AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D 8-core AM5
Intel Core Ultra 9 285K 24-core LGA1851
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 Ultra 9 285K 24-core LGA1851
The Intel Core Ultra 9 285K is overwhelmingly praised for its raw performance, especially in 4K gaming and heavy multitasking, with users noting significant upgrades from older CPUs. It runs cool with proper cooling solutions, and its efficiency and support for DDR5 and PCIe 5.0 are highlighted as major advantages. Some mention that it may not beat AMD in 1080p/1440p gaming, but it excels at 4K and productivity. A few note the lack of a cooler and tray packaging as minor drawbacks, but overall sentiment is very positive.
Pros
- Excellent 4K gaming performance
- Strong multitasking and productivity
- Runs cool with proper cooling
- Supports DDR5 and PCIe 5.0
- Power efficient (125W TDP)
Cons
- No cooler included
- Tray packaging (no retail box)
- May lag AMD in 1080p/1440p gaming
- Requires BIOS adjustments for best performance
- Premium price
Scores
Specifications
| AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D | Intel Core Ultra 9 285K | |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | ||
| Brand | AMD | Intel |
| Series | Ryzen 7 | Core Ultra 9 |
| Model | 9800X3D | 285K |
| Codename | Granite Ridge | Arrow Lake-S |
| Class | desktop | desktop |
| Process | 4 | 3★ |
| Cores & Clocks | ||
| Cores | 8 | 24★ |
| P-cores | 8 | 8 |
| E-cores | — | 16★ |
| Threads | 16 | 24★ |
| Base Clock | ||
| Boost Clock | ||
| Cache | ||
| L2 Cache | 8 | 40★ |
| L3 Cache | 96★ | 36 |
| 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★ | 250 |
| 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 Core Ultra 9 285K 24-core LGA1851
- Strong feature (100th percentile)100th %ile
- Strong single thread (100th percentile)100th %ile
- Strong efficiency (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong multi thread (97th percentile)97th %ile
Pricing
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D 8-core AM5 offers 2.0x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 100 overall, wins 1 of 6 usage categories and 5 of 29 specs.