AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D 8-core AM5
Intel Core Ultra 7 265K 20-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 265K 20-core LGA1851
The Intel Core Ultra 7 265K is widely praised for its strong multi-core performance, excellent thermal management, and power efficiency, making it a great choice for productivity and gaming. Users highlight its value, especially when purchased on sale, and note that it runs cool and quiet even under load. A few negative reviews mention shipping damage or delivery issues, but the overwhelming sentiment is positive, with many calling it a worthy upgrade from older Intel generations.
Pros
- Strong multi-core performance
- Excellent thermal management
- Power efficient
- Great value for money
- Runs cool and quiet
Cons
- Shipping damage reported
- Delivery delays
- Requires new motherboard
- Single-core performance lags in older games
- Initial microcode issues
Scores
Specifications
| AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D | Intel Core Ultra 7 265K | |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | ||
| Brand | AMD | Intel |
| Series | Ryzen 7 | Core Ultra 7 |
| Model | 9800X3D | 265K |
| Codename | Granite Ridge | Arrow Lake |
| Class | desktop | desktop |
| Process | 4 | 3★ |
| Cores & Clocks | ||
| Cores | 8 | 20★ |
| P-cores | 8 | 8 |
| E-cores | — | 12★ |
| Threads | 16 | 20★ |
| Base Clock | ||
| Boost Clock | ||
| Cache | ||
| L2 Cache | 8 | 36★ |
| L3 Cache | 96★ | 30 |
| 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 265K 20-core LGA1851
- Strong single thread (100th percentile)100th %ile
- Strong feature (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong platform (96th percentile)96th %ile
- Strong efficiency (96th percentile)96th %ile
Pricing
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D 8-core AM5
Intel Core Ultra 7 265K 20-core LGA1851
No current pricing available
Verdict
Scores 100 overall, wins 1 of 6 usage categories and 5 of 29 specs.