AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D 8-core AM5
Intel Core i7 8700K 6-core LGA1151
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 8700K 6-core LGA1151
The Intel Core i7-8700K 40th Anniversary CPU is praised for its excellent overclocking potential, with many users easily reaching 5GHz and noting strong gaming performance. However, some reviewers criticize the marketing as misleading, since it is essentially a binned 8700K rather than a new architecture. Overall, buyers are satisfied with the performance but advise doing research before purchasing.
Pros
- Excellent overclocking potential
- Strong gaming performance
- Good value for money
- Easy 5GHz overclock
- Responsive and stable
Cons
- Misleading marketing
- No stock cooler included
- Requires Z370 motherboard
- Potential heat issues at 5GHz
Scores
Specifications
| AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D | Intel Core i7 8700K | |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | ||
| Brand | AMD | Intel |
| Series | Ryzen 7 | Core i7 |
| Model | 9800X3D | 8700K |
| Codename | Granite Ridge | Coffee Lake |
| Class | desktop | desktop |
| Process | 4★ | 14 |
| Cores & Clocks | ||
| Cores | 8★ | 6 |
| P-cores | 8★ | — |
| Threads | 16★ | 12 |
| Base Clock | ||
| Boost Clock | ||
| Cache | ||
| L2 Cache | 8★ | 1.5 |
| L3 Cache | 96★ | 12 |
| Performance | ||
| PassMark Multi | ||
| PassMark Single | ||
| Memory | ||
| Memory Type | DDR5★ | DDR4 |
| Max Speed | ||
| Channels | 2 | 2 |
| Max Memory | ||
| ECC | ✓★ | — |
| Platform & Power | ||
| Socket | AM5 | LGA 1151 |
| PCIe | 5.0 | 3.0 |
| PCIe Lanes | 28★ | 16 |
| TDP | 120 | 95★ |
| Max Turbo Power | 200★ | — |
| Unlocked | ✓ | ✓ |
| Graphics & AI | ||
| Integrated Graphics | AMD Radeon Graphics | Intel UHD Graphics 630 |
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 i7 8700K 6-core LGA1151
- Strong social proof (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong feature (83rd percentile)83rd %ile
- Strong single thread (77th percentile)
- Strong ai (69th percentile)
Pricing
Intel Core i7 8700K 6-core LGA1151 offers 1.5x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 100 overall, wins 6 of 6 usage categories and 16 of 27 specs.