AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D review
The best CPU I have ever tested
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The Ryzen 7 9800X3D is one of the most anticipated CPU launches ever. This CPU bears the burden of a subpar Ryzen 9000 series launch on its shoulders; can it make up for it? The answer, spoiler alert, is a resounding yes. This CPU dominates gaming workloads, is very efficient, and improves vastly over its predecessor in core speed and, more importantly, performance. AMD undersold the performance gains of this CPU in its own comparison material.
The 9800X3D’s physical cores remain mostly unchanged (except for the speed). It’s still an 8-core, 16-thread chip, but a lot is happening under the IHS this time around. More on that later. We’re thoroughly impressed with the 9800X3D; it is exactly what AMD needed to put the final nail in the coffin of Intel’s Core Ultra series. Before all that, though, let’s get into the specifications of the 9800X3D to see how it’s improved over the 7800X3D.
- Core configuration: 8
- Threads: 16
- Base core speed: 4.7 GHz
- Boost core speed: up to 5.2 GHz
- DDR5 support: Yes @ 5600 MT/s
- TDP / PPT: 120 W / 162 W
The Ryzen 9 9800X3D is a solid pick if you’re focused on high-end gaming and want the best FPS possible. Right out of the gate, it outshines the previous-gen 7800X3D in almost every game we tested. It’s clear AMD went for raw performance here, with benchmarks showing the 9800X3D hitting FPS numbers that you will appreciate if you’re a competitive gamer or own a high-refresh monitor.
- Fantastic gaming performance
- Very efficient
- Cost effective
- No need for motherboard upgrade if already on AM5
- Not as good at multi core performance
- Not as efficient as 7800X3D
Specfications and comparison
The Ryzen X3D series has come a long way since its first iteration with the 5800X3D; this time around, we’ll compare the 9800X3D and the 7800X3D, as both share the same socket and are more comparable to the AM4 offering.
| Component | Ryzen 7 9800X3D | Ryzen 7 7800X3D |
|---|---|---|
| Cores | 8 | 8 |
| Threads | 16 | 16 |
| Base frequency | 4.7 GHz | 4.2 GHz |
| Boost frequency | up to 5.2 GHz | up to 5 GHz |
| Memory speed | 5600 MT/s | 5200 MT/s |
| PCI Express lanes | 24 (Gen 5) | 24 (Gen 5) |
| L2 cache | 1 MB (per core) | 1 MB (per core) |
| L3 cache | 96 MB (shared) | 96 MB (shared) |
| TDP / PPT | 120W / 162W | 120W / 162W |
| Process size | 4 nm | 5 nm |
| Core architecture | Zen 5 | Zen 4 |
| Socket | AM5 (compatible with X870, X670, B650, A620) | AM5 (compatible with X870, X670, B650, A620) |
On paper, the two CPUs look very similar; both carry the same number of PCIe lanes, memory speeds, and cores. But in reality, these are almost completely different CPUs. First, you have the massive boost of 500 MHz in base clock speeds and the 200 MHz additional boost speed. That alone will provide a sizable performance increase, but the gain potential becomes enormous when you couple that with the new Zen 5 cores on a 1 nm smaller manufacturing process.
This has to do with IPC and how it equates to better performance within the CPU. IPC stands for “instructions per cycle” or “clock.” It measures how many instructions the CPU can perform every full cycle. When you decrease the transistor size and add more transistors, you increase IPC. Not only has AMD increased the transistor count on the 9800X3D compared to the 7800X3D, but it has also increased the clock speed. A double whammy of faster cycles and more IPC.
We’ll see how this translates into better performance later…
Design and Gallery
We don’t often have much to say regarding a CPU’s design unless fundamental changes to the dimensions, socket type, or IHS occur. This time, however, we can discuss the 3D cache positioning inside the 9800X3D. The 3D V-cache has been placed directly onto the CPU substrate, and the supporting and insulating silicon has been removed. This makes for much better heat transfer and higher core frequencies.
This was achieved by making the extra cache die and the CCD the same physical dimensions. Thus, the cache die is now placed under the CCD rather than on top, with the supporting silicon that insulated it.
Performance
Before discussing how the 9800X3D dominated every other CPU we tested, we should outline the rig on which we tested it. The GPU also determines how well the games performed. Your results will vary unless you use the exact same configuration.
