3D: A bigger number isn't always better, especially for PC gaming

It doesn’t mean that the new chip is not excellent for gaming as well. In his Ryzen 7 9700X review on Windows Central, editor Ben Wilson notes:

“Although the Ryzen 7 9700X lacks AMD’s 3D V-Cache, which caters to gamers, it performs on par with the previous generation’s Ryzen 7 7800X3D in compute scores. This processor has been highly recommended as the best gaming CPU since its launch. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that those who have adopted the Zen 4 -X3D chip should immediately consider an upgrade. The performance enhancements are relatively small, making it more of a tempting proposition for those looking to replace a Ryzen 5000 Series processor.”

When it comes to enhancing or assembling a PC equipped with a CPU capable of both work and play, this isn’t uncharted territory, and for such purposes, I would incline toward the Ryzen 7 9700X. However, for avid gamers, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D stands as the preferred pick.

AMD Ryzen 7 9700X vs. Ryzen 7 7800X3D: Which should you buy?

AMD Ryzen 7 9700X vs. Ryzen 7 7800X3D: A bigger number isn't always better, especially for PC gamingAMD Ryzen 7 9700X vs. Ryzen 7 7800X3D: A bigger number isn't always better, especially for PC gaming

For enthusiasts constructing or enhancing a PC primarily for gaming purposes, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D is recommended. Its 3D V-Cache advantage is significant, leading to noticeable enhancements in frame rates. As Ben Wilson pointed out in his Ryzen 7 7800X3D review, while it may fall short on productivity tasks, the question is whether that matters much for gaming.

As a gaming enthusiast who juggles work and leisure time, I can confidently say that the Ryzen 7 9700X is a fantastic choice. It’s not only efficient but also slightly more affordable, making it an appealing option. Plus, it leverages the advantages of the Zen 5 architecture. Remarkably, it uses the same AM5 motherboard socket as Ryzen 7000 chips, and an air cooler is sufficient to keep it running smoothly.

If you currently own a Ryzen 7 7800X3D, there’s no pressing need to swap it out for a Ryzen 7 9700X right now. However, things might shift when AMD releases X3D versions of their Ryzen 9000 series, but that’s not expected in the near term.

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2024-08-13 19:39