AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D 8-core AM5
Intel Xeon E5-2697 v2 12-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 Xeon E5-2697 v2 12-core LGA 2011
The Intel Xeon E5-2697 is generally praised for its high performance, especially in demanding tasks like simulations, mathematical analysis, and server workloads. Users highlight its 12 cores and cost-effectiveness compared to upgrading to a new computer. However, there are isolated reports of it being slow for some uses, compatibility issues leading to a non-functional unit (which may have been an engineering sample), and a suggestion that dual older Xeons could offer similar performance for less money.
Scores
Specifications
| AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D | Intel Xeon E5-2697 v2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | ||
| Brand | AMD | Intel |
| Series | Ryzen 7 | Xeon |
| Model | 9800X3D | E5-2697 v2 |
| Codename | Granite Ridge | — |
| Class | desktop | server |
| Process | 4★ | — |
| Cores & Clocks | ||
| Cores | 8 | 12★ |
| P-cores | 8★ | — |
| Threads | 16 | 24★ |
| Base Clock | ||
| Boost Clock | ||
| Cache | ||
| L2 Cache | 8★ | 3 |
| L3 Cache | 96★ | 30 |
| Performance | ||
| PassMark Multi | ||
| PassMark Single | ||
| Memory | ||
| Memory Type | DDR5★ | DDR3 |
| Max Speed | No data | |
| Channels | 2★ | — |
| Max Memory | ||
| ECC | ✓ | ✓ |
| Platform & Power | ||
| Socket | AM5 | LGA 2011 |
| PCIe | 5.0 | — |
| PCIe Lanes | 28★ | — |
| 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 single thread (96th percentile)96th %ile
- Strong platform (95th percentile)95th %ile
Intel Xeon E5-2697 v2 12-core LGA 2011
- Strong multi thread (70th percentile)
- Strong ai (69th percentile)
- Below average social proof (24th percentile)
Pricing
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D 8-core AM5 offers 2.0x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 100 overall, wins 6 of 6 usage categories and 15 of 27 specs.