AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D 8-core AM5
Intel Core Ultra 7 270K Plus 24-core LGA1851
What Buyers Say
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D 8-core AM5
The AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D is widely celebrated as the best gaming CPU on the market, delivering massive frame rate boosts, improved 1% lows, and excellent thermal efficiency. Users upgrading from older Intel or AMD chips report transformative gains in CPU-intensive games and smoother multitasking. The main caution is to avoid paying above MSRP due to scalper pricing, and to ensure a compatible AM5 motherboard with a BIOS update. Overall, it is a top-tier choice for gamers seeking peak performance.
Pros
- Best gaming performance on the market
- Massive frame rate boosts in CPU-heavy games
- Excellent thermal efficiency and cool operation
- Improved 1% lows for smoother gameplay
- Great upgrade from older Intel and AMD chips
Cons
- Scalper pricing above MSRP
- No included cooler in the box
- Requires BIOS update on older AM5 motherboards
- Limited availability and stock issues
- OEM version lacks original box and accessories
Intel Core Ultra 7 270K Plus 24-core LGA1851
The Intel Core Ultra 7 270K Plus is widely praised for its excellent price-to-performance ratio, strong multi-core capabilities, and efficient power draw. Users highlight its gaming and productivity performance, often comparing it favorably to previous Intel generations and even AMD counterparts. However, a few verified buyers report instability when enabling XMP and the 200S boost, leading to blue screens, though many find workarounds or run at stock settings. Overall, sentiment is very positive, with most recommending the CPU for its value and performance.
Pros
- Excellent price-to-performance ratio
- Strong multi-core performance
- Efficient power draw and low temps
- Great for gaming and productivity
- Good overclocking headroom
Cons
- Instability with XMP and 200S boost
- Requires new motherboard
- High platform cost (CPU + motherboard)
- Limited upgrade path on socket
- No cooler included in box
Scores
Specifications
| AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D | Intel Core Ultra 7 270K Plus | |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | ||
| Brand | AMD | Intel |
| Series | Ryzen 7 | Core Ultra 7 |
| Model | 9800X3D | 270K |
| Codename | Granite Ridge | Arrow Lake Refresh |
| Class | desktop | desktop |
| Process | 4 | 3★ |
| Cores & Clocks | ||
| Cores | 8 | 24★ |
| P-cores | 8 | 8 |
| E-cores | — | 16★ |
| Threads | 16 | 24★ |
| Base Clock | ||
| Boost Clock | ||
| Cache | ||
| L2 Cache | 8 | 40★ |
| L3 Cache | 96★ | 36 |
| Performance | ||
| PassMark Multi | ||
| PassMark Single | ||
| Memory | ||
| Memory Type | DDR5 | DDR5 |
| Max Speed | ||
| Channels | 2 | 2 |
| Max Memory | ||
| ECC | ✓ | ✓ |
| Platform & Power | ||
| Socket | AM5 | LGA1851 |
| PCIe | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| PCIe Lanes | 28★ | 24 |
| TDP | 120★ | 125 |
| Max Turbo Power | 200★ | 250 |
| Unlocked | ✓ | ✓ |
| Graphics & AI | ||
| Integrated Graphics | AMD Radeon Graphics | Intel Graphics |
| NPU TOPS | — | 13★ |
Pros & Cons
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D 8-core AM5
- Strong feature (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong social proof (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong single thread (96th percentile)96th %ile
- Strong platform (95th percentile)95th %ile
Intel Core Ultra 7 270K Plus 24-core LGA1851
- Strong feature (100th percentile)100th %ile
- Strong single thread (100th percentile)100th %ile
- Strong efficiency (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong multi thread (97th percentile)97th %ile
Pricing
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D 8-core AM5 offers 1.5x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 100 overall, wins 1 of 6 usage categories and 4 of 29 specs.