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AMD Ryzen 9 7900X3D vs Ryzen 9 7900X

Which is better? the X3D or the plain X? Let's find out.

Updated: Mar 1, 2023 9:15 am
AMD Ryzen 9 7900X3D vs Ryzen 9 7900X

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AMD unveiled the Ryzen 7000 X3D lineup at CES 2023, It introduced three CPUs set to release in February 2023. Today, however, we’re only really interested in the Ryzen 9 7900X3D and how it stacks up against the Ryzen 9 7900X. This is the AMD Ryzen 9 7900X3D vs Ryzen 9 7900X.

Now Read: AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D vs Ryzen 9 7950X.

We’re going to be comparing the specifications of these two CPUs and analyzing them in a comparative sense. We will determine which is better and for what use case using our knowledge of CPUs and X3D technology.

Have you ever asked yourself; What is Ryzen X3D? We have, and we answered it.

Without further delay, let’s jump into the specifications.


Ryzen 9 7900X3D vs Ryzen 9 7900X: Specifications

Here are the specifications for both the Ryzen 9 7900X3D and the Ryzen 9 7900X.

Ryzen 9 7900X3D

    • Architecture: Zen 4
    • Core count: 12
    • Thread count: 24
    • Boost speed: 5.6GHz
    • Cache: 128MB
    • TDP 120W

The 7900X3D looks pretty normal until you notice the massive cache. This is the middle of the three new X3D CPUs in the Ryzen 7000 series, so we expect it to perform much better than the 7800X3D, but worse than the 7950X3D.

Ryzen 9 7900X

  • Cores: 12
  • Threads: 24
  • Base clock speed: 4.7GHz
  • Boost clock speed: 5.6GHz
  • L3 Cache: 64MB
  • TDP: 170W
  • iGPU: RDNA 2-based Radeon Graphics

As you can see, the Ryzen 9 7900X is quite the powerhouse, with a massive core boost speed and a huge number of cores at its disposal. It’s a wonder if there’s anything it cannot do.

Now all that’s left is to compare these two CPUs’ specifications.


Ryzen 9 7900X3D vs Ryzen 9 7900X: Specification comparison

Here we will compare the specs of each CPU. To save time, we’re only going to discuss things that are different between them. We assume you’re already familiar with what a CPU does and why it’s important.

CPU core speed

Both the 7900X3D and the 7900X shares the same maximum clock speed when boosted, however, the 7900X3D has a lower standard clock speed.

This means that the 7900X3D is more energy efficient when operating at lower speeds, but may not perform as well at low speeds and may take longer to reach its peak performance.

The clock speed of a CPU determines how many instructions per second the CPU can execute, resulting in a faster performance with a higher clock speed. The CPU instruction cycle, comprising of fetch, decode, and execute, is completed faster with a higher clock speed.

However, certain tasks may benefit more from high clock speeds than others, such as those that involve a lot of single-threaded calculations.

Why do games prefer single-core performance?

Many games are designed to run on a single core, even though modern CPUs have multiple cores. This is because games are often optimized to work well with a single core, as it is the core that is most commonly used.

Also, many games rely on real-time physics and AI simulations, which are heavily dependent on the raw processing power of a single core. These simulations require a lot of computational power, and a faster single core can complete these calculations faster, resulting in smoother and more responsive gameplay.

Some games also use the single core for tasks like game logic, rendering, and other background tasks, thus having a faster single core can help in overall game performance.

CPU cache

The 7900X3D has a much larger cache than the 7900X, which gives it a significant advantage in gaming performance.

A CPUs cache is a small, high-speed memory built into a CPU that stores frequently-used data. The larger the cache, the less the CPU has to access the slower main memory to retrieve data, resulting in improved performance.

When the CPU needs data, it first checks the cache to see if it’s already stored there. If the data is in the cache, the CPU can access it much more quickly than if it had to go to the main memory.

If the data is not in the cache, the CPU has to fetch it from the main memory which is a slower process, but it also stores a copy of that data in the cache for future use.

This reduces the need to access main memory, which improves performance, especially for tasks that involve a lot of data access having a larger cache also means that the CPU can store more data that is likely to be used in the future, which further improves performance.

CPU TDP

The Ryzen 9 7900X3D has a lower thermal design power than the 7900X, making it more efficient to run and cool.

TDP is a measure of the maximum amount of heat that a CPU is designed to dissipate, it is used to help determine the cooling requirements for a system.

A higher TDP means that the CPU generates more heat and requires more cooling, which affects the overall performance, stability, and cost of the cooling solution.

