AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D 8-core AM5
Intel Core i9 X-Series 7960X 16-core LGA 2066
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 i9 X-Series 7960X 16-core LGA 2066
The Intel Core i9-7820X is a powerhouse for enthusiasts, delivering exceptional overclocking and single-core performance, but it comes with a hefty price tag and a notable flaw: lack of SGX support for 4K Blu-ray playback. While some users praise its raw power and low temperatures, others point out that AMD offers better value for most buyers. Overall, it's a niche product for those who demand top-tier performance and are willing to pay for it.
Pros
- Exceptional overclocking capability
- High single-core performance
- Great for gaming and rendering
- Low temperatures with good cooling
- Powerful for heavy workloads
Cons
- High price
- No SGX support for 4K Blu-ray
- Requires delidding for extreme overclocking
- Not recommended for stock users
Scores
Specifications
| AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D | Intel Core i9 X-Series 7960X | |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | ||
| Brand | AMD | Intel |
| Series | Ryzen 7 | Core i9 |
| Model | 9800X3D | 7960X |
| Codename | Granite Ridge | Skylake X |
| Class | desktop | desktop |
| Process | 4★ | 14 |
| Cores & Clocks | ||
| Cores | 8 | 16★ |
| P-cores | 8★ | — |
| Threads | 16 | 32★ |
| Base Clock | ||
| Boost Clock | ||
| Cache | ||
| L2 Cache | 8 | 16★ |
| L3 Cache | 96★ | 22 |
| Performance | ||
| PassMark Multi | ||
| PassMark Single | ||
| Memory | ||
| Memory Type | DDR5★ | DDR4 |
| Max Speed | ||
| Channels | 2 | 4★ |
| Max Memory | ||
| ECC | ✓★ | — |
| Platform & Power | ||
| Socket | AM5 | LGA 2066 |
| PCIe | 5.0 | 3.0 |
| PCIe Lanes | 28 | 44★ |
| TDP | 120★ | 165 |
| 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 (23rd percentile)
Intel Core i9 X-Series 7960X 16-core LGA 2066
- Strong social proof (90th percentile)90th %ile
- Strong ai (87th percentile)87th %ile
- Strong multi thread (83rd percentile)83rd %ile
- Strong platform (81st percentile)81st %ile
- Below average affordability (23rd percentile)
Pricing
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D 8-core AM5 offers 1.6x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 100 overall, wins 6 of 6 usage categories and 13 of 27 specs.