3900x vs 5900x

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3900x vs 5900x
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Before we get into the specifications and features of the 3900X and the 5900X in more detail, below we have provided brief detail of each to provide you with an understanding as to how each of them performs.

AMD 3900X

Considered to be one of the best mainstream processors available, the AMD 3900X boasts high clock speeds and better latency when compared to previous models.

With excellent core performance, it is an ideal option for gaming.

AMD 5900x

The AMD 5900X is praised for being ahead of competitors when it comes to efficiency and performance.

Excelling in single-core performance, it is deemed to be one of the most viable options for a gaming processor.

The Specs

At a glance, it is evident that both processors share very similar specifications.

While there are identifiable differences between each, in regards to the number of cores and threads as well as the L2 and L3 cache memory, the specifications of both are pretty much the same

Components and Features

Cache

The Cache is the memory that holds instructions and data temporarily. A bigger cache is preferred as this means the processor has to wait less time to transfer the data from the main memory and as a result, it is going to run faster and to its greatest potential.

The cache is rated in levels with a focus on primary, secondary, and specialized cache, however level 2 and level 3 cache serve more importance when considering the speed at which the computer will function.

Although the cache doesn’t impact the clock speeds, it encourages the processor to run to its full potential. If the cache size is too low, it can present issues to gamers concerning the loading times of games that already exist on their hard drive. 

The 3900X and the 5900X boast the same L2 and L3 cache memory with 6MB of the former and 64MB of the latter. The bigger the cache the smoother the computer is going to run as it has a greater ability to store and hold data and this can also help to improve gaming performance.

Overall with this L2 and L3 cache you are likely to witness slight improvements in your gaming experience. 

Supplied Cooling

A CPU cooler prevents the system from overheating and is particularly important for those who use their computer for video gaming as it can help to prolong the life of the processor.

By removing and dissipating the heat from your processor, a cooler ensures that the components remain within a safe and operational temperature. 

The 3900x processor is equipped with a thermal solution, the Wraith Prism cooler unlike the 5900x which does not come with a cooler provided and therefore requires an additional purchase. 

The Wraith Prism CPU cooler used by AMD in the 3900x processor is considered to be one of the best available on the market. Although there are complaints surrounding the noise output due to its sound signature and concerns surrounding overclocking, it’s generally considered to be a sufficient cooler that can handle the heat output of the 3900x processor.

While many other options are said to be better than this cooler, it is definitely serviceable in fulfilling its purpose.

PCIe 4.0 

The PCle is the interface that is responsible for connecting high-speed components. Both the 3900X and the 5900X utilize the PCIe 4.0 express version.

Impressively, the PCIe 4.0 operates at 16 GT per lane and as a result, you will witness higher data transmission due to the double bandwidth. While this seems exciting, for gamers the PCIe isn’t always considered worthy of the upgrade.

However, as future developments are likely to see games utilizing the increased bandwidth of the PCIe 4.0, both of the mentioned processors ensure that you are equipped to handle high-speed applications.

Clock Speeds

The majority of processors now have a base speed and a boost speed. The base clock speed refers to a measurement from the manufacturer concerning the speed at which the processor can function with reasonable cooling.

In regards to gaming, a clock speed within the range of 3.5GHz to 4.5 GHz is considered to be the most effective. The 3900x has a base clock speed of 3.8GHz and the 5900x processor has a base clock speed of 3.8GHz. 

While some would consider that a high base clock speed is solely necessary for the completion of simple tasks, the base clock speed can impact the overall quality of performance.

If you’re looking for a processor with higher stable performance, it is advised to opt for a high base clock speed. While you are likely to notice that the 5900X has a lower base clock speed than the 3900X, it has a stronger single-core performance that is considered to be more important for gaming. 

The boost clock speed refers to the maximum frequency that the card will run to when functioning at a suitable temperature. With a higher speed, you are likely to witness an improved performance. Boost clock speed is essentially like a small overclock but the maximum speed has been chosen by the manufacturer.

Thanks to its thermal, power, and frequency algorithm, the 3900x processor has an impressive boost clock speed of 4.6GHz while the 5900x processor has a higher boost clock speed of 4.8GHz.

Both have generous overclocking headroom and are equipped with the clock speeds that will allow them to carry out system instructions faster.

A CPU that has a lower base clock speed and higher boost clock speed is thought to offer better efficiency with high-quality performance and that is what is offered by both processors. 