| Component | WePC test rig |
|---|---|
| CPU | Ryzen 7 9800X3D |
| Cooler | Corsair H150i Elite LCD |
| Motherboard | ASUS Crosshair Hero X870 |
| Memory | Corsair Dominator Platinum DDR5 @6800 MHz |
| GPU | MSI RTX 4070 Ti |
| PSU | ASUS Thor Platinum II 1000W |
| Case | Cooler Master Masterframe |
It’s important to keep testing conditions as similar as possible, even across generations and CPU brands; this helps us get comparable results. This, in turn, gives us the power to make informative recommendations and choose the right hardware for the job. If you want to know more, check out our How we Test CPUs page,
Gaming performance
| Metric | CS2 | Days Gone | CP 2077 | Doom Eternal | Horizon FW | Frost punk 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Score (FPS) | AVG: 601.52 99%: 211.30 | AVG: 328.39 99%: 174.21 | AVG: 331.83 99%: 195.29 | AVG: 513.22 99%: 393.93 | AVG: 207.33 99%: 152.19 | AVG: 272.4 99%: 196.3 |
| AVG temp (package) °C | 51 | 54 | 54 | 61 | 56 | 48 |
| Max temp (package) °C | 59 | 62 | 70 | 57 | 61 | 53 |
| Average PPT (W) | 91.911W | 79.69W | 95.93W | 87.5W | 90.72W | 77.99W |
The Ryzen 9 9800X3D, AMD’s latest 3D V-Cache powerhouse, is built to be a gaming beast, and the benchmarks show it lives up to that reputation – with impressive performance across more demanding titles. In our tests, the 9800X3D consistently outperformed its closest competition, offering a fluid gaming experience that’s difficult for other CPUs to rival.
Starting with Counter-Strike 2, the 9800X3D achieved a massive 601 FPS average with a 99th percentile frame rate of 211 FPS, setting a new benchmark in high-refresh-rate gaming. This performance level is like nothing we’ve seen before and delivers smooth gameplay for competitive gamers.
In more demanding open-world titles, like Cyberpunk 2077 and Days Gone, the 9800X3D continues to impress. It reached 331 FPS in Cyberpunk 2077 with a 99th percentile of 195 FPS, showing its capacity for intense scenes without sweat. This is good for a CPU, especially one prioritising gaming over multi-threaded workloads. Meanwhile, Days Gone saw an average of 328 FPS, with a stable 99th percentile of 174 FPS—excellent for smooth performance even in this detailed world environment.
| CPU | CS2 | Days Gone | Doom Eternal | Horizon FW |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ryzen 7 9800X3D | AVG: 601.52 99%: 211.30 | AVG: 328.39 99%: 174.21 | AVG: 513.22 99%: 393.93 | AVG: 219.33 99%: 152.19 |
| Ryzen 7 7800X3D | AVG: 348.4 99%: 151.62 | AVG: 258.4 99%: 152.7 | AVG: 526.4 99%: 398.1 | AVG: 207.8 99%: 164.3 |
When compared directly to the Ryzen 7 7800X3D, the 9800X3D consistently pulled ahead. In Doom Eternal, one of the best showcases of high FPS gameplay, the 9800X3D came in just behind the 7800X3D with a very slight dip, but this difference falls within the margin of error, and both CPUs still deliver stellar frames here. We may have hit the GPU cap here.
Synthetic performance
| Metric | CPU Z | Cinebench R23 | Geekbench | Blender render |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Score (points) | Single 800.5 Multi 8,632 | Single 2,039 Multi 22,753 | Single 3,277 Multi 18,135 | Monster: 145.85 SPM Junkshop: 100.34 SPM Classroom: 73.37 SPM |
| AVG temp (package) °C | 58 | Single: 44 Multi: 72 | 47 | 70 |
| Max temp (package) °C | 66 | Single: 52 Multi: 79 | 72 | 79 |
| Average PPT (W) | 102.46W | Single: 45.56W Multi: 137.23W | 44.15W | 129.27W |
Moving to synthetic benchmarks, the Ryzen 9 9800X3D holds its own against CPUs built with a heavier emphasis on multi-threading. While synthetic scores aren’t always kind to the 3D V-Cache models, the 9800X3D managed respectable results. In Cinebench R23, it achieved a multi-core score of 22,753 points, which, while trailing behind the multi-core monsters like the Core Ultra 285K, is still very respectable for an 8-core, gaming-focused processor.
The 9800X3D’s single-core score of 2,039 points shows it’s neither a slouch in snappier workloads. It ensures that you will benefit from games, everyday multitasking, and lighter productivity tasks—more so than the last generation of X3D CPUs.
Looking at power efficiency, the 9800X3D is decently conservative in its power draw for its performance level. It averaged around 137W in multi-core tests, staying well within AMD’s efficient range. Compared to Intel’s Core Ultra 285K, which consumed 160W in similar tasks, the 9800X3D’s power efficiency highlights AMD’s impressive balancing act between performance and thermal management. This efficiency benefits users by prioritizing cooling and long-term hardware longevity.
| CPU | Score | AVG temp (package) °C | Max temp (package) °C | Average PPT (W) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ryzen 7 9800X3D | Single 2,039 Multi 22,753 | Single: 44 Multi: 72 | Single: 52 Multi: 79 | Single: 45.56W Multi: 137.23W |
| Ryzen 9 9900X | Single 2,153 Multi 30,990 | Single: 59 Multi: 66 | Single: 62 Multi: 69 | Single: 71.32W Multi: 144.43W |
| Core Ultra 285K | Single: 2,134 Multi: 42,399 | Single: 45 Multi: 62 | Single: 51 Multi: 73 | Single: 29.98W Multi: 160.06W |
However, it is not as efficient as the 7800X3D, which is kind of what we were hoping for. The efficiency of the 5800X3D held it back a little; now that the cores and transistors have been redesigned, along with the cache placement, the fact that the power requirements stay the same allows the 9800X3D to draw more power. This chip could run on 75W in reality.
