AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D 8-core AM5
Intel Core i7 Extreme Edition 3960X 6-core LGA 2011
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 i7 Extreme Edition 3960X 6-core LGA 2011
The Intel Core i7-3960X is overwhelmingly praised for its raw performance, especially in video encoding, 3D rendering, and heavy multitasking. Users highlight its stability under sustained load and excellent overclocking headroom, though some note the high price and that it has been surpassed by newer models. A few mention the X79 chipset quirks and the need for proper cooling.
Pros
- Exceptional multi-core performance
- Excellent overclocking headroom
- Stable under sustained load
- Great for video encoding and rendering
- Handles heavy multitasking and VMs
Cons
- High price
- X79 chipset quirks
- Runs hot when overclocked
- Requires high-end components
- Outperformed by newer models
Scores
Specifications
| AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D | Intel Core i7 Extreme Edition 3960X | |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | ||
| Brand | AMD | Intel |
| Series | Ryzen 7 | Core i7 Extreme Edition |
| Model | 9800X3D | 3960X |
| Codename | Granite Ridge | Sandy Bridge-E |
| Class | desktop | desktop |
| Process | 4★ | 32 |
| Cores & Clocks | ||
| Cores | 8★ | 6 |
| P-cores | 8★ | — |
| Threads | 16★ | 12 |
| Base Clock | ||
| Boost Clock | ||
| Cache | ||
| L2 Cache | 8★ | 1.5 |
| L3 Cache | 96★ | 15 |
| Performance | ||
| PassMark Multi | ||
| PassMark Single | ||
| Memory | ||
| Memory Type | DDR5★ | DDR3 |
| Max Speed | ||
| Channels | 2 | 4★ |
| Max Memory | No data | |
| ECC | ✓★ | — |
| Platform & Power | ||
| Socket | AM5 | LGA 2011 |
| PCIe | 5.0 | 2.0 |
| PCIe Lanes | 28 | 40★ |
| TDP | 120★ | 130 |
| Max Turbo Power | 200★ | — |
| Unlocked | ✓ | ✓ |
| Graphics & AI | ||
| Integrated Graphics | AMD Radeon Graphics | — |
Pros & Cons
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D 8-core AM5
- Strong feature (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong social proof (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong platform (95th percentile)95th %ile
- Strong single thread (95th percentile)95th %ile
- Below average affordability (24th percentile)
Intel Core i7 Extreme Edition 3960X 6-core LGA 2011
- Strong social proof (77th percentile)
- Strong platform (74th percentile)
Pricing
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D 8-core AM5 offers 2.2x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 100 overall, wins 6 of 6 usage categories and 16 of 27 specs.