Overclocking

Overclocking refers to the practice involving the increase of the clock rate and multiplier in return for faster functioning speeds. While it’s considered to be a great way of making your system work fast it isn’t essential for gaming and some would suggest that it isn’t worth the hassle.

Both the 3900x and the 5900x are unlocked and as such both have greater overclocking potential. Despite this, it isn’t essential for gaming and is yet to be considered as an enhancement to the gaming experience.

Performance

When it comes to the performance of both processors, the 5900x outperforms the 3900x in almost every circumstance. Needless to say, as multi-core processors, both have gained reputations as some of the best performing and most favorable options on the market.

According to existing data gathered by Cinebench and Geekbench, the single-core performance and multi-core performance of the 5900x is better than that of the 3900x in both capacities.

It is worth noting that in some instances there was a very narrow margin separating each, particularly when focussing on multi-core performance.

Although the 3900x may perform slightly slower where gaming is concerned, it has gained a reputation as one of the best mainstream processors on the market and still offers excellent multi-core gaming performance, proving to be a breakthrough in an area that AMD has previously struggled to master. 

With a faster base clock, the 5900x processor is aimed towards high-end gamers in particular. Similar to its predecessor, the 5900x has 12 cores and 24 threads and has proven its excellence when handling multi-core workloads.

An improvement in speed has resulted in faster processor performance. Although the performance of the 5900x excels in many areas and games such as Tomb Raider, there remain to be areas where underperformance could be improved. 

Gaming Performance

It is necessary to expect a processor with multiple cores to function more efficiently than those with single cores. This is because they have more power which increases their capability when handling multiple programs at once.

The ability to run multiple cores with ease allows for greater multitasking capabilities and improved performance. As such, the 12 cores of both the 3900x and the 5900x position them in an excellent position when handling high-end gaming. 

As we have touched upon previously, you will notice that the base clock of the 3900x is actually higher than that of the freshly released 5900x. However, this doesn’t hugely affect the overall performance of the processor because in most instances the 5900x performs better for gaming due to its IPC rating.

The 5900x also remains capable of performing in both single-core and multi-core capacities and has proved to be invaluable to the efficiency of gaming. In fact, it is marketed as ‘The World’s Best Gaming Processor’.

Pricing/ Availability

Both the 3900x and the 5900x are available for purchase from Amazon and the manufacturer websites. The 5900X is a more recent release from the manufacturer and as such, this is reflected in the retail price. 

Retailing over $100, the 3900x and 5900x still remain to be great value for money. When considering the 3900x in particular, it is noticeably more affordable than many competitor products but still provides you with excellent performance. 

The 5900x is considered to be worth the upgrade when compared to its predecessor, the 3900x due to its single-core performance capabilities.

While the price is a start-off point for many, you must also account for several other factors that contribute to the functioning of the processor helping to establish the cost-effectiveness associated with both processors. This includes the number of cores, speed, intended use, and compatibility with the processor. 

Many may consider the increased costs to be a justified expense when determining the upgraded performance that you will witness and the slight difference in specifications of the 3900x and the 5900x. 

A particular selling point for AMD processors is that you are considered to be getting more for less when comparing the cost of both processors to the retail price and performance of those from rival brands. 

 

 

Conclusion

Despite the introduction of the 5900x over recent months, the 3900x remains to be an excellent processor and is still praised for its efficiency in regards to gaming performance. When comparing the specifications of both CPUs you will likely draw upon many shared similarities, with the 5900x differing in a few ways. 

Although the 5900x offers an improvement in performance, the 3900x remains to be a very powerful processor and capable of fulfilling gaming purposes. If you wish to upgrade, there is a slight increase in cost, however, as a recent release from AMD, this is likely to be expected.

It is evident that the 5900x outperforms the 3900x in most ways. The former is actually considered to be the best option for gaming, offering a processor that outperforms its competitors in numerous ways.

For many, the cost provides a lead in the decision-making process and often influences the final purchases, while a slight increase between both models can be noted, it is necessary to assess whether you are happy to opt for the upgrade for improved single-core performance. 

Overall, there is no denying that both processors are excellent contenders and outperform competitor processors in many ways. For those that are happy to remain with the sufficient performance of the 3900x the upgrade may not seem appealing, however for those who wish to experience greater gaming performance for a minor increase in price the upgrade to the 5900X is worth considering.