A lower TDP, on the other hand, means that the CPU generates less heat and requires less cooling, making the system more energy-efficient and reducing the cost of the cooling solution.

Why it’s important to properly cool your CPU

A CPU generates heat while it’s operating, if the heat is not dissipated properly, it can cause the CPU to become too hot. High temperatures can cause the CPU to throttle, which means that it will automatically reduce its clock speed to prevent damage. This can result in slower performance and can also cause the system to become unstable.

If the temperature of the CPU becomes too high, it can cause permanent damage to the chip. This can result in the CPU becoming inoperable and the need to replace it.

Proper cooling also ensures the longevity of the CPU. Overheating can cause the CPU to wear out faster, reducing its lifespan.

Lastly, having a proper cooling system also allows the CPU to operate at its full potential, meaning that it can reach its maximum clock speed, which can improve performance.

CPU socket

Fortunately, today’s selection of CPUs shares a common CPU socket, simplifying matters by eliminating the need for a completely different motherboard should you choose one CPU over the other.

Both the 7950X3D and the 7950X are compatible with the AM5 CPU socket, which is supported by last year’s AMD 700 series motherboards. The LGA 1718 socket used by AMD boasts 18 additional pins compared to Intel’s LGA 1700 socket, affording AMD greater flexibility in feature mapping. Nevertheless, it’s important to note that just because AMD has adopted the LGA socket architecture doesn’t mean it will work with any motherboard, so be sure to procure an AM5 motherboard specifically designed for AM5 CPUs.


Ryzen 9 7900X3D vs Ryzen 9 7900X: Gaming

The main difference between the X3D and the X is the presence of a 3D V-cache and the impact that has on the processor.

For instance, the 3D V-cache is very limiting as it’s sensitive to high temps and voltages. This means that the CPU has to be limited in its operation to avoid getting too hot or spiking voltage. for this reason, the 7900X3D is locked to manual overclocking, but still has auto overclocking support from Curve optimizer and PBO.

Because of the presence of a 3D V-cache on the CCD, the 7900X3D cannot keep up with the 7900X in multi-core workloads as it’s severely limited in clock speed. or can it? Thanks to AMD installing the 3D V-cache on only one of the 7900X3D’s two CCDs, the gap is much smaller than we imagined. However, the performance gains in single core workloads, and workloads that require rapid caching, such as games, get a massive performance increase.

The Ryzen 9 7900X3D is better for pure gaming, as you can imagine. The 7900X3D is literally built for gaming workloads but will suffer just a little in the top-end muti-core intensive scenarios.


Ryzen 9 7900X3D vs Ryzen 9 7900X: Price

We’re not 100% sure what the actual price of the 7900X3D is, so we can’t make a proper comparison here. However, if it is anywhere near the MSRP of the 7900X before the price drop, we’d recommend waiting for a little to see if the price comes down soon after launch as it did for the other Ryzen 7000 CPUs.

Will AMD use the release of the X3D line-up to re-inflate the price of the 7000 X series CPUs? Only time will tell. We only have to wait until February to find out.


Why CPUs are important for PC performance

CPUs (Central Processing Units) play a crucial role in the overall performance of a PC for several reasons:

  • Processing Power: The CPU is responsible for executing instructions and performing calculations, making it the main source of processing power in a PC.
  • Task Management: The CPU manages and coordinates all the tasks and processes running on a PC, ensuring that each task has the necessary resources and time to execute.
  • Multitasking: CPUs have the ability to switch rapidly between multiple tasks, allowing you to run multiple applications at the same time without sacrificing performance.
  • System Interaction: The CPU also communicates with other components in the system, such as the GPU and memory, to ensure that they are functioning properly and effectively.

Ryzen 9 7900X3D vs Ryzen 9 7900X: Conclusion

Both of the CPUs on the list today are phenomenal CPUs, capable of powerful processing and an all-around fantastic experience. But one is not like the other. The Ryzen 9 7900X3D is designed specifically for gaming, the higher, more advanced cache, allows the CPU to excel and really show its proficiency in gaming workloads.

As a result, it’s likely that the 7900X3D will be less powerful in the low end, thanks to its lowered base clock speed. This was done to keep TDP down, as the 3D V-cache is sensitive to temperature. This also likely means that the 7900X3D will be locked to overclocking.

If you’re going for a pure gaming build then the 7900X3D is right for you, but only if the price is right. If not, or you want an “all-rounder” then the 7900X is the CPU for you.


Jack is a Tech and News Writer who has a vast and proficient knowledge of CPUs, Motherboards, and Computer technology.

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