AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D 8-core AM5
Intel Pentium Dual-Core E2140 2-core LGA 775
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 Pentium Dual-Core E2140 2-core LGA 775
The Intel Pentium E2140 is a budget dual-core processor that reviewers found to be an exceptional overclocker, often reaching speeds of 2.0-3.2 GHz from its stock 1.6 GHz. Users praised its value for money, noting it outperforms older Pentium 4 chips and runs cooler than previous CPUs. The included stock cooler is sufficient for moderate overclocks, and the chip is stable at stock voltages. Some reviewers noted the need to mount the CPU before installing the motherboard, and one mentioned that the chip is best for basic office tasks.
Pros
- Exceptional overclocking potential
- Great value for money
- Outperforms older Pentium 4 chips
- Runs cooler than previous CPUs
- Stable at stock voltages
Cons
- Requires mounting before motherboard install
- Best for basic office tasks only
- 1MB L2 cache may limit performance
Scores
Specifications
| AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D | Intel Pentium Dual-Core E2140 | |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | ||
| Brand | AMD | Intel |
| Series | Ryzen 7 | Pentium Dual-Core |
| Model | 9800X3D | E2140 |
| Codename | Granite Ridge | Allendale |
| Class | desktop | desktop |
| Process | 4★ | 65 |
| Cores & Clocks | ||
| Cores | 8★ | 2 |
| P-cores | 8★ | — |
| Threads | 16★ | 2 |
| Base Clock | ||
| Boost Clock | No data | |
| Cache | ||
| L2 Cache | 8★ | 1 |
| L3 Cache | 96★ | — |
| Performance | ||
| PassMark Multi | ||
| PassMark Single | ||
| Memory | ||
| Memory Type | DDR5★ | DDR2 |
| Max Speed | ||
| Channels | 2★ | — |
| Max Memory | No data | |
| ECC | ✓★ | — |
| Platform & Power | ||
| Socket | AM5 | LGA 775 |
| PCIe | 5.0 | 2.0 |
| PCIe Lanes | 28★ | — |
| TDP | 120 | 65★ |
| Max Turbo Power | 200★ | — |
| Unlocked | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Graphics & AI | ||
| Integrated Graphics | AMD Radeon Graphics | None |
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 Pentium Dual-Core E2140 2-core LGA 775
- Strong social proof (100th percentile)100th %ile
- Strong feature (70th percentile)
- Below average single thread (16th percentile)16th %ile
- Below average ai (21st percentile)
- Below average multi thread (23rd percentile)
- Below average efficiency (26th percentile)
Pricing
Intel Pentium Dual-Core E2140 2-core LGA 775 offers 1.2x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 100 overall, wins 6 of 6 usage categories and 18 of 27 specs.