AMD’s Ryzen 7 9800X3D improves on the 7800X3D in nearly every way, but should you upgrade?

As a tech enthusiast who has been following the gaming scene for quite some time now, I’ve got to say that both the AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D and 7800X3D CPUs are absolute beasts when it comes to gaming performance. However, if you’re looking for the ultimate gaming experience, I’d highly recommend splurging on the Ryzen 7 9800X3D.


The AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D and Ryzen 7 7800X3D serve as AMD’s premier CPUs for gaming, with the latter being the older model but still a strong choice for PC construction enthusiasts, despite the newer release of the Ryzen 7 9800X3D.

Due to high demand, it could be challenging to find these models priced affordably, either because resellers are exploiting the scarcity of the 9800X3D for personal gain or because third-party vendors are increasing the cost of the 7800X3D excessively.

Both of these chips are absolutely worth buying in 2024, but choosing the right one for your build can be tough. I’m looking at price, availability, performance, and a few other metrics to help you decide between the Ryzen 7 9800X3D and 7800X3D.

Ryzen 7 9800X3D vs. 7800X3D: Price, availability, and specs

On November 7, 2024, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D was officially released with an MSRP of $479. However, it didn’t take long for major retailers to run out of stock. Now, these chips are being resold at exorbitant prices due to scalpers. If budget isn’t a concern, I suggest either keeping an eye out for restocks or investing in a pre-built system that includes the 9800X3D.

In various online stores like Best Buy, Newegg, Amazon, and B&H, you can find the 9800X3D model. However, it’s just Amazon that appears to be providing third-party options at this moment. Upon writing this guide, I noticed a 9800X3D selling for $399 on Amazon, but the seller was relatively unknown and had only one chip available. This situation seems somewhat questionable.

On a thrilling tech-enthusiast note, I recently got wind that the Ryzen 7 7800X3D hit the market on April 6, 2023, priced at an MSRP of $449 – a cool $30 less than its big brother, the 9800X3D. However, just like its more expensive sibling, the 7800X3D remains elusive at major online retailers, making it quite the hot commodity!

Here’s a look at the specs that make up these two AMD CPUs.

In essence, both processors boast almost identical specifications, offering 8 cores and 16 threads, with a base power consumption of 120W. However, the interior design of the 9800X3D undergoes significant changes, as its second-generation 3D V-Cache is now positioned beneath the cores for improved heat management and overall enhanced performance. It’s worth noting that only the 9800X3D benefits from the efficiencies derived from the newer Zen 5 architecture.

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.

As a passionate enthusiast, I can’t help but notice some exciting differences between the two processors: the 9800X3D and the 7800X3D. For instance, the 9800X3D comes unlocked for overclocking, giving me the freedom to push its performance limits, which is something I don’t get with the 7800X3D. Moreover, this unlocked potential translates into higher base and boost clocks on the 9800X3D compared to its counterpart.

It’s worth noting that both the Ryzen 7 9800X3D and 7800X3D can also be found in pre-assembled computer systems. This offers an alternative method for you to acquire a new CPU, although it does come at a slightly higher price point, as is typical with pre-built gaming PCs.

Newegg has a collection of pre-built PCs with the 7800X3D, with prices starting at about $1,386. Likewise, Amazon’s Ryzen 7 7800X3D pre-builts start at about $1,499 at the time of writing. Best Buy has fewer pre-built models, but there are a couple of models starting at about $1,650.

If you’re looking to tailor every aspect of your computer to your specific needs, specialized manufacturers such as Maingear and iBuyPower might be your ideal shopping destinations. For instance, Maingear offers a range of pre-built 7800X3D PCs, with prices starting from approximately $1,877. Furthermore, they also provide a selection of 9800X3D pre-built PCs, with the entry price around $2,749.

For iBuyPower’s lineup, there are extensive customization possibilities for a variety of 7800X3D pre-built systems, with prices starting from $1,600 based on your specifications. Similarly, they offer pre-built systems with the 9800X3D, and costs begin around $1,600.

AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D vs. 7800X3D: Performance and efficiency

AMD unveiled its 9800X3D processor after the release of their Ryzen 9000 series processors. Similar to the 7800X3D, the 3D V-Cache in the 9800X3D is tailored to enhance gaming performance. The second-generation vertical cache setup in the 9800X3D offers improved efficiency and performance over its predecessor, potentially increasing frame rates substantially.

Windows Central Senior Editor Ben Wilson reviewed the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, stating:

There’s no doubt about it: The Ryzen 7 9800X3D has taken over the throne, outperforming its predecessor in gaming performance thanks to its cache-rich design. But when it comes to productivity tasks, it doesn’t seem to be breaking any records.

The graphs provided showcase the productivity tests, and it’s clear that the 7800X3D trails the 9800X3D in every single test. Interestingly, both processors underperform compared to AMD’s non-X3D models and Intel’s Core Ultra series. If you prioritize productivity, I suggest considering these alternative chips as options.

AMD’s X3D processors aren’t primarily designed for everyday productivity tasks, yet it’s evident that AMD has remarkably improved the performance of the 9800X3D.

Gaming is where the 7800X3D and 9800X3D excel. AMD’s press slide shows off an average 8% performance gain with the newer CPU, and as expected, your experience will differ based on the game you’re playing. You might see no improvement at all, or you might see anywhere up to about a 21% improvement.

In our own testing with Cyberpunk 2077 at 1080p, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D managed an average of 266.57 FPS, with a 202.41 FPS low. 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. Wilson also remarked in his Ryzen 7 7800X3D review:

If you’re primarily focused on creating an impressive gaming setup, this option offers exceptional value for the price.

In your ultimate choice, efficiency is an important factor to consider. Unlike Intel’s latest premium offerings, AMD’s X3D processors are not overly power-hungry. However, it’s worth noting that the 9800X3D consumes more power than its previous version, particularly in certain productivity tasks.

Nevertheless, the X3D chips are designed for efficiency while gaming and you should have no problems keeping either chip cool with a quality AiO cooler.

AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D vs. 7800X3D: Which should you buy?

It’s tricky to discern significant differences when comparing benchmarks for small performance gaps, and it’s common to struggle with choosing between these CPUs. However, both of these processors will likely offer exceptional gaming experiences even with the most challenging games in 2024. The ultimate choice should be based on your current system setup and availability in stock.

In simpler terms, both CPUs are compatible with DDR5 memory and PCIe 5.0, and they use identical motherboards with an AM5 socket. This implies that the upgrade process won’t significantly change depending on the CPU. However, if you’re transitioning from an AM4 chip, you’ll need to invest a bit more for a new motherboard and RAM.

👉 See the best motherboards for Ryzen X3D CPUs

👉 See the best RAM for Ryzen X3D CPUs

For those who currently have the 7800X3D in their system, upgrading to the 9800X3D may not offer significant benefits for most users, especially if you’re a casual gamer or primarily engage in productivity tasks. Neither of these X3D chips would be advisable choices under such circumstances.

For individuals using a Ryzen 5000 CPU (or earlier models), significant improvements can be expected from either CPU choice. Regarding Intel, both of the Ryzen 7 X3D chips outperform any Intel processor in terms of gaming performance.

Initially, I switched from a Ryzen 7 5800X to a Ryzen 7 9800X3D upon its release, and let me tell you, the improvement is nothing short of amazing. If only the Ryzen 7 800X3D were available at the time I was purchasing, I would have opted for it to save some cash.

It’s very probable that many buyers will encounter this situation, particularly approaching Black Friday and Cyber Monday. The Ryzen 7 7800X3D and 9800X3D continue to be highly sought-after items, and it’s uncertain when or where these chips will become available again in stock. If you come across either of them being sold at a reasonable cost, I strongly advise you to get it. Considering the prices aren’t too dissimilar, I would incline more towards the 9800X3D, but the 7800X3D will continue to offer exceptional performance for years.

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2024-11-13 19:42