Overclocking and Turbo Game mode
Let’s talk about how Turbo Game Mode and Precision Boost Overdrive transform this thing into even more of a gaming marvel. That’s right, there’s more performance to be had!
| CPU | CS2 | Days Gone | Doom Eternal | Horizon FW |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ryzen 7 9800X3D | AVG: 601.52 99%: 211.30 | AVG: 328.39 99%: 174.21 | AVG: 513.22 99%: 393.93 | AVG: 219.33 99%: 152.19 |
| Ryzen 7 9800X3D PBO + GM | AVG: 662.35 99%: 227.95 | AVG: 342.38 99%: 183.77 | AVG: 607.09 99%: 419.52 | AVG: 227.37 99%: 174.2 |
With Turbo Game Mode enabled, the CPU disables Simultaneous Multithreading, reducing it to an 8-core, 8-thread configuration. Why would you want to do this? Simple: it lets each core reach higher boost speeds, which can make a big difference in games that rely on single-core performance. Paired with PBO to push the limits further and an AIO cooler to keep temps in check, we significantly improved an already stellar gaming CPU.
In CS2, there’s a clear jump in performance. The average FPS with Game Mode and PBO active climbed from 601.52 to 662.35. That’s a noticeable gain in a game where fast, consistent frames make all the difference. Similarly, Days Gone saw a jump, with the average FPS going from 328.39 to 342.38 and 99th percentile figures moving up to 183.77 from 174.21. It’s not huge, but every little bit helps smooth the experience.
When we tested Doom Eternal, the 9800X3D showed off. The average FPS leapt from 513.22 to 607.09, and the 99th percentile rose to 419.52, up from 393.93. That’s a significant boost, especially when ripping through fast-paced action sequences. Finally, we also saw an uptick in Horizon Forbidden West, though it’s slightly more modest. Average FPS increased from 219.33 to 227.37. It’s not as dramatic but still adds to a more responsive experience.
Overall, the Ryzen 9 9800X3D is setting a new standard for gaming CPUs. Its strong power efficiency, cool thermal behaviour, and rock-solid performance make it an ideal choice for enthusiasts and competitive gamers. While it may not match some of Intel’s more workstation-focused CPUs in raw multi-threaded power, the 9800X3D is optimized where it counts for gamers.
Is the 9800X3D worth it?
The Ryzen 9 9800X3D is a solid pick if you’re focused on high-end gaming and want the best FPS possible. Right out of the gate, it outshines the previous-gen 7800X3D in almost every game we tested. It’s clear AMD went for raw performance here, with benchmarks showing the 9800X3D hitting FPS numbers that you will appreciate if you’re a competitive gamer or own a high-refresh monitor. The difference is noticeable in games like CS2 and Cyberpunk 2077, with smooth gameplay even during intense scenes. Finding another CPU that competes with it at this price is tough for pure gaming.
Efficiency-wise, AMD struck a good balance between power and heat, though it’s not quite as efficient as the 7800X3D. It stays within reasonable thermal limits even at high loads, thanks to intelligent design tweaks like the new V-Cache placement. AMD’s choice to shrink the manufacturing process to 4nm and boost clock speeds without a big jump in TDP means you get more frames without compromising cooling or lifespan. If you’re a gamer, this efficiency boost is valuable, especially if you want long-term reliability without always stressing your cooling setup.
On the pricing side, the 9800X3D is premium, around $479. This puts it above the 7800X3D but below Intel’s Core Ultra 285K, designed more for productivity than gaming. If you’re weighing price to performance, the 7800X3D still holds firm, but the 9800X3D does bring enough upgrades to justify the extra cost. Intel’s 285K is more expensive and better suited to heavy multitasking but awful at everything else. So, if gaming is your primary goal, the 9800X3D comes ahead in value.
Price
The 9800X3D debuted at around $479, positioning it firmly in the premium gaming market. Its competitive edge lies in high-end gaming performance and efficiency, but it sits notably higher than the Ryzen 7 7800X3D, now averaging around $429. The 7800X3D is still valuable if you value price-to-performance. Still, the 9800X3D holds value for money, especially considering the performance gains over the 7800X3D.
Intel’s latest Core Ultra models, priced at $569 for the 285K and around $469 for the 265K, aim to outpace AMD’s offerings, particularly in productivity workloads. However, if you’re a gamer, the 9800X3D remains highly competitive, delivering better frame rates at a lower price than the 285K. The Core Ultra series is just one of those CPU releases you want to avoid.
At $549, the 9900X fills the niche if you need more cores and multi-threading capabilities, making it ideal for content creation and multitasking. However, the 9800X3D often provides better FPS at a slightly lower cost for pure gaming. It is an appealing option for optimized gaming without the extra cost of cores they may not fully utilize.
Final Word
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D
