Intel Core i7 4790K 4-core LGA1150
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D 8-core AM5
What Buyers Say
Intel Core i7 4790K 4-core LGA1150
The Intel Core i7-4790K is widely praised for its impressive performance, especially in gaming and CPU-intensive tasks, with many users noting significant upgrades from older CPUs. Overclocking is a highlight, with several reviewers achieving stable 4.7 GHz or higher with proper cooling, though some express disappointment at not reaching the advertised 5 GHz on air. The main drawbacks are the lack of an included cooler, potential high temperatures under extreme loads like Prime95, and the need for a compatible motherboard (Z97 recommended). Overall, it's seen as a solid upgrade for existing LGA1150 systems, but not worth it for those with a 4770K.
Pros
- Excellent performance
- Great overclocking potential
- Cooler than previous Haswell
- Good value for LGA1150 upgrade
- Fast turbo boost speeds
Cons
- No cooler included
- High temps under extreme load
- Not worth upgrade from 4770K
- Overclocking limited to 4.8 GHz
- Requires Z97 motherboard for best results
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
Scores
Specifications
| Intel Core i7 4790K | AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D | |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | ||
| Brand | Intel | AMD |
| Series | Core i7 | Ryzen 7 |
| Model | 4790K | 9800X3D |
| Codename | Devil's Canyon | Granite Ridge |
| Class | desktop | desktop |
| Process | 22 | 4★ |
| Cores & Clocks | ||
| Cores | 4 | 8★ |
| P-cores | 4 | 8★ |
| Threads | 8 | 16★ |
| Base Clock | ||
| Boost Clock | ||
| Cache | ||
| L2 Cache | 1 | 8★ |
| L3 Cache | 8 | 96★ |
| Performance | ||
| PassMark Multi | ||
| PassMark Single | ||
| Memory | ||
| Memory Type | DDR3 | DDR5★ |
| Max Speed | ||
| Channels | 2 | 2 |
| Max Memory | ||
| ECC | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Platform & Power | ||
| Socket | LGA 1150 | AM5 |
| PCIe | 3.0 | 5.0 |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 28★ |
| TDP | 88★ | 120 |
| Max Turbo Power | — | 200★ |
| Unlocked | ✓ | ✓ |
| Graphics & AI | ||
| Integrated Graphics | Intel HD Graphics 4600 | AMD Radeon Graphics |
Pros & Cons
Intel Core i7 4790K 4-core LGA1150
- Strong social proof (91st percentile)91st %ile
- Strong feature (89th percentile)89th %ile
- Strong single thread (69th percentile)
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
Pricing
Verdict
Scores 100 overall, wins 6 of 6 usage categories and 16 of 27 specs.