Ryzen 7 2700x vs Ryzen 7 3700x

In this article, we compare two of AMD’s popular CPUs, the Ryzen 7 2700x and the Ryzen 7 3700x, to find out which is the better option

WePC Ryzen 7 2700x VS Ryzen 7 3700x
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Ryzen 7 2700x vs Ryzen 7 3700x

If you are looking to purchase a CPU, AMD is a fantastic company to choose from. They produce a great range of processors.

In this article, we will be comparing two of their higher performance CPUs, the Ryzen 7 2700x and the Ryzen 7 3700x to find out which would be the better option.

To help you with your decision, we have compared the specifications of both, focusing on the architecture, clock speeds, cores, and threads.

Intel/AMD

When you are considering purchasing a CPU, there are two companies you will need to choose between – Intel and AMD. 

Both produce fantastic CPUs and the company you choose will have a significant impact on the remainder of your PC build. Unlike other components such as the GPU, the CPU you choose is often only compatible with certain components. 

Both Intel and AMD are top of their game when it comes to their CPUs. While AMD has upped their GPU game in recent years, they have always been known for its fantastic processors.

The rivalry between Intel and AMD has been prevalent for several years and it is something that you cannot avoid when it comes to the gaming world. They both create innovative and high spec CPUs.

Cores/Threads

The number of cores and threads that a CPU has are directly related to the processor’s multitasking capabilities. The more programs you are planning on running in the background, the more you will benefit from an increased number of cores and threads.

These AMD processors both run on 8 cores, which is great for gaming.

Threads are similar to cores, but instead of being physical, they are virtual. They help the processor organize multitasking capabilities. Both CPUs have 16 cores, which is more than enough for gaming.

Although they both have the same number of cores and threads they performed differently when benchmarked. The effective speed of the 3700x was 6% better. While this is not hugely significant, it will make a difference to gameplay and the CPU’s multitasking capabilities.

The 3700x’s overall average performance was 11% better than the 2700x. When looking at the 4-core speed, it was 13% better, with 510 pts, to 452 pts for the 2700x. When overclocked, the 3700x performed 10% better than the 2700x.

While both CPUs have the same number of cores and threads, how these are used is important. The 3700x has marginally better performance overall.

Clock Speed

While the clock speeds are not overly important when it comes to regular PC use, in gaming, they are vital. If you have a CPU that has too low clock speeds, your games will not run efficiently. 

Here are the clock speeds:

Ryzen 7 2700x

  • Base Clock – 3.7GHz
  • Boost Clock – Up to 4.3GHz

Ryzen 5 3700x

  • Base Clock -3.6GHz
  • Boost Clock – 4.4 Up to GHz

It is difficult to choose which is the better CPU for clock speeds. 

While the 2700x has a slightly better base clock, the boost clock of the 3700x is a fraction better. The 3700x will perform slightly better when overclocked. However, the difference is so minimal that the majority of people are unlikely to notice.

While the clock speeds of your CPU are important, good single-thread performance is also needed.

Architecture

The architecture of the CPUs is where they differ the most.

The 2700x uses Zen+ Architecture. While this is an improvement in comparison to the previous Zen Architecture, it is not as recent as the architecture used by the 3700x. The 3700x uses Zen2 Architecture. This is more future proof in comparison to Zen+. Overall it has better performance.

The 2700x and the 3700x have x86-64-bit Hexa cores. However, they both use different CMOS. The 2700x uses 12nm FinFET and the 3700x uses TSMC 7nm FinFET.

Both CPUs use an AM4 Chipset, which is currently the best available, making the CPU more futureproof. If you have an older motherboard, you can still use these CPUs as they are backward compatible. This is great if you are looking to significantly upgrade your CPU without the worry of having to purchase a new motherboard.

When looking at the PCIe interface, AMD made significant improvements to the 3700x. The 3700x uses PCIe 4.0 x16, which is currently the highest interface available. The 2700x runs on PCIe 3.0 x16. While this is not a concern at the moment, eventually PCIe 3.0 will become less futureproof.

Both CPUs use a Wraith cooling system. This has a fairly good cooling solution and will help with the overall thermal performance.

These CPUs do not have integrated graphics and as a result, you will need to purchase a graphics card. Even so, they are unlocked to allow you to overclock.

Let’s take a look at the cache for each CPU:

2700x

  • L1 Cache – 768KB
  • L2 Cache – 4MB
  • L3 Cache – 16MB

3700x

  • L1 Cache – 513KB
  • L2 Cache – 4MB
  • L3 Cache – 32MB

While the 2700x has a slightly increased L1 Cache, the L3 cache of the 3700x is better overall. Both have a memory that is good enough for gaming.

The 3700x is a significant upgrade in comparison to the 2700x when it comes to architecture. While both are great for gaming, the 3700x is far more future proof on the whole.

Multitasking

The ability for your CPU to multitask is important. Even if you are only planning to game, the core and thread speeds should still be capable of multitasking.

Multitasking is particularly important if you are looking to stream or listen to music while gaming. You will need a significant amount of cores and threads to allow your CPU to be capable of running multiple programs simultaneously.

Both CPUs use 16 threads which is double the recommended amount needed to run a gaming PC efficiently. These CPUs would enable you to game and run additional programs with no issues.

For gaming, your CPU should have at least 6 cores. These CPUs have 8 cores, which is higher than the recommended amount. While these CPUs have the same number of cores and threads, the 3700x does run games faster overall.

When benchmarked, the 3700x was 13% faster overall. When looking at Fortnite in particular, the 3700x had 141 Fps, in comparison to the 2700x’s 108 Fps. Given this, in terms of multitasking, the 3700x is likely to be slightly faster.

Comparison

While the Ryzen 7 2700x and the Ryzen 7 3700x seem to be similar CPUs, when taking a closer comparison of both, the 3700x is the superior CPU. 

Overall, it has higher specifications and it is the newer model of CPU. However, as it is the newer model, it does come at an increased cost. Given this, if you are on a budget, the 2700x is the better option. 

The architecture of the 3700x is better than the 2700x. While they both use an AM4 chipset, the Zen2 Architecture, is far better in its performance compared to the Zen+. The PCIe of the 3700x is more advanced and future proof than the 2700x. When looking at futureproofing, the 3700x is the better option overall. 

While there is not a big difference between the base and clock speeds when benchmarked the 3700x was a step up in comparison to the 2700x. However, it was not hugely different. While both can be overclocked, the 3700x does perform better. 

To conclude, we would recommend the newer and more technologically advanced 3700x. However, if you are on more of a budget, the 2700x is still a great option.