AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D 8-core AM5
Intel ULTRA 5 250K
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 ULTRA 5 250K
The Intel Core Ultra 5 250K Plus is praised for its excellent value, strong performance, and manageable thermals, especially when compared to pricier AMD chips. Users highlight significant improvements in multitasking, 1% lows, and overall system responsiveness, though some note it may not top raw FPS charts. A few negative reviews focus on unclear return policies and a lack of included cooler, but the overall sentiment is highly positive.
Pros
- Excellent value for money
- Strong multitasking performance
- Improved 1% lows in games
- Manageable thermals
- Fast and responsive system
Cons
- No cooler included
- Unclear return policy
- Not top raw FPS
- Potential 5% FPS loss in some games
Scores
Specifications
| AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D | Intel ULTRA 5 250K | |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | ||
| Brand | AMD | Intel |
| Series | Ryzen 7 | Core Ultra 5 |
| Model | 9800X3D | 250K |
| Codename | Granite Ridge | Arrow Lake Refresh |
| Class | desktop | desktop |
| Process | 4 | 3★ |
| Cores & Clocks | ||
| Cores | 8 | 18★ |
| P-cores | 8★ | 6 |
| E-cores | — | 12★ |
| Threads | 16 | 18★ |
| Base Clock | ||
| Boost Clock | ||
| Cache | ||
| L2 Cache | 8 | 30★ |
| 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 | LGA 1851 |
| PCIe | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| PCIe Lanes | 28★ | 24 |
| TDP | 120★ | 125 |
| Max Turbo Power | 200 | 159★ |
| 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 ULTRA 5 250K
- Strong single thread (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong feature (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong platform (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong multi thread (94th percentile)94th %ile
Pricing
Intel ULTRA 5 250K offers 1.6x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 100 overall, wins 2 of 6 usage categories and 5 of 29 